Social Care Team Leader

Orchard Care Group Ireland; Cavan; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible rolling roster

4 weeks annual leave

Annual increments

Training programmes

Career progression opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Orchard Care Group Ireland seeks a Team Leader for its Residential Care division in Co. Cavan. You will support the Centre Management Team, deliver high-quality direct care to children and young people, and oversee staff on shift.

A strong leadership and care-practices background is essential, with experience overseeing teams and ensuring regulatory compliance. You will work a roster covering days and nights, including weekends, and participate in multidisciplinary support to promote positive

Qualifications

• 2 years full-time relevant experience of working at social care grade with children/young persons.
• Full manual driving licence with eligibility to drive in Ireland.
• Experience in overseeing the supervision of staff would be highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of care practices, protocols, and regulatory requirements in the care sector.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and teams.
• Proficient in documentation and record-keeping, with attention to detail.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritise workload, and work under pressure.
• Strong organisation and problem-solving skills
• Compassionate, empathetic, and patient-oriented approach to care
• Flexibility to work 12 hrs & 24 hrs shifts, including days/nights, weekends, as required

Responsibilities

• Assist in day-to-day management of the residential centre in absence of the Person in Charge or Deputy Manager.
• Lead and support staff to deliver high-quality direct care to children and young people.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Placement Plan objectives.
• Fulfil administrative duties and support the Centre Management Team.
• Promote a positive, inclusive culture aligned with Vision, Mission and Values.

Skills

Social care experience

Driving licence

Leadership

Communication skills

Documentation

Organizational skills

Compassionate care

Shift flexibility

Staff supervision

Regulatory knowledge

Education

QQI Level 8 in Psychology

QQI Level 7 in Social Care

QQI Level 7 in Counselling/Psychotherapy

QQI Level 7 in Youth and Community

BA in Applied Policing or equivalent

Job description

About The Role

As we continue to expand to provide additional services to meet the needs of those we care for, we welcome applications for the post of Team Leader within our Residential Care division in Co. Cavan. We are seeking applications from experienced enthusiastic Social Care Professionals with a passion for supporting young people who are unable to live with their own families and who are referred to our service by Tusla. These positions are ideal for those who wish to step into a leadership role in making a difference in the lives of children and young people who have experienced trauma in their early years. You will be provided with extensive training in our model of care to assist you in the role and will also have access to a multidisciplinary team that provides therapeutic support to our young people. Working on a shift rota, you will engage in daily activities and routines of the service, ensuring our team provides dedicated direct support to the people we care for as well as contributing to their development, health and wellbeing. The role of the Team Leader will work directly with the Centre Management Team to assist in ensuring the day-to-day management of the residential Centre. They will retain an integral practice role and are expected to deliver a high quality, integrated approach that enables young people placed at Orchard Community Care to achieve positive outcomes. It is expected that the Team Leader will promote a positive culture within Orchard Residential Care and all aspects of its work that is respectful, non-discriminatory and embracing of diversity. The Team Leader will understand and deliver on our Vision, Mission, and Values and foster the development of team members at all times. The role will encompass administrative duties as well as responsibilities pertaining to the progression and practice of the staff team and the implementation of Placement Plan objectives for young people; ensuring that they are receiving the agreed quality and quantity services. The Team Leader will be accountable for the Centre functioning in the absence of the Person in Charge or the Deputy Manager. The Team Leader will be accountable to the Person In Charge. In the absence of the Person in Charge or Deputy Manager, the Team Leader will be accountable to the Senior Services Manager.

Essential Criteria

• 2 years full time relevant experience of working at social care grade with children/young persons
• Full manual driving license with eligibility to drive in Ireland.
• Have full eligibility and availability to work with us without restriction.
• Experience in overseeing the supervision of staff would be highly desirable
• Strong knowledge of care practices, protocols, and regulatory requirements in the care sector.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and teams.
• Proficient in documentation and record-keeping, with attention to detail.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritise workload, and work under pressure
• Strong organisation and problem-solving skills
• Compassionate, empathetic, and patient-oriented approach to care
• Flexibility to work 12 hrs & 24 hrs shifts, including days/nights, weekends, as required
• Candidates must hold a qualification at Level 7 or 8 in Social Care or any of the below qualifications:
• QQI Level 8 in Psychology
• QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy
• QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice in Counselling/Psychotherapy
• QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Addiction Counselling
• QQI Level 7 in Youth and Community or similar
• QQI Level 7 in Social Science/Social Studies
• QQI Level 7 in Family Support
• Professional Qualification in Teaching (Not TEFL)
• Professional Qualification in Nursing Studies
• QQI Level 7 in Disability Studies
• QQI Level 7 in Applied Behavioural Analysis
• BA in Applied Policing or equivalent
• Holder of Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) or equivalent.
• No qualification - if registered as a Social Care Worker with CORU

Benefits To Working With Company

• Competitive salary with annual increments
• Premium rates paid on Sunday and Bank Holidays
• Flexible rolling roster work schedule to accommodate both staff and the people we support
• 4 working weeks as annual leave.
• Refer a friend initiative
• Comprehensive paid induction process
• Extensive training programmes
• Orchard Values Award
• Income Protection Scheme
• On-going mentoring and support
• Continuous Professional Development support
• Career progression opportunities
• Working in a well-resourced environment with access to multidisciplinary team
• Employee Assistance Programme for staff and their families

About Us

The Orchard Care Group is dedicated to providing the best possible care, supports and outcomes for children, young people, and adults in Ireland across a range of settings and locations, in fostering, disability and mainstream residential services. The Group brings together three leading brands in Irish social care – Orchard Residential, Orchard Community Care and Orchard Fostering. Our Vision at Orchard Care Group is that the people we support live meaningful lives through, our high-quality model of excellent care, within our positive, collaborative, values-based culture. Our Values are Advocacy, Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration & Human Rights.