Social Care Unit Manager - Children's Residential

Odyssey Social Care; Leinster; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Rostering

Team-Building Activities

Education Grants

Incremental Pay Scale

Pension Match

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Odyssey Social Care in Ireland seeks an experienced Children’s Residential Unit Manager to lead a care home, overseeing care delivery, staff management, compliance, and strategic implementation. You will report to the Regional Manager and drive a safe, nurturing environment for young people.

The role requires QQI Level 7/8 in Social Care and CORU registration or eligibility, with 4 years’ post‑qualification experience in children’s residential care.

Qualifications

• Minimum QQI Level 7 in Social Care or equivalent, with 4 years post‑qualification experience in children's residential care.
• Alternative: QQI Level 8 in Social Care with 3 years post‑qualification experience.
• CORU registration or eligibility is required and a management qualification relevant to health or social care is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure care meets company standards and national regulations.
• Maintain a safe, homely environment developmentally appropriate for children.
• Supervise Social Care Leaders, workers and relief staff.
• Lead team motivation, training and performance management.
• Manage house budget and resource allocation effectively.
• Support referral management and report writing.

Skills

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Budget management

On-call coordination

Education

QQI Level 7 qualification in Social Care

QQI Level 8 qualification in Social Care

CORU registration

Social Work qualification

Job description

At Odyssey Social Care, we are committed to providing high-quality residential care to young people across Ireland. We believe in a child-centred approach rooted in empathy, professionalism, and respect. Join a team where your leadership can make a real difference in the lives of young people and the professionals who support them.

Job Overview

We’re seeking a passionate and experienced Children’s Residential -Social Care Unit Manager to lead a dedicated team within one of our residential homes. You’ll oversee all aspects of care delivery, team management, compliance, and strategic implementation, ensuring that our house is a safe, warm, and nurturing environment for young people. You will report to the Regional Manager.

Why Join Us as a Children’s Residential -Social Care Unit Manager

• Flexible Rostering focused on work-life balance
• Team-Building Activities & Social Events
• Education Assistance Grants
• Incremental Pay Scale
• Pension Contribution Match
• Employee Assistance Program for Employees and Family from Day 1

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure care meets company standards and national regulations
• Maintain a homely, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment
• Supervise Social Care Leaders, Workers, and relief staff
• Lead team motivation, training, and performance management
• Manage house budget and resource allocation effectively
• Support referral management and report writing
• Promote compliance with TUSLA inspection standards
• Maintain positive relationships with external stakeholders (e.g., TUSLA, Gardaí, CAMHS)
• Participate in the 24-hour on‑call rota
• Promote a culture of transparency through whistleblowing and safeguarding
• Drive new service development and contribute to company growth

Professional Background

• The centre manager must have minimum QQI level 7 qualification in social care and hold or be enrolled in a programme leading to a management qualification suitable for a health or social care setting and 4 years’ full time work experience in a children’s residential care setting post qualification.
• Alternatively, the manager may hold a QQI level 8 qualification in social care with 3 years’ post qualification work experience in a children’s residential care setting. Or Alternatively hold a relevant qualification with 4 years’ full time work experience in a children’s residential care setting post qualification.
• A professional qualification in Social Work is also considered as suitable, for a centre manager with the requisite 4 years post qualification practice experience and hold or be enrolled in a programme leading to a management qualification suitable for a health or social care setting.
• Be on the CORU register of Social Care Workers, with 4 years' full-time experience, even without a formally recognised qualification
• Recognised social care qualifications may include equivalents from other jurisdictions.

Requirements

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

• Hold a QQI Level 7 qualification in Social Care, be enrolled in (or hold) a management qualification relevant to health or social care, and have 4 years' post-qualification experience in children's residential care.

OR

• Hold a QQI Level 8 qualification in Social Care and have 3 years' post-qualification experience in children's residential care.

OR

• Hold another relevant professional qualification and have 4 years' post-qualification experience working in children's residential care.

OR

• Hold a Social Work qualification, have 4 years' post-qualification practice experience, and be enrolled in (or hold) a management qualification relevant to health or social care.

OR

• Be eligible for or registered on the CORU Register of Social Care Workers and have 4 years' full-time experience in children's residential care.
• Equivalent social care qualifications from other jurisdictions will be considered.

QQI Level 8 in Psychology; QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy, or Addiction Counselling; QQI Level 7 in Youth and Community (or similar), Social Science/Social Studies, Family Support, Disability Studies, Applied Behavioural Analysis, or Early Years Care (where the centre caters for children under 12); Professional Qualification in Teaching (excluding TEFL) or Nursing Studies; BA in Applied Policing or equivalent; Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) or equivalent; or CORU registration as a Social Care Worker in the absence of a relevant qualification

Required Criteria

• CORU registration
• Full, clean manual driving licence (valid in Ireland)
• Right to work and live in Ireland
• Familiarity with team dynamics and Irish National Standards
• Full Garda vetting and police clearance for international residency
• Deep knowledge of childcare legislation and best practices
• Conflict resolution and crisis management skills