Work within the framework of the overall objectives of Focus Ireland.
Lead and support a team in adhering to the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres.
Ensure effective responses to the changing needs and challenges of the client group.
Represent the team and organisation at meetings, liaise with external agencies, and facilitate team meetings, training, and support sessions.
Lead the team in providing a safe, welcoming environment for young people aged 15–17, including meeting basic care and household needs.
Collaborate closely with Focus Ireland teams, Community Care Social Work Services, and relevant statutory and voluntary agencies.
Oversee accurate recording of daily logs, case notes, and required documentation in line with National Standards.
Participate in daily handovers and ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the unit.
Support staff supervision alongside the Manager, including Social Care Leaders, Social Care Workers, students, and graduates.
Conduct and monitor staff performance reviews, ensuring appraisals are completed and signed off by senior management.
Assist with administrative functions, including Softworks, rota management, petty cash, and participation in the on-call system.
Assume full managerial responsibilities in the absence of the Manager and support implementation of centre policies and procedures.
Engage in regular supervision, training, and development, undertake additional duties as required, and maintain vigilance regarding health, safety, and welfare risks.
Be a CORU registered Social Care Worker and have a Third Level qualification at degree level in the area of social care i.e. youth work, social studies, addiction, psychology etc
A minimum of 3 years full-time work experience at social care grade with children/young persons.
Previous management experience.
A working knowledge of the impact of childhood adversity on adolescents.
A working knowledge and insight into the issues (e.g. substance misuse) that affect young people, in particular adolescents who have or are experiencing homelessness.
Ability to manage and support young people in crisis who present with challenging behaviours based upon Focus Irelands values and principles of best practice.
Experience of working in partnership with multidisciplinary teams to holistically meet the needs of young people.
A working knowledge and understanding of the supervision and performance review process.
A working knowledge and understanding of Child Protection, and responses to concerns.
A working knowledge and understanding of the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres. (Desirable)
A working knowledge and understanding of therapeutic crisis intervention model. (Desirable)
