Children's Residential Care Worker

About Odyssey Social Care

Odyssey Social Care Ltd stands as a premier provider of residential care services for children in Ireland, focusing on trauma-informed and therapeutic care. Their specialized Odyssey Model of Care emphasizes therapeutic intervention, education, emotional wellbeing, and positive role modeling to nurture young people within a secure and structured environment.

Role Overview

The Children’s Residential Care Worker, also known by titles such as Social Care Worker or Youth Residential Worker, plays a vital role in supporting young individuals with complex and challenging behaviors. The position involves delivering personalized care, behavior management, and encouraging life skills development along with resilience and confidence amongst youth.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and execute Behaviour Support Plans, Placement Plans, and conduct risk assessments tailored to the youth.
• Deliver trauma-sensitive, child-centered residential care that adapts responsively to individual needs.
• Assist young people with education engagement, homework, daily routines, and school attendance.
• Enhance life skills, foster independence, and promote emotional regulation and positive behavior.
• Keep comprehensive daily logs, incident reports, and other documentation with precision.
• Maintain collaborative communication with parents, social workers, educational institutions, and referral agencies.
• Participate actively in team discussions, supervision sessions, ongoing training, and service improvement initiatives.
• Support domestic chores including cooking, cleaning, and creating a homely atmosphere.
• Handle petty cash responsibly following financial guidelines.
• Adhere stringently to safeguarding, child protection, TUSLA standards, confidentiality mandates, and organizational policies.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, regulated, and supportive residential setup.

Qualifications and Criteria

Applicants must hold a minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or an equivalent qualification such as:

• QQI Level 8 in Psychology
• QQI Level 7 in Youth & Community, Social Science, Social Studies, Family Support, Disability Studies, ABA
• Professional qualifications in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy, Addiction Counselling
• Early Years Care qualification (if working with children under 12)
• Professional Teaching (non-TEFL) or Nursing qualification
• BA in Applied Policing
• Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service)

Other essential criteria include:

• Valid full manual driver's licence in Ireland
• Demonstrable experience working with teenagers exhibiting challenging behaviors
• Knowledge of National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres
• Legal right to reside and work in Ireland
• CORU registration permitting use of the title 'Social Care Worker'

Work Environment and Culture

Odyssey Social Care fosters a culture built on safety, quality, trust, empowerment, inclusion, and measurable positive impact for youth and communities. The company supports diversity and sustainability initiatives as a certified B Corporation. Employees benefit from a supportive, collaborative team environment with continuous professional development and clear career advancement paths.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible work schedules promoting work-life balance
• Extensive professional training including TCI, safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice
• Regular team building and social events
• Education assistance grants
• Health insurance and life insurance support
• Incremental salary scale rewarding experience
• Employee Assistance Program accessible from the first day of employment
• Clear pathways for career progression within the organization

Additional Information

The Children’s Residential Care Worker contributes significantly to the healing and growth of young people through a trauma-informed, evidence-based care framework known as The Odyssey Way. The role demands dedication to honest communication, consistency, and providing young people the tools toward empowerment and resilience in a nurturing home-like setting.

Contract and Salary

The position is full-time, onsite at Slieve View Lodge in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland, with an annual salary ranging from 37440 to 41184 euros.

Application Timeline

Applications are welcomed until Thursday, 1st October 2026.