Social Care Worker/Residential Care Worker

Odyssey Social Care; Thurles; On-site; EUR 37,440 - 41,184; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible rosters

Education assistance grants

Health insurance grant

Job summary

Odyssey Social Care is seeking a Children’s Residential Care Worker in Thurles, Ireland. This role involves providing essential support to young people experiencing complex needs and will enable them to build resilience, emotional regulation, and independence.

Candidates must have a minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care, a valid driving licence, and experience with teens facing challenging behaviours. The position offers a full-time contract with a salary between €37,440 and €41,184 per year.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or relevant qualification.
• Full, clean manual driving licence valid in Ireland.
• Experience working with teenagers with challenging behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Develop Behaviour Support Plans and risk assessments.
• Provide trauma informed, child centred residential care.
• Support young people with education and routines.

Skills

Trauma informed care

Child centred approach

Life skills development

Effective communication

Education

Level 7 qualification in Social Care

QQI Level 8 in Psychology

QQI Level 7 in Youth & Community

Job description

Overview

Location: Brook Lodge, Odyssey Social Care

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.

Role Summary

As a Children’s Residential Care Worker, you will play a vital frontline role in supporting young people with complex needs, challenging behaviour, and emotional or behavioural difficulties. You will deliver individualised care, implement behaviour support plans, and help young people develop life skills, resilience, and confidence. This role is ideal for someone passionate about social care, youth work, and therapeutic residential practice.

Why Join Odyssey Social Care?

• Flexible rosters supporting work life balance
• Work schedule includes a mix of sleepover and day shifts
• Core professional training (TCI, safeguarding, trauma informed practice, etc.)
• Teambuilding activities & social events
• Education assistance grants
• Health insurance grant & life insurance
• Incremental pay scale
• 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 (nonTEFL) 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’

Desired Criteria

• Familiarity with the Irish National Standards in Children’s Residential Centres

About The Role

When you work with Odyssey Social Care, you’re part of a dedicated team that’s supportive to each other and to the young people in our care. You’ll receive continuous on‑the‑job training through our network of certified trainers. Our supportive, adaptive and flexible approach is designed to give you the best opportunities to progress through the company and advance your social care career.

About The Company

Overview

Odyssey Social Care provides safe homes where children and young people can heal from trauma, rebuild trust, and discover their own strengths. We give them the support and opportunities they need to build resilience and step into a brighter future. Working for Odyssey Social Care involves being part of a team dedicated to supporting children and young people. We are caring, compassionate and resilient, and we work with children who have experienced trauma, believing in healing through trusting care relationships.

Company Culture

• Safety – safe homes, safe care, safe relationships
• Quality – trauma-informed, evidence-based, outcome-led
• Trust – built through honest communication and consistency
• Empowerment – giving young people and staff the tools to succeed
• Inclusion – equity and belonging for all
• Impact – measurable difference for young people, staff, communities & planet

Accessibility & Sustainability

Odyssey Social Care is committed to encouraging a culture of diversity and inclusion across our organisation. As a Certified B Corp, we also believe in providing care sustainably, measuring our impact across our people, our communities, and the planet.

Required Criteria

Do you have a minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or a relevant field that meets the criteria to be registered as a Social Care Worker with CORU.

Closing Date

Wednesday 30th September, 2026

Contract Type

Full-time

Salary

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