Social Care Worker in Children Under 18’s Service

Hours: Residential full time

Location: based in North Dublin

Reporting to: Social Care Manager/ Deputy Social Care Manager

Salary: €36 210 – €37,738

Role overview

Peter McVerry Trust is a national housing and homeless charity committed to reducing homelessness and the harm caused by substance misuse and social disadvantage.

The role of Social Care Worker in our Children’s Residential Service is an essential part of the team that provides support to the children and young people in line with the National Standards for Children’s Residential Services and relevant legislation.

PMVT Under 18s services offer individualised, holistic, strengths’-based care and support to young people between 12-17 years of age who are referred by Tusla. Placements are guided by the Well Tree Model of Care, which is a trauma and attachment informed approach and framework which supports individualised planning and intervention for each young person.

PMVT Under 18s services aim to support young people who present with a wide range of needs. Our services work with the young person to continually develop and increase confidence, coping strategies and self-esteem and support the young person to move on to appropriate accommodation following their placement.

Responsibilities

The role of Social Care Worker in our Children’s Residential Service will include but not limited to, the following key responsibilities:

• To the Manager /Deputy Manager:
  • To work for Peter McVerry Trust within the authority delegated to him/her by the Manager /Deputy Manager;
  • You will work as part of a team to maintain a safe, nurturing and trauma informed environment for the young people living in the service.
  • You will have a working knowledge of the National Standards for Children’s Residential Units, HIQA, 2018 and inhouse procedures for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to your role.
  • To ensure high standards are maintained in the administration associated with the recording and reporting systems, roster, petty cash and monthly service reports;
  • To ensure you are aware of Child Safeguarding Principles and act in line with PMVT Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.
  • You will meet with the Manager/ Deputy Manager at regular intervals regarding the progress of his/her work and participate in supervision.
  • Attend team meetings, training, supervision in line with requirements.
  • You will assist the Manager / Deputy Manager in the day to day running of the service, ensuring the service is run to the highest standards under National Standards for Children’s Residential Units, HIQA, 2018 and support consistent preparation for Registration and Inspection process.
  • To ensure all financial procedures are followed during shift.
• To provide direct support to young people:
  • Intervention, support and supervision;
  • You will be part of the development and implementation of the young person’s care plan and placement plans and ensure the appropriate recording of both.
  • You will promote the rights, responsibilities and welfare of each young person living in the service.
  • You will encourage and facilitate the young people’s attendance at education/training and any relevant appointments.
  • You will be responsible for the recording and upkeep of all personal documents, files, information and finance for and on behalf of each young person.
  • You will liaise with the young person’s family, external supports and any other relevant agencies on their behalf.
  • You will attend and participate in meetings in relation to the young people’s care and development when requested.
  • You will engage in activities, play and development opportunities in line with the developmental needs of each young person.
  • Supervising and supporting young people at all times, implementing positive behaviour support plans, ICSPs and risk management plans;
  • Being a positive role model and creating a welcoming environment;
• To assist with residents’ case work through:
  • You develop and maintain effective relationships with the young people, promoting their choices about their care and well-being.
  • You promote the rights and independence of each young person placed in the service and support opportunities for feedback and communication.
  • Key-working with young people in line with Welltree Model of Care, ensuring Care Plan goals are integrated and ensuring that keywork interventions are completed and recorded;
  • Assisting with young people’s Individual Placement Plans;
• To maintain a safe and healthy living environment:
  • Adherence to health and safety, fire safety and security protocols in line with legal requirements.
  • You will contribute to the review and development of policies and procedures and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
  • Keeping stock of household necessities and purchasing weekly groceries;
  • You will, in collaboration with the young people, provide and prepare well balanced meals of high quality.
  • You will complete daily tasks associated with home management including upkeep/cleaning and household budget
  • When required act as shift coordinator and ensure all necessary tasks on shift are completed to a high standard;
  • Ensuring that the standard of the environment is always high, as part of a team creating a homely environment, underpinned by trauma-informed principles.
  • You will complete daily tasks associated with home management including upkeep/cleaning and household budget
  • Supporting young people to become familiar with self care routines and develop independent living skills in line with their age and stage of development.
  • Keeping stock of household necessities and purchasing weekly groceries;
  • Supporting group living and cooperation, mediating disputes if required.
• To undertake administrative duties:
  • You will be part of the team in maintaining the young people’s files and ensuring all files are kept to high standard.
  • You will complete reports of young people’s progress on a regular basis and ensure any other relevant reports or records are completed including incident reports.
  • You will complete daily administrative as well as household tasks and support appropriate archiving processes
  • You will be responsible for management of Soldo and petty cash relevant to your role while on duty
• To work as part of a team and have a positive and enthusiastic attitude in work:
  • In your interactions with management, staff and residents of the Peter McVerry Trust.
  • In your interactions with external agencies while representing the Peter McVerry Trust.
• Other Duties:
  • Undertake any other agreed duties to ensure the provision of the service.
  • It may be necessary, from time to time, for workload to be re-prioritised in order to accommodate workloads in other areas of the organization. Due notice and consultation will be given.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree level qualification in Social Care, Youth and Community, Psychology, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Social Work, Social Sciences, Teaching or Nursing.

Essential competencies:

• Commitment to providing the highest level of service, communication skills– oral, aural and written, openness to change
• Effective team working, professionalism, respect for others, focus on outcomes, contributing to the prevention and management of challenging behavior and resilience and positive outlook.

Employee Benefits

• Starting salary of €36,210 - €37,738
• Core Professional Training and CPD
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Tax Saver
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Career progression opportunities
• 21 Days Annual Leave
• Death in Service Benefit

Other Information

• Confidentiality: It is a condition of service that all information obtained during the course of employment, especially with regard to participants affairs is treated with the strictest confidence.
• Equal Opportunities: To implement Equal Opportunities into your daily practice at all times
• Health and Safety: To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of your Colleagues in accordance with relevant PMVT policies and procedures.
• Child Protection: Follow all child protection legislation, regulations, and guidelines including the PMVT Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

How to apply:

Closing date for Applications 3rd October 2025

To apply please download the application form or visit pmvtrust.ie/careers: Application Form and return to recruitment@pmvtrust.ie

Completed application forms should be sent to recruitment@pmvtrust.ie along with your CV and Cover Letter.

Peter McVerry Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Registration Number 412953 | Charity Number CHY7256