Relief Social Care Worker/Residential Care Worker

Odyssey Social Care; Carlow; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible rosters supporting work life balance

Core professional training

Health insurance grant & life insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Odyssey Social Care in Carlow is seeking passionate Relief Social Care Workers/Residential Care Workers to deliver individualized care to young people. The role involves developing Behaviour Support Plans, providing responsive residential care, and promoting life skills. Qualified candidates should have a Level 7 qualification in Social Care or equivalent. The company fosters a supportive environment with training opportunities and flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Respond effectively to young people's emotional and behavioral needs.
• Implement Behaviour Support Plans and maintain high standards of care.
• Uphold child protection and safeguarding policies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Behaviour Support Plans and risk assessments.
• Provide responsive residential care and support young people with education.
• Promote life skills, independence, and positive behaviour.

Skills

Experience working with teenagers with challenging behaviour

Familiarity with National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres

Full, clean manual driving licence valid in Ireland

Education

Level 7 qualification in Social Care

QQI Level 8 in Psychology

QQI Level 7 in Youth & Community

Job description

Role Summary

We’re seeking passionate and dedicated Relief Social Care Workers/Residential Care Workers to join our team. You will play a vital role in delivering individualised care to young people referred to our service, helping them grow, develop new skills, and overcome challenges. Odyssey Social Care Ltd is a leading provider of children’s residential care in Ireland. We are committed to delivering high quality, trauma informed support to young people through the Odyssey Model of Care, which focuses on therapeutic intervention, education, emotional wellbeing, and positive role modelling. Our mission is to empower young people to reach their full potential in a safe, structured, and nurturing environment.

Why Join Odyssey Social Care

• Flexible rosters supporting work life balance
• Core professional training (TCI, safeguarding, trauma informed practice, etc.)
• Teambuilding activities & social events
• Education assistance grants
• Health insurance grant & life insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for employees and families from Day 1
• Supportive, collaborative team culture
• Clear career progression pathways

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Behaviour Support Plans, Placement Plans, and risk assessments
• Provide trauma informed, child centred, and responsive residential care
• Support young people with education, homework, routines, and school engagement
• Promote life skills, independence, emotional regulation, and positive behaviour
• Maintain accurate daily records, logs, and incident reports
• Communicate effectively with parents, social workers, schools, and referral agents
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, and service development
• Assist with domestic routines, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a homely environment
• Manage petty cash and follow financial procedures
• Uphold safeguarding, child protection, TUSLA standards, confidentiality, and company policies
• Contribute to a safe, structured, and supportive residential setting

Educational Requirements

Minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or one of the following:

• QQI Level 8 in Psychology
• QQI Level 7 in Youth & Community, Social Science, Social Studies, Family Support, Disability Studies, ABA
• Professional Practice Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy, or Addiction Counselling
• Early Years Care (for centres supporting children under 12)
• Professional Qualification in Teaching (not TEFL) or Nursing
• BA in Applied Policing
• Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service)

Required Criteria

• Full, clean manual driving licence valid in Ireland
• Experience working with teenagers with challenging behaviour
• Familiarity with National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres
• Right to live and work in Ireland
• CORU Registration for use of the Title ‘Social Care Worker’

About The Company

Odyssey Social Care is a children’s residential care provider. We support young people by providing secure and safe homes and by building trusting and meaningful relationships with our teams. We work therapeutically with our young people to support them through past hurts and traumas. We go on the journey with our young people, empowering them to be the best version of themselves.

If you are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and want to build a rewarding career in children’s residential social care, we would love to hear from you.