Service Manager Under 18's Residential Service

Service Manager

Location: Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
Contract Type: Full Time, Specific Purpose Contract

About the Role

The service supports ten young people aged 16-17 years who have been identified as separated children seeking international protection. The Service Manager will lead the day-to-day operation of the centre, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe and child-centred care in line with statutory and organisational standards.

Reporting to the Head of Youth Services, the successful candidate will provide leadership and support to the residential staff team while ensuring the centre operates in compliance with Tusla regulations, HIQA standards and best practice in residential childcare.

Key Responsibilities

• Work within the overall objectives of the service and under the supervision and direction of the Head of Youth Services.
• Provide effective leadership, management, direction and support to residential staff teams.
• Create and maintain a safe, caring and stable environment for young people, responding appropriately to their changing and individual needs.
• Ensure the centre operates in compliance with Tusla policies and procedures, the Child Care (Standards in Children's Residential Centres) Regulations 1996, and HIQA National Standards for Children's Residential Centres (2018).
• Ensure Care and Placement Plans are developed, implemented and regularly reviewed for all young people in the service.
• Promote and uphold the rights, dignity and participation of young people, consulting with them, their families, staff and relevant stakeholders as appropriate.
• Provide regular supervision, support and performance management to staff in line with organisational policy and best practice.
• Implement, monitor and review agency and project policies and procedures including safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality, complaints management, housing and HR procedures.
• Coordinate referrals to the service, allocate caseworkers appropriately and oversee effective service delivery.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure timely completion of reports, statistics and monthly project updates as required.
• Manage financial systems and budgets, ensuring responsible and effective use of resources.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with external agencies and stakeholders.
• Attend and contribute to team meetings, project meetings, supervision, training, service reviews and evaluations.
• Participate in the on-call management system and undertake additional duties as required by the Head of Youth Services or Services Director.

Essential Requirements

• Hold a CORU approved qualification in Social Care and have applied for CORU registration (evidence of application required).
• Previous management and supervisory experience within a social care or residential setting.
• Significant experience working with young people considered at risk or in the care system.
• Strong understanding of residential childcare legislation, standards and issues affecting young people in state care.
• Excellent report writing and administrative skills.
• Experience of financial management and budget oversight.
• Experience working collaboratively with external and interagency partners.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Full clean driving licence desirable.
• Commitment to child-centred and trauma-informed practice.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams in a dynamic environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Flexibility and capacity to respond effectively to emerging service needs.