CoAction West Cork provides quality services to support children and adults with an intellectual disability, and children with autism. This is achieved by helping each service user reach their full potential, working in partnership with their families and carers, within the community.Social Care Leader – Specific Purpose Contract - 39 hpwSaturday Allowance and Sunday Premium Closing Date for applications:Friday 4th April 2025We are looking for a Social Care Leader for our Skibbereen Residential Services on a Specific Purpose contract covering a maternity leave.Job Description: Social Care LeaderResponsible to:Area Manager/Residential Manager/Children's Services Co-ordinator Responsible for:Social Care Workers, Support WorkersThe following description is intended to give a broad outline of the post only. It is neither inclusive nor definitive. Duties may be altered or amended to suit the changing needs of the organisation. Staff will be consulted regarding any such changes. It is our policy to review job descriptions on an on-going basis.Overall Purpose of Position:To identify and assess the needs of your designated group homes in the following areas:Health and safety, personal care plans, budget management, emergency staff planning in conjunction with line manager. To liase with families in your own house and act as a support to SCW’s with their family contact. To draw up programmes for your own house and review programmes from SCW’s. To drive company vehicles as required.Main Responsibilities:Service User Care· To create a welcoming, caring and supportive environment in the Group Homes, ensuring a high standard of care is delivered.· To be an active advocate for the service users through respect and dignity.· To be attentive to the physical needs of the service users.· To protect the residents from abuse and in particular, against bullying or the threat of bullying.· To encourage group participation in the running of the house. I.e. cleaning, budgeting, cooking, menu planning, shopping, recreation activities.· To assist the service users in developing recreation activities and hobbies.· To escort and assist on group outings arranged.· To devise stimulating programmes for residents with an annual review in conjunction with P.C.P’s.· To support the Social Care Worker/s in the implementation of their programmes.Administration· To ensure the completion and up keep of individual service user files and to review service user files kept by Social Care Worker/s.· To prepare written reports for reviews/case conferences; to participate in such reviews and case conferences and to implement agreed plans.· To keep up to date house keeping accounts and records and oversee records kept by Social Care Worker/s.· To prepare and submit annual group home budgets and review budgets submitted by your Social Care Worker/s.Household Management· To ensure that the house is maintained to a high standard.· To share in those duties which are essential to the maintenance of hygiene and to undertake domestic duties required to maintain the house in a clean and tidy condition.Communication· To be available to relatives/carers of clients, to offer information/support/guidance when requested.· To support the Social Care Worker/s in their family/carer contact.· To develop and maintain good relationships with service user’s families.· To contribute to the promotion of good links within the local community.· To liaise with other relevant staff as appropriate.· To hold and participate in staff meetings and training.Health and Safety· To provide a safe environment for service users and staff.· To ensure that all accidents/ incidents and complaints are reported and appropriately dealt with in line with CoAction’s Policies and procedures.· To carry out annual risk assessments on your facility and support the Social Care Worker/s in the completion of their risk assessments if required.· To be alert to any possible danger, either from defects in premises or equipment, to address and bring to the notice of your line manager.· In the event of immediate danger, to take appropriate action to reduce the risk of physical injury.· To attend planned health and safety training.· To hold fire drills and house evacuations in accordance with the Fire Safety policy.Staffing and Training and Development· To develop relevant skills and abilities by taking part in training courses open to you.· To deliver induction and training to residential support staff.· To carry out supervision of staff reporting to you.· To take part in organised Interview panels for residential support staff.· To carry out probation and appraisal meetings with residential support staff.General· To contribute in a positive and energetic manner to the overall development of CoAction.· To ensure that all policies are adhered to at all times.· Whilst acknowledging the need for the professional sharing of information within the team, you are required to have strict regard to confidentiality within the team.· To carry out other duties which may be agreed from time to time in discussion with your Manager or CEO/Director of Services.This job description will be subject to ongoing review in light of experience or changing circumstances.Essential Qualifications A recognised professional qualification for Social Care, outlined as follows:HETAC/DIT/(UCC) Diploma in Social CareHETAC/DIT National Diploma in Applied Social StudiesHETAC/DIT National Diploma in ChildcareDIT Diploma in Applied Social CareNational Diploma in Applied Social Studies (Disabilities), The Open Training College, (HETAC) accredited.BA(Ord)in Social care practice (level 7 on the QQI framework)OrRegistered Nurse Intellectual Disability (RNID)RNMH qualification is also recognised under the above guidelines.OrThe candidate will possess an equivalent qualificationFull Driving licence is essential. Management Qualification in Health and Social CareDesirable Qualification:Qualification in the area of ASDMandatory training as required by HIQAPositive Behaviour support trainingPerson centred planning trainingEssential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Professional knowledge i.e. developmental theories, theoretical framework for residential care. Excellent Interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate well with a diverse group of stakeholders. Maturity Ability to relate to people with intellectual disabilities Flexibility Willingness to learn Motivation Ability to write reports with a high level of competency in IT Proven interest in sports/activities Leadership skills Assertiveness Desirable Knowledge Skills & AbilitiesUtilisation of excel databasesPolicy development and reviewEssential Experience Applicants should have a minimum of 3 years experience working in a supervisory or management role in a health or social care settingDesired Experience:Previous experience of being the PIC for HIQA purposesExperience working within a regional respite service / multi agency settingThis job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post and is subject to review and amendment in light of changing circumstances and may include other duties and responsibilities as may be determined from time to time by the Director of Services/CEO or designated Line Manager. You will be given as much notice of such changes as possible. It is CoAction’s policy to review job descriptions on a regular basis.CoAction West Cork is an equal opportunity employer