Laois/ Offaly: Social Care Team Leader Children's Service

Harmonycare; Ireland; On-site; EUR 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A social care provider in Ireland is seeking a Social Care Team Leader for its children's service in Co Laois. The role involves supervising staff, ensuring the safety of young people, and promoting professional development. Candidates should have a BA in Applied Social Care Work and at least two years of relevant experience. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including extensive leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Comprehensive Induction

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Generous Leave

Career progression opportunities

Full rate of pay for sleeping hours

Team-building events

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in social care with children/young people.
• Right to work in Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Supervise social care team members.
• Collaborate with management to ensure quality services.
• Ensure safety of young people and staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team Management

Education

BA in Applied Social Care Work or equivalent

Job description

Laois/ Offaly: Social Care Team Leader Children's Service

Harmony Care are recruiting for a Social Care Leader to join an existing team. This Centre is located in Co Laois.

About Harmony Care

At Harmony we focus on the care, safety and protection of our children. Our team ensures that each child’s goals and potential are supported, nurtured and given every opportunity to grow, while developing a sense of safety and security. Harmony operates under contract with Tusla as a regulated provider of children’s residential services.

Role

Laois/ Offaly: Social Care Team Leader Children’s Service

Location: Headquarters, Harmony Residential Care, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32

Job type: Full time | Industry: Social Care

Role Specific / Benefits

• Salary: €47,424 per annum based on two sleepovers per week
• Rosters: May include sleepovers, day shifts, waking nights. No on-call responsibilities
• Comprehensive Induction: Two and a half day induction supported by a 6-month employee development programme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): 24/7 support for team members and their families/partners (16+)
• Generous Leave: 192 hours of annual leave per year, plus bank holidays
• Structured Supervision: Regular and supportive supervision sessions
• Professional Development: Career progression opportunities and paid core professional training
• Inclusive Working Hours: Full rate of pay for sleeping hours
• Wellbeing Focus: Mental Health Officers in each Centre and wellbeing initiatives
• Team-Building Events: Twice-annual social days organized by Centre teams

Principal Roles And Responsibilities

Policy and Procedures

• Adhere to all organisational policies and procedures
• Participate in policy and procedure reviews
• Support the Centre Manager in implementing policies and procedures across budgeting, health and safety, supervision, training, appraisals and recruitment
• Maintain understanding of the Safety Statement and Health and Safety Risk Assessments
• Ensure safety of young people, team members and visitors through risk management
• Report concerns promptly and assist in addressing health and safety risks
• Maintain confidentiality
• Report any shortfalls to the Health and Safety Representative, Deputy Manager or Centre Manager

Leadership

• Supervise social care team members, residential care team members and relief staff
• Collaborate with the management team to ensure high-quality services within resources
• Maintain a welcoming and supportive environment for young people and staff
• Promote professional development and support for team members
• Facilitate effective team communication and handovers
• Act as liaison with external agencies
• Participate in inspections and contribute to continuous improvement
• Review and update job description as needed
• Be accountable to the Deputy Manager or Centre Manager for all duties

Oversight and Governance

• Evaluate team performance and provide constructive feedback
• Engage in Significant Event Reviews to promote learning
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and auditing of the Centre
• Oversee preparation and presentation of reports and assessments

Care of the Young People

• Encourage young people’s active participation in decisions affecting their lives
• Assess and oversee care needs to ensure high-quality care
• Collaborate on care plans, aftercare plans and placement planning with young people’s voices central
• Perform key working duties when necessary
• Address social, educational, recreational, medical, dietary and cultural needs
• Attend Child in Care Reviews / Placement Reviews and related meetings
• Respond to identified risks using the organisation’s risk management framework
• Work within Harmony Care’s Model of Care, the Welltree Model of Care

Professional Development

• Maintain effective self-care practices
• Engage in organisation-provided training to enhance skills
• Take responsibility for personal development and support growth in team members
• Provide and participate in structured supervision sessions

Safeguarding

• Fulfil responsibilities as a mandated person: report child protection and welfare concerns to Tusla and the DLP
• Familiarity with the organisation’s Child Safeguarding Statement and risk management plans
• Address safeguarding risks promptly per organisational policies

Other Responsibilities

• General housekeeping duties and meal preparation with young people as appropriate
• Reconcile petty cash at shifts’ start and end
• Maintain accurate records and reports on young people and daily Centre activities
• Complete daily recording systems and ensure proper handover protocols
• Stay informed about current research and theory in social care
• Represent Harmony Care professionally at all times

Qualifications

Required criteria

• BA in Applied Social Care Work or equivalent
• Minimum two years of experience in social care with children/young people
• Right to work in Ireland

Desired criteria

• Full clean driving license

Employment Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Other
• Industries: Hospitals and Health Care

Important Information

Date Posted: 9 September 2025 | Closing Date: 25 September 2025