Social Care Worker

Odyssey Social Care; Dartford; On-site; EUR 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people as a Social Care Worker. In this fulfilling role, you will implement individualized care plans, teach essential life skills, and provide emotional support to children aged 7 to 18. Your contributions will help create a safe and nurturing environment, fostering personal growth and resilience. This role requires flexibility, as you will work evenings, weekends, and residential shifts. Be part of a compassionate team that values emotional intelligence and social responsibility, ensuring every child receives the care they deserve.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or related field.
• Experience working with teenagers exhibiting challenging behavior.

Responsibilities

• Support and care for young people, implementing Behaviour Support Plans.
• Teach and assist young people with their educational needs.

Skills

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Crisis Management

Behaviour Support

Teaching Skills

Education

Level 7 qualification in Social Care

Level 8 in Psychology

Level 7 in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy

Job description

Job Description

Location: Brook Lodge, Odyssey Social Care

Job Description

Position Title: Social Care Worker

Reports to: Social Care Manager / Deputy Manager / Social Care Leader as required

Salary: €37,440 - €41,184

Overview

As a Social Care Worker, you will support and care for young people referred to the house. Your responsibilities will include contributing to the assessment of their needs and implementing aspects of Placement, Behaviour Support (BSP), and Individual Crisis Management (ICMP) Plans to help meet these needs. Using the Odyssey Model of Care, you will teach new skills to young people and manage challenging behaviour. Additionally, you will connect them with local resources, network with local providers, and liaise with parents/carers and referral agencies. This role requires working evening, weekend, and residential shifts.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

Assessment and Planning:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of Behaviour Support Plans (BSP), Individual Crisis Management Plans (ICMP), and Placement Plans in line with Care Plans for children and young people.
  
  

Educational Support:

• Teach young people not engaged in external schooling through 1:1 and group sessions, following their individual educational plans.
• Assist young people attending school with homework, assignments, and other academic requirements.
  
  

Care Provision:

• Participate in residential care activities designed to meet assessed needs as outlined in the young person’s Care and Placement Plans.
• Provide care according to the BSP, Daily Plans, and ICMP developed for each young person.
  
  

Documentation And Communication:

• Document the progress of the young person using Odyssey Social Care’s systems.
• Liaise with supervisors, consultants, professionals, parents/carers, and referral agents as required.
  
  

Quality Assurance:

• Ensure that each young person, and where appropriate, their parents/carers, receive the agreed quality and quantity of inputs.
• Assist in evaluating the services provided by the house and addressing complaints and compliments from children, parents/carers, and other stakeholders.
  
  

Training And Development:

• Attend mandatory company training sessions and participate in training as defined by your individual training plan.
• Contribute to the induction and ongoing training of relief workers, trainees, support staff, and new staff members.
  
  

Team Participation:

• Attend team meetings and contribute to the formation and implementation of Odyssey Social Care’s policies and strategic plans.
• Be proactive in fostering team cohesion, building a positive atmosphere, and contributing to team-building exercises that enhance team confidence and morale.
  
  

Health And Safety:

• Implement the Health and Safety Policy and associated Risk Assessment processes for the young people in the house and for the environment both inside and outside the house.
  
  

Leadership:

• Support relief staff and trainees working in the house.
• In the absence of a Social Care Leader, undertake the duties and responsibilities of the Leader.
  
  

Administrative Duties:

• Perform all necessary administrative functions for the smooth running of the team.
• Ensure that all files and client recordings are completed daily during your shift.
• Manage and reconcile petty cash, ensuring financial systems are adhered to.
  
  

Household Responsibilities:

• Participate in household tasks such as cooking, cleaning (including the house, grounds, and vehicles), and performing basic repairs as required.
  
  

Confidentiality And Ethics:

• Maintain confidentiality regarding the children in care, staffing matters, financial matters, and any other internal company issues.
• Uphold the company’s well-being, prioritizing it over personal, financial, or other gains.
  
  

Whistleblowing:

• Encourage and utilize the whistleblowing policy when necessary.
  
  

Additional Duties:

• Perform any other duties within your competence as required from time to time.
  
  

About The Role

Essential Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills

• Educational Requirements:
• Minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or a relevant related qualification that meets the criteria to be registered as a Social Care Worker with CORU.
• Relevant alternative qualifications include:
• Level 8 in Psychology
• Level 7 in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy, Addiction Counselling, Youth and Community Work, Social Sciences/Social Studies, Family Support, Disability Studies, Applied Behavioural Analysis, Early Years Care (for U12 centres), BA Applied Policing, Higher Certificate in Custodial Care, Teaching, and Nursing.
  

#OCSCW

• Other Requirements:
• A full, clean manual driving license is valid in Ireland.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of effective teamwork.
• Familiarity with the Irish National Standards in Children’s Residential Centers.
• Experience working with teenagers exhibiting challenging behaviour.
  
  

Skills Needed

About The Company

• Mission: Provide a supportive, safe environment for 7 to 18-year-olds unable to stay with their families.
• Values: Emphasize non-violence, emotional intelligence, social learning, democracy, open communication, social responsibility, and growth.
• Care Approach: Trauma-informed and multi-dimensional, including the Sanctuary Model, Positive Behaviour Support, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and the Saoirse Project.
  
  

Company Culture

Working for Odyssey Social Care involves being part of a team dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young people. Employees engage in trauma-informed care, emphasizing safety, emotional well-being, and personal development. The organization values continuous learning, collaboration, and a commitment to their care models, which include therapeutic practices like the Sanctuary Model and Positive Behaviour Support. Staff members are encouraged to contribute to a positive, non-violent environment that fosters growth and social responsibility.

Desired Criteria

Required Criteria

• A minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or a relevant and related field.
• A full, clean manual driving license valid in Ireland.
• Experience working with teenagers exhibiting challenging behavior.
  
  

Closing DateMonday 30th June, 2025

Contract Typefulltime

SalaryFrom €37,440.00 Yearly to €41,184.00 Yearly