Social Care Leader
Social Care Leader
As a Social Care Leader you will play a critical role in supporting vulnerable children and young people who are under the care of the State. You will lead a team of social care professionals, working in residential or community-based settings, to provide high-quality care and support for the children’s emotional, physical, and social development. Your focus will be on creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment while ensuring compliance with statutory regulations and promoting child welfare.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide supervision and guidance to social care staff, fostering professional development and maintaining a high standard of care delivery.
- Ensure effective team communication and collaboration, supporting a cohesive and child-centered approach.
- Oversee the development and implementation of individual care plans for children in care, ensuring that their needs are addressed holistically.
- Regularly review and assess care plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams including social workers, healthcare professionals, and educators.
- Manage the progression of children’s cases, ensuring all statutory obligations and legal frameworks (e.g., Children First Act 2015) are adhered to.
- Build trusting and therapeutic relationships with children in care, promoting their emotional well-being and personal development.
- Support children in their daily routines, including educational support, personal care, and social activities.
- Respond to challenging behaviors with positive behavior management strategies, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed care.
- Promote and uphold the safety and welfare of all children under your care, ensuring strict adherence to child protection policies and the Children First National Guidance.
- Identify, report, and follow up on any concerns related to child welfare and safeguarding in a timely and professional manner.
- Ensure that all care practices comply with HIQA standards, statutory regulations, and regulatory bodies policies and procedures.
- Maintain accurate records and reports, including daily logs, incident reports, and other documentation required for statutory compliance and internal audits.
- Implement recommendations from audits, inspections, and internal reviews to improve service delivery.
- Work collaboratively with external agencies, including schools, health services, and other departments, to ensure a holistic approach to the child’s care.
- Attend and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, care plan reviews, and court hearings, providing professional input and updates as required.
Essential Requirements:
- Education: A qualification in Social Care (minimum Level 7 on the NFQ) or a related discipline such as Social Work, Psychology, or Youth Work.
- Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of experience working in social care or a related field, preferably in a leadership or supervisory role.
- Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of child protection and welfare policies, particularly the Children First Act.
- Familiarity with the National Standards for Children’s Residential Services (HIQA).
- Experience working with vulnerable children and young people with complex needs, including trauma and behavioral challenges.
- Skills:
- Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, families, and professionals.
- Proven ability to handle crisis situations and make informed decisions under pressure.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage caseloads, documentation, and team schedules.
To apply click below or contact jreid@medforce.ie
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