Job Description
Job Description & Specifications
Position Title: Deputy Manager
Reports to: Social Care Manager
Direct Reports: Social Care Leaders and staff as required
Salary: Incremental
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Overview
The Deputy Manager will assist in providing services aimed at meeting the needs of children and young people in the care of Odyssey Social Care. This role involves supporting the Social Care Manager in all aspects of the house's operations and managing the house in the Manager’s absence. The Deputy Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of Odyssey Social Care by working closely with the Social Care Manager to address all issues within the house.
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Main Duties and Responsibilities
a) Young People
* Safeguarding and Development: Assist the Social Care Manager in ensuring that all children and young people living in or using the house are cared for safely, professionally, and in a manner that supports them in achieving their maximum potential, aligned with Odyssey Social Care’s mission and vision.
* Shift Work: Undertake evening, weekend, and overnight shifts as necessary to ensure the smooth running of the unit.
* Direct Care: Work directly with the young people as required.
* On-Call Duty: Participate in the organization’s on-call system, in cooperation with other Social Care Managers, Deputy Managers, and Social Care Leaders.
b) Direct Management
* Staff Supervision: Under the guidance of the Social Care Manager, supervise and support a portion of the relief and/or permanently contracted staff team.
* House Management: Manage the staff and the running of the house in the absence of the Social Care Manager.
c) Ensuring an Appropriate Environment
* Atmosphere: Assist the Social Care Manager in creating and maintaining a homely, welcoming atmosphere in the house.
d) Reporting
* Reports: Provide written and verbal reports as required to the Social Care Manager.
* Risk Management: Notify the Social Care Manager of any situations within the house or concerning the daily life of the young people that could pose a risk to their safety, the safety of the staff, the company, or the community.
e) Meeting Standards
* Service Monitoring: Oversee services provided by independent contractors and external suppliers, including those offering relief and ancillary services.
* Quality System: Contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of the quality system.
* Health and Safety: Assist in implementing the Health and Safety Policy.
* Administrative Duties: Perform administrative tasks as directed by the Social Care Manager, such as developing and implementing staff rotas (including training and holidays), scheduling meetings, and writing reports.
f) Whistle Blowing, Confidentiality, Company Welfare
* Whistleblowing: Encourage and manage whistleblowing reports from staff, acting on them promptly and effectively, according to the whistleblowing policy.
* Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the children in care, staffing matters, financial issues, and any other internal company matters.
g) Any Other Duties
* Additional Responsibilities: Undertake any other duties within the competence of the postholder as may be required from time to time.
About The Role
Essential Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills
* Educational Requirements:
o A minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or a relevant and related field.*
o Relevant alternative qualifications include:
+ Level 8 in Psychology
+ Level 7 in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy, Addiction Counselling, Youth and Community Work, Social Sciences/Social Studies, Family Support, Disability Studies, Applied Behavioural Analysis, Early Years Care (for U12 centers), BA Applied Policing, Higher Certificate in Custodial Care, Teaching, and Nursing.
* Other Requirements:
o A full, clean manual driving license valid in Ireland.
o Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
o Knowledge of the key elements of effective team working.
o Familiarity with the Irish National Standards in Children’s Residential Centres.
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Experience
* Challenging Behaviour: Experience working with teenagers with challenging behavior.
* Teamwork: Experience working within a team environment.
* Therapeutic Crisis Intervention: Experience working in services where Therapeutic Crisis Intervention is used.
* Social Care: A minimum of 3 years’ experience working at a social care grade with children/young persons.
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Competencies
* Behavior Management: Willingness to work with behavior management strategies, such as those developed from an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) background.
* Problem-Solving: Ability to apply creativity and experience within a solutions-focused team approach.
* Team Collaboration: Aptitude for teamwork, contributing to a supportive and professional work environment.
* Commitment to Quality: Demonstrable commitment to quality in all aspects of work within the unit, team, and organization.
* Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately complete documentation and records as required.
* Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Skills Needed
About The Company
* Mission: Provide a supportive, safe environment for 7 to 18-year-olds unable to stay with their families.
* Values: Emphasize non-violence, emotional intelligence, social learning, democracy, open communication, social responsibility, and growth.
* Care Approach: Trauma-informed and multi-dimensional, including the Sanctuary Model, Positive Behaviour Support, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and the Saoirse Project.
Company Culture
Working for Odyssey Social Care involves being part of a team dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young people. Employees engage in trauma-informed care, emphasizing safety, emotional well-being, and personal development. The organization values continuous learning, collaboration, and a commitment to their care models, which include therapeutic practices like the Sanctuary Model and Positive Behaviour Support. Staff members are encouraged to contribute to a positive, non-violent environment that fosters growth and social responsibility.
Desired Criteria
Required Criteria
* A minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or a relevant and related field.*
* A full, clean manual driving license valid in Ireland.
* Challenging Behaviour: Experience working with teenagers with challenging behavior.
* Therapeutic Crisis Intervention: Experience working in services where Therapeutic Crisis Intervention is used.
* Social Care: A minimum of 3 years’ experience working at a social care grade with children/young persons.
Closing DateTuesday 31st December, 2024