Future Foundations Support Leinster Limited

Future Foundations Support Leinster Limited

Social Care Leader – Children's Residential Service, Sligo Town About the Role We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Social Care Leader to join our team and lead our children's residential service in Sligo Town. This pivotal role involves providing high-quality care and support to unaccompanied minors seeking international protection who require a safe, nurturing environment. As a Social Care Leader, you will be responsible for managing a dedicated team of social care workers while ensuring exceptional standards of care delivery. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on vulnerable children's lives while developing your leadership skills in a supportive, well-resourced environment. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to create positive outcomes for children who have experienced significant challenges and trauma. Key Responsibilities Leadership and Team Management: Provide strong leadership, guidance, and supervision to a team of social care workers Foster a positive, collaborative team culture that prioritizes respect, empathy, and inclusion Conduct regular team meetings, supervisions, and performance reviews Support staff recruitment, induction, and ongoing professional development Manage staff schedules and ensure adequate coverage across all shifts Care Planning and Implementation: Develop, implement, and regularly review comprehensive care plans tailored to each child's individual needs Ensure delivery of person-centred, trauma-informed care approaches Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of care practices and implement improvements as needed Support the team in delivering evidence-based interventions and therapeutic approaches Oversee crisis intervention and de-escalation procedures when required Collaboration and Communication: Maintain strong working relationships with external agencies, including social workers, legal representatives, and healthcare professionals Facilitate regular case reviews and multidisciplinary team meetings Coordinate with educational providers and community services to support children's development Communicate effectively with stakeholders regarding children's progress and needs Advocate for children's rights and best interests in all decision-making processes Compliance and Documentation: Maintain accurate, detailed records including assessments, care plans, progress reports, and incident documentation Ensure full compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures Conduct regular audits of care practices and documentation standards Prepare reports for regulatory bodies and management as required Stay current with changes in legislation and best practice guidelines Requirements Essential Qualifications and Experience: Recognised Level 7/Level 8 degree in Social Care, Social Work, or related discipline (or equivalent qualification) Minimum of two years' experience in children's residential services, including key working experience Demonstrated understanding of child development theories and trauma-informed care principles Comprehensive knowledge of safeguarding procedures and child protection frameworks Strong leadership, management, and decision-making capabilities Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to engage effectively with children, families, and professionals Essential Skills and Attributes: Ability to work effectively under pressure while managing multiple priorities Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities Cultural sensitivity and awareness, particularly when working with diverse populations Commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic residential environment High level of emotional resilience and self-awareness Desirable Qualifications: Previous experience in a Social Care Leader, Team Leader, or similar senior role Specific experience working with unaccompanied minors or asylum-seeking children Experience within regulated residential services or similar statutory environments Additional training in therapeutic interventions or specialized care approaches Benefits Package We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional growth and personal wellbeing: Professional Development: Extensive training and continuous professional development opportunities Specialized training in trauma-informed and attachment-based practice approaches Comprehensive induction program with ongoing mentoring support Regular supportive supervision and professional guidance Opportunities for career progression within our growing organization Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedule designed to accommodate both staff and service user needs Rolling rota system with flexible working arrangements Supportive, inclusive team environment Financial Benefits: Competitive salary package Company pension scheme Premium rates for Bank Holiday work Sleeping allowance when applicable Refer a friend initiative with rewards Additional Support: Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential support services Well-resourced working environment with access to multidisciplinary team On-site parking facilities Paid team meetings and professional

Future Foundations Support Leinster Limited

About the Role We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Residential Social Care Worker to join our established children's residential service in Kildare, located close to Athy and within easy commuting distance of Kildare Town, Carlow, and Portlaoise. Our organisation provides high-quality, trauma-informed residential care for children and unaccompanied minors seeking international protection. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where young people can grow, heal, and achieve their potential within a 24-hour residential service. Key Responsibilities Provide comprehensive day-to-day care and support to children in a residential setting, ensuring their physical, emotional, and developmental needs are met Build positive, professional relationships with young people, families, and external professionals including social workers, teachers, healthcare providers, and legal representatives Contribute to maintaining a safe, therapeutic, and trauma-informed environment that promotes healing and recovery Support young people in developing essential life skills, pursuing education goals, and working towards personal aspirations Implement individualised care plans and therapeutic interventions tailored to each child's specific needs and circumstances Maintain accurate records, reports, and care documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements and best practice standards Participate actively in team meetings, supervision sessions, and care plan development and review processes Adhere to all organisational policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements including Children First guidelines Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team within the residential service, including evening and weekend shifts Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support when required Facilitate group activities, recreational programs, and educational support initiatives Support children in maintaining connections with family, culture, and community where appropriate Collaborate with external agencies and services to ensure comprehensive support for each young person Essential Requirements A recognised qualification in Social Care or equivalent field including Level 7/8 Social Care, Level 8 Psychology, Level 7 Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling, Youth & Community Work, Social Work, Social Sciences, Teaching, Nursing, or Addiction Studies where appropriate Strong interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills with the ability to work effectively with children from diverse backgrounds Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team Unwavering commitment to safeguarding principles and child protection practices Full Irish driving licence and access to own transport Flexibility to work various shifts including evenings, weekends, and public holidays as part of the 24-hour service model Cultural sensitivity and awareness, particularly when working with unaccompanied minors and children from different cultural backgrounds Physical and emotional resilience to handle challenging situations and provide consistent support Desirable Qualifications Previous experience working with children in residential care, foster care, or similar settings Specialised training or experience in trauma-informed practice, attachment-based interventions, or therapeutic approaches Knowledge of relevant legislation including Children Act, Immigration and Protection Act, and HIQA standards Additional language skills beneficial for supporting children from diverse backgrounds What We Offer Competitive salary package with opportunities for progression and premium payments for additional duties Comprehensive benefits package including company pension scheme and Employee Assistance Programme Extensive training and continuous professional development opportunities, including specialised trauma-informed and attachment-based practice training A supportive, inclusive team environment with access to a multidisciplinary team of professionals Flexible working arrangements designed to support both staff wellbeing and service delivery Premium rates paid on Bank Holidays with additional sleeping allowances where applicable Opportunities for career advancement within a growing and expanding organisation Well-resourced working environment with modern facilities and equipment Comprehensive induction process with ongoing extensive training programme Regular supportive supervision, mentoring, and professional support Refer a friend initiative with rewards for successful recommendations On-site parking facilities Access to professional development opportunities and potential for further education support This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children while developing your professional skills in a supportive and well-resourced environment. Join our team of dedicated professionals committed to providing exceptional care and support to young people during critical periods of their lives.