Residential Care Worker

Job Title: Residential Care Worker

Reporting to: Social Care Leader, Social Care Manager and Service Manager.

Purpose: To provide high-quality care to young people resident in Pathways Ireland and support the management team in the delivery of a safe, stable and therapeutic service.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Work as part of a team to provide high-quality care and support to young people.
• Promote and uphold the rights, dignity, welfare and best interests of young people.
• Contribute to a safe, caring, stable and therapeutic environment.
• Support the implementation and development of care plans and programmes of care.
• Support young people’s physical, emotional, educational, social and recreational development.
• Develop young people’s personal, interpersonal, social and problem-solving skills.
• Plan and participate in suitable recreational, community and educational activities and supervise outings.
• Facilitate young people to participate actively in their own care.
• Engage appropriately with young people in community and family settings.
• Complete required risk assessments for activities in line with company policy.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records, files and reports, including reports for reviews and case conferences.
• Report accidents, incidents, complaints, allegations and other relevant developments to management and complete required documentation.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and support the effective delivery of care.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision, training and induction as required.
• Follow all organisational policies, procedures and health and safety requirements.
• Contribute to maintaining high standards of hygiene, cleanliness and safety within the centre.
• Promote positive links with families, schools, community organisations, local services and An Garda Síochána.
• Administer and accurately account for centre monies.
• Support adequate staffing levels and carry out other duties as directed by the Centre Manager.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants must hold one of the following: QQI Level 7 in Psychology, Youth & Community, Social Science/Studies, Family Support, Disability Studies, Applied Behavioural Analysis or Early Years Care; QQI Level 7/professional qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy or Addiction Counselling; professional qualification in Teaching (excluding TEFL) or Nursing Studies; BA in Applied Policing or equivalent; or Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) or equivalent.

Skills and Competencies

Knowledge of child development, behaviour management, attachment, leadership and childcare legislation. Strong communication, interpersonal, reflective practice and report-writing skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, remain calm in crisis situations, support colleagues and build positive relationships with young people. Computer, counselling and recreational skills required.

Minimum 40 hours per week