About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team as a Social Care Manager. The primary goal of this position is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for young people in our care, addressing their unique challenges and promoting positive outcomes.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Develop and implement Care and Placement Plans, maintaining accurate records.
* Promote the rights and responsibilities of each child/young person within the centre.
* SUPPORT THE PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, SOCIAL, AND RELIGIOUS WELFARE OF EACH YOUNG PERSON IN CARE.
* Encourage attendance at school, training centres, medical and clinical appointments.
* Manage personal documents, arrangements, information, and finances on behalf of the young person.
* Liaise with parents, families, general services, and other agencies on behalf of the young person.
* Attend meetings regarding the care and development of the young person.
Management
* Oversee the centre, ensuring the development and protection of professional social care and safety practices that deliver positive outcomes for young people and their families.
* Create and maintain a safe, caring, and stable environment for young people.
* Provide leadership and guidance to the social care team, following the organisation's model of care and policies.
* Ensure Care and Placement Plans are in place, regularly monitored, and effectively implemented.
* Oversee the appropriate use of resources within the centre.
* Provide supervision to staff in accordance with policy.
* Consult with young people, their families, staff, and external stakeholders as appropriate.
* Submit reports and statistics to the Director of Services (or other specified person) as required.
* Maintain the upkeep of the centre, including furniture, vehicles, and equipment.
* Comply with Fire Safety Requirements and Health & Safety regulations.
* Provide an on-call service for the centre.
* Plan monthly SERG meetings and fortnightly team meetings.
* Arrange the duty roster and manage staff resources to ensure appropriate skill mix and staffing levels.
* Maintain staff records following policy, procedure, and legislation.
* Participate in professional development and training programmes.
* Attend and fully participate in professional supervision with the Director of Services.
Financial Management
* Manage the centre's budget, ensuring compliance with approved budgetary procedures and optimal resource utilisation.
* Control expenditure within agreed cash limits and follow approved procedures.
* Maintain financial records as required by our client.
* Provide financial reports to the Director of Services.
* Request additional funds when necessary to maintain high standards in the centre.
Health & Safety
* Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and safe professional practices in line with relevant legislation and standards.
* Have a working knowledge of our client's policies, National Standards for Children's Residential Centres, and implement them accordingly.
* SUPPORT, PROMOTE, AND ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, WATER, AND WASTE INITIATIVES.
Administration & Accountability
* Attend team meetings and report to the Director of Services on service delivery matters.
* Be accountable for any expenditure within the centre.
* Provide written and verbal reports to the Director of Services on young people's progress and the centre's daily operations.
* Report any staff conduct concerns or issues to the Director of Services.
* Report any serious risks to young people's safety or staff wellbeing.
* Work as part of a team and stay up to date with relevant legislation and childcare practices.
* Implement our client's procedures and policies.
* Undertake ongoing professional training and development.
* Supervise the Deputy Social Care Manager and Social Care Leaders.
* Prepare reports and participate in professional meetings, ensuring proper record-keeping.
* Be part of the on-call team for the centre.
Requirements
* A Bachelor's (Ord/Hons) or Master's degree in any of the following fields: Social Care, Applied Social Studies, Applied Social Studies in Social Care, Social Care Practice.
* A full, clean driving licence valid in Ireland.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Knowledge of National Standards for Children's Residential Centres and Children First guidelines.
* The ability to work with young people and manage challenging behaviour.
* A passion for supporting young people who have experienced trauma.
* 5+ years of experience working in Children's Residential Centres.