Website Odyssey Social Care
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” – Helen Keller
Odyssey Social Care are looking for an energetic Deputy Manager to join our Residential Service based in Co. Laois. Working to exceptional standards of care you will manage day to day operations and lead a team of Social Care Workers helping young people in care make positive changes in their daily lives. In your role you will act as the support and care worker to young people in the house, driving towards positive changes every single day.
Overview:
The Deputy Unit Manager will be responsible for assisting in the provision of a service aimed at meeting the needs of children and young people looked after by Odyssey Social Care. The Deputy Manager is responsible for assisting the Social Care Manager in all aspects of the running of the house, and managing the house in the manager’s absence.
The relationship between the Social Care Manager and Deputy is vital to the long term success of Odyssey Social Care. The Deputy Unit Manager reports directly to the Social Care Manager on all matters relating to the house, and they collaborate on all issues arising in the house.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Young People
- To assist the Social Care Manager in ensuring at all times that all children and young people living in or using the house in any capacity are looked after safely, professionally and in a way which ensures that they achieve their maximum potential, in line with Odyssey Social Care’s mission and vision.
- To undertake evening, weekend and overnight work as necessary to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the unit.
- To work directly with the young people as necessary.
- To participate in the on call system for the organisation, in co-operation with other Social Care Managers, Deputy managers and Social Care Leaders.
Direct Management
- Under the supervision of and at the request of the Social Care Manager, to supervise and support a portion of the relief and/or permanently contracted staff team of the house.
- To manage the staff and the running of the house in the Social Care Manager’s absence.
Ensuring an Appropriate Environment
- To assist the Social Care Manager to create and maintain a homely, welcoming atmosphere in the house.
Reporting
- Provide written and verbal reports, as required, to the Social Care Manager.
- Notify the Social Care Manager of anything in the house or concerned with the day to day life of the young people in the house which could constitute a risk to the safety of the young people, the staff, the company or the community.
Meeting Standards
- To monitor services provided by independent contractors and external suppliers, including those providing relief and ancillary services.
- To contribute to the further development and implementation of the quality system.
- To contribute to the implementation of the Health and Safety Policy.
- To undertake administrative duties as directed by the Social Care Manager, for example development and implementation of rotas, (inc. training & holidays), meeting scheduling, report writing, etc.
Whistle Blowing, Confidentiality, Company Welfare
- Encourage “whistleblowing” in all staff, according to the whistleblowing policy, and receive reports from staff as appropriate, acting upon them promptly and effectively.
- At all times maintain confidentiality in regard to the children in our care, staffing matters, financial matters and any other matters internal to the company.
Essential Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills:
- A minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or a relevant and or related Qualification *
- Relevant alternative qualifications include: Psychology (Level 8), and 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 (U12 centres only), BA Applied Policing, Higher Certificate in Custodial Care, Teaching and Nursing.
- A full, clean, manual driving license, valid in Ireland.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Knowledge of the key elements of effective team working
- Knowledge of the Irish National Standards in Children’s Residential Centre’s.
Experience:
- Experience of working with teenagers with challenging behaviour.
- Experience of working in a team
- Experience of working in services within which Therapeutic Crisis Intervention is used
- Minimum 3 years’ experience of working at social grade with children/young persons.
- Desirable: At least two years supervisory experience.
Competencies:
- Willingness to work with behaviour management strategies, eg. developed from ABA background
- Ability to use creativity & experience within a solutions-focused team approach
- Aptitude for team work thereby creating a supportive & professional work environment
- Demonstrable commitment to quality in all aspects of work in unit, team, organization
- Attention to detail and accurate completion of documentation and records as required
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.