Careers at
Childhood Matters

APPLICATION FORM AVAILABLE AT: https://childhood-matters.ie/careers/

Please forward completed application forms to :  recruitment@childhood-matters.ie

TBD

· Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

· CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

· Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

· The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

· Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

· Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 10-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety and Aftercare is incorporated into this project

· Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

· Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

· Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

Purpose of Role:

 The role of Family Development Practitioner is to provide intensive family support to those referred to the service. All referrals come from the Child Protection Social Work team or through CCA. The eligibility criteria for referrals is where children are at risk of coming into care. The family have to be identified as being at a level 3 or 4 on the Hardikar Scale.

Limetree works with a family through home visiting, direct work with children and supervising access. The role also requires the staff member to attend Child Protection Case Conferences and Court where applicable.

Limetree visits a family 2 to 3 times per week while carrying out an assessment for a 12 week period. Following this the family are signposted to other services or Limetree carry out an intervention depending on the findings of the assessment and the needs of the family. These visits can occur out of out of normal working hours (depending client’s needs)

Limetree also supervises access on site at Childhood Matters or in the community. Staff assess the access, offering parenting support and make recommendations around duration and frequency of access dependent on the findings of their assessment.

Working with Children/Young People/Families

• To participate in the development and implementation of assessments and tailored interventions and to ensure appropriate recording of same.

• To promote the rights and responsibilities of each child/young person within the service.

• Assist in supporting parents/guardians/ families to sustain the safe care of their children in the home setting.

• To liaise with the parent, family, general services and other agencies on behalf of the client.

• To attend meetings in relation to the care and development of the children and their families

• Participate in the completion of preliminary assessments, safety planning as required under Children’s First this should be done in consultation with the relevant line manager.

• Compliance with relevant Childhood Matters policies.

• Attendance at Court when required.

• Direct work with children/young people/parents/guardians/foster carers etc.

• Facilitating and supporting family contact for children in care.

• Lone working.

Administration and Accountability

• To attend team meetings and to report to the Family Support Service Manager on matters affecting the delivery of service.

• To make written reports to the Family Support Service Manager and social work department on a regular basis on the progress of development of the children and their families.

• Reporting and recording any incidents, that may happen to the / children and their families or are caused by them.

• Ensure Child protection procedures are followed 

• To keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.

• To implement the Childhood Matters procedures and policies.

• To undertake ongoing professional training and development.

• To attend regular supervision with the designated supervisor.

• To perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Team Work /Training & Professional Development

• Participate in working within a team centered consistent approach.

• Participate in further training and development as required.

• Working with other professionals and external stakeholders

• Participate in regular team meetings, reflective practice, complex case discussions etc Engage in reflective and evidence-based practice.

• Be responsible for own health and wellbeing in order to carry out the duties of the role / is committed to managing own work / life balance.

• Keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.

Health & Safety

· Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

· Minimum of NFQ Level 7 qualification in social care/family support/addiction studies/social science or a related field

Or

· Be registered in the Social Care Workers Register maintained by CORU.

· Verification of garda Clearance

· Validation of three references.

· A full clean driver’s license

Experience;

• Three years’ experience in child/family support/ social care/work

• Experience in conflict resolution mediation

• Experience in lone working/case management

• Experienced in record keeping and report writing

Skills, knowledge and abilities;

• Ability to work in a people centered and needs led manner

• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics

• Understanding of the relevant legislation, best practice and issues relevant to the area of Children’s services and Family Support

• Ability to network, develop links and engage with statutory sector and local community

• Excellent communication, IT and report writing skills

• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Adaptable and flexible with regard to service development and working hours

Desirable

• Group work with children and families

• Experience of working therapeutically with clients

• Experience of legal responsibilities with regard to child protection and child care

• Experience in home visiting

• Knowledge around Trauma informed Care approaches

• Informed of signs of safety

• Trained in Parenting Programmes or other relevant trainings to the post

Aligned with the HSE Social Care Salary Scale June 2026

Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum point of the scale and will not be subject to negotiation.

Completed Application forms should be sent to:  recruitment@childhood-matters.ie

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE –  https://childhood-matters.ie/careers/

TBC

· Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

· CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

· Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

· The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

· Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

· Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 12-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety respite is incorporated into this project. We are expanding this service into County Kerry this year also.

· Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

· Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

· Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

Purpose of Role:

Childhood Matters is seeking to recruit a Clinical/Counselling/Educational Psychologist to join our MDT and work across our Tusla-funded specialist teams.

Interventions across all services are attachment and trauma focused, and incorporate dyadic and systemic ways of working with the child, carers and team around them. We use a relational approach and draw on models such as Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP); Theraplay; Mentalisation-Based Treatment (MBT); Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI) among others. Our Multidisciplinary Teams are currently comprised of clinical psychologists, occupational psychologists, play therapists, child art psychotherapists, social workers and social care workers.

The successful candidate/s will play a key role in contributing to MDT discussions of each child or family’s needs as well as those of the system around them, formulating the presenting difficulties and considering appropriate intervention. The clinician/s joining our organisation will provide both direct and indirect therapeutic input. They will liaise with partner agencies to endeavour to achieve positive outcomes for children in care, or on the edge of care, and their carers, working to build/restore placement stability and enhance key relationships in the child’s family/support network.

Essential Experience and knowledge

Job Description:

· To work as a member of multi-disciplinary teams, providing high-quality, psychological input to children in care and/or their carers.

· To support psychological practice within the team through consultation, supervision, formulation and training/education

· To be responsible for holding and managing a clinical caseload and exercise autonomous professional responsibility for the planning and prioritising of own workload and the assessment, treatment and discharge of clients within the bounds of the service’s operational policies

· To engage with service development opportunities, developing leadership capacity and autonomous responsibility where appropriate

· To operate as lead clinician on complex cases in interagency contexts when required

· To compile comprehensive assessment and treatment reports and any other reports as required in connection to the children and their parents with whom they are working.

· To use analytical and judgment skills and be responsible for taking clinical management decisions in complex clinical issues (with support of senior colleagues)

· To provide consultation, mentorship, supervision and advice about psychological issues to other members of the team/service and other professionals working with service users, across a range of agencies/ settings as appropriate.

· Promote an effective and productive team ethos, fostering our Childhood Matters trauma-informed and trauma-responsive approach at all times

· Promote equality, diversity and human rights, and treat others with dignity and respect ensuring services are developed, managed and delivered to meet specific needs linked to protected characteristics.

· Promote equality, diversity and Human Rights in working practices by developing and maintaining positive working relationships, ensuring that colleagues are treated fairly and contributing to developing equality of opportunity and outcomes in working practices

· Contribute to developing and maintaining equality of opportunity in working practices by complying with legislation and organisational policies. Advise colleagues about equality, diversity and human rights policies and procedures and ensure they are followed

· To attend court, if required, as an expert witness.

• An ability to offer attachment-focused, evidence-based psychological interventions tailored to meet the individual needs of children/young people and their carers referred to CHIPPS

• An ability to work dyadically with carers and children as well as systemically with the network around the child

• Familiarity with key legislation relating to children in the care of the state and awareness of partner agencies involved in working with children in care

• Experience in conducting cognitive assessments and using psychometric tests and routine outcome measures in child mental health services

• Skills in the provision of supervision and consultation to both external and internal professionals and teams (where appropriate and dependent on level of experience)

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and an ability to explain psychological concepts to non-clinical professionals/colleagues as well as to children/young people and carers

• Excellent time management skills and an ability to meet deadlines and prioritise workload

• Exceptional organisational skills and a capacity to balance clinical tasks and administrative workload including clinical note-writing, letter/report writing, updating of services databases etc.

• High level of knowledge of developmental trauma, attachment, child development and neurodiversity, and child and adolescent mental health issues

• Awareness of the complexities and challenges of working therapeutically with children who have experienced developmental trauma as well as their carers and the system around the child

• Knowledge of psychological theory and research in the field of developmental trauma, attachment and therapeutic models and frameworks relevant to this population

• An understanding of the use creative, non-directive approaches in therapy for children who have experienced developmental trauma

• An excellent understanding of safeguarding children issues as well as an understanding of care and control, notification procedures and equal opportunities, data protection and general good practice

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Outlook; Power Point, and Excel

• Experience of consulting to/liaising with social care teams and professional groups such as teachers, court-appointed guardians and other professionals in the justice system

• Post-qualification experience as a Psychologist in a child mental health setting

• Experience of using digital clinical record systems

Health & Safety

· Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

• Doctorate in Clinical Clinical/Counselling/Educational Psychology (or equivalent if training was pre-doctorate accreditation)

• Qualification recognised by an accrediting body i.e. PSI, BPS

•  Experience of providing attachment-based psychological interventions to children who have experienced developmental trauma is important.

• At least two years post qualification experience working as a clinical psychologist is required to be considered for the senior position.

Aligned with the HSE Psychology (Basic Grade) Salary Scale June 2026

• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefit

• Additional Annual leave days

• Comprehensive annual CPD schedule

• Financial support for further education

Application Form Only – CV’s will not be accepted(Download Application Form)

Please forward completed application forms to:  hr@childhood-matters.ie

TBD

· Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

· CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

· Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

· The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

· Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

· Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 12-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety respite is incorporated into this project. We are expanding this service into County Kerry and are recruiting for this MDT.

· Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

· Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

· Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

Purpose of Role:

The service engages with Tusla and professional networks to provide intensive support to children and their carers both in clinic and in the community. The service also provides emergency respite to a small number of young people.

The successful candidate/s will play a key role in contributing to MDT discussions of each child or family’s needs as well as those of the system around them, formulating the presenting difficulties and considering appropriate intervention. The clinician/s joining our organisation will provide both direct and indirect therapeutic input. They will liaise with partner agencies and endeavour to achieve positive outcomes for children in care, or on the edge of care, and their carers, working to build/restore placement stability and enhance key relationships in the child’s family/support network.

Working with Children/Young People/Families

· To work as a member of a residential team, providing high-quality Social Care to children in care or on the edge of care in a residential setting.

· To support trauma-informed practices within the team.

· To be responsible for developing individual care plans, and manage the day to day needs of our clients within the bounds of the service’s operational policies.

· To provide emotional and practical support to our young people, and advocate for their needs.

· Foster a safe, protective environment for young people and manage their needs effectively

· Facilitate engagement in educational, recreational and social participation.

· Promote an effective and productive team ethos, fostering our Childhood Matters trauma-informed and trauma-responsive approach at all times.

· To participate in the development and implementation of care plans and tailored interventions and to ensure appropriate recording of same.

• To promote the rights and responsibilities of each child/young person within the service.

• To liaise with the parent, family, services and other agencies on behalf of the client.

• Adhere to all regulations governing the care of children in a residential setting.

• To attend team meeting/handovers and to report to the Clinical Lead/ Service Manager on matters affecting the delivery of service.

• To provide written documentation on a regular basis on casework.

• Reporting and recording any incidents, that may happen to the / children and their families or are caused by them.

• Ensure Child protection procedures are followed.

• To implement the Childhood Matters procedures and policies.

• To undertake ongoing professional training and development.

• To attend regular supervision with the designated supervisor.

• To perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Team Work /Training & Professional Development

• Work collaboratively with a team to provide trauma responsive interventions and evidence-based practice.

• Participate in further training and development as required.

• Working with other professionals and external stakeholders

• Participate in regular team meetings, reflective practice, complex case discussions etc

• Be responsible for own health and wellbeing in order to carry out the duties of the role / is committed to managing own work / life balance.

• Keep abreast of governance standards of care for children in residential units.

Health & Safety

· Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

Minimum of NFQ Level7/ 8 qualification in Social Care or hold a relevant qualification in one of  the following disciplines;

· QQI Level 7 in Psychology

· QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy

· QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Counselling / Psychotherapy

· QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Addiction Counselling

· QQI Level 7 in Youth and Community or similar

· QQI Level 7 in Social Science / Social Studies

· QQI Level 7 in Family Support

· Professional Qualification in Teaching (Not TEFL)

· Professional Qualification in Nursing Studies

· QQI Level 7 in Disability Studies

· QQI Level 7 in Applied Behavioural Analysis

· BA in Applied Policing or equivalent

· Holder of Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) or equivalent

· For applicants awaiting CORU registration for Social Care Work, please indicate status of your application.

· A full clean driver’s license

Experience;

 Practice in Social Care Work or its equivalent and experience as a Social Care Worker with young people and families.

Skills, knowledge and abilities;

• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a Residential Team with support from a wider Multi-disciplinary Team

• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics

• Understanding of Trauma-informed practices, best practice and issues relevant to working with children in care.

• Ability to network, develop links and engage with statutory sector and local community

• Strong communication, IT and report writing skills

• Adaptable and flexible with regard to service development and working hours

Desirable

· CORU Registered

· Knowledge of models such as Signs of Safety, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention

· Group work with children and families

· Experience of working therapeutically with clients

· Experience of legal responsibilities with regard to child protection and child care

· Experience in home visiting

· Knowledge and Training in Trauma informed Care approaches, risk assessment, care planning.

Aligned with the HSE Social Care Work Salary Scale June 2026.

Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum point of the scale and will not be subject to negotiation.

• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefit

• Additional Annual leave days

• Comprehensive annual CPD schedule

• Financial support for further education

Application Form Only – Please note CV’s alone will not be accepted (Download Application Form)

Application form available on our website – careers section, at: https://childhood-matters.ie/

Applications to be sent by post to HR Dept, Childhood Matters, Blackrock, Cork, T12CRA0

Or email to hr@childhood-matters.ie

Closing Date for Applications :  7th September, 2026 @12 noon

Childhood Matters, Blackrock

Childhood Matters is a not-for-profit organisation aimed at improving developmental and life outcomes for children 0-18 years old. We also work directly with parents and foster carers to support and develop parenting in challenging contexts. As an organisation we strive to positive impact the wider professional network we operate within through external training, research and professional development opportunities.

We are committed to embedding an evidence-based culture of trauma-informed care and therapeutic practice and hold ourselves to high standards in all engagement with service users, colleagues and stakeholders alike. We are committed to research and evaluation and continually assess the effectiveness of our service through independent research and partnership with third level institutions. We strive to be a positive place to work, providing staff with reflective practice, regular supervision and a training budget.

With offices and services in Blackrock, Blackpool, Clonakilty and Farranree we employ 130 staff across all departments. We offer competitive salary packages as well as benefits including enhanced maternity leave; pension contribution scheme; health care plans; flexible working hours; internal and externally provided training opportunities, and competitive annual leave entitlement.

Details of Services:

· Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

· CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

· Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

· The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

· Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

· Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 10-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety (EPOS) and Aftercare is incorporated into this project

· Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

· Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

· Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

The Parent and Infant Unit is a residential support and assessment service for parents with infant children. While living on the unit, parents take part in a parenting assessment while also engaging in a programme of therapeutic support and key working tailored to meet their individual needs. The Social Care team provides assistance, developmental guidance and monitoring to each of the families though their residential bespoke placement.

The Family Support Worker will report to the Parent & Infant Unit Manager

· Actively participate in team meetings (minimum one monthly).

· Assume responsibility for progression of family’s placement in line with service delivery framework.

· Support, understand, and record parents’ ability to meet the emotional, physical and basic care needs of their children whilst working according to psychologically-informed care plans

· Work in partnership with our multidisciplinary team in the development and progression of individualised care plan for clients

· Impart formal and informal feedback aimed to help parents adjust to parenthood and develop their parenting skills and emotional connection with their child(ren)

· Undertake assigned parenting development intervention to include group play, baby sensory work, parenting demonstration, psychoeducation on developmental awareness/attachment/mentalizing capacity

· Work in partnership with the wider team in the context of understanding resident parents and infants supporting positive parenting at all times.

· To provide childcare for children whilst their parents/carers attend groups and individual sessions

· Contribute toward trauma informed working environment for both clients and colleagues

· Demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm to developing skillset in niche area of service provision within Irish context though ongoing professional development and reflective supervision

· Cleaning duties

· Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

Applicants must by the closing date of application have the following:

· Minimum of NFQ Level 5 qualification social care, social science, Early Years, psychotherapy, Counselling, Psychology or equivalent is required.

· A full, clean driving license is desirable.

Person Requirement

The successful candidates will be compassionate, empathetic individuals with an appreciation of self-care and team-working.

The current vacancy available is a Permanent, Part-Time post

Remuneration

€18.87 Per hour plus premia payments for night/weekend shifts

Working Week

Hours are a mix of day and night shifts, and are eight-hour shifts (7am-3.30pm; 3pm-11.30pm and 11pm-7.30am) on rolling roster to include weekend work) and flexibility to undertake additional hours when reasonably required. Working hours are: 24 hours per week

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the post is: 15 days

Probation

A 6-Month Probation Period applies to this post

• Defined contribution pension scheme.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefit
• Additional Annual leave days
• Comprehensive annual CPD schedule
• Financial support for further education
• Staff parking

Please forward your completed application form by post to: HR Department, Childhood Matters, Blackrock, Cork or email hr@childhood-matters.ie

15.07.2026

14.08.2026

TBD

Working Pattern

·         Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

·         CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

·         Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

·         The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

·         Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

·         Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 12-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety respite is incorporated into this project. We are expanding this service into County Kerry and are recruiting for this MDT.

·         Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

·         Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

·         Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

·         Estuary Way: A new trauma-informed supported accommodation service providing integrated housing and wraparound supports for young adults transitioning to independent living.

·         Child Court Advocate: Independent advocacy and court accompaniment service supporting children and young people to navigate legal proceedings in a safe, child-centered, and trauma-informed manner.

Purpose of Role:

Reporting Relationship

The successful candidate will report to the Service Manager

 
Key Duties and Responsibilities

•         Provide one-to-one support, brief interventions and care pathway navigation for residents experiencing substance use difficulties.

•         Deliver age-appropriate group programmes on substance use, sexual health, consent and healthy relationships.

•         Develop referral pathways with HSE addiction services, sexual health clinics and community organisations.

•         Contribute to risk assessment, support planning and MDT reviews.

•         Support staff training and policy development in addiction and sexual health.

•         Maintain records and contribute to outcome measurement.

•         Undertake such other duties as may reasonably be assigned, consistent with the grade and purpose of the post. This job description will be reviewed during the pilot phase as the service develops.

Person Specification – Essential

•         Relevant qualification in addiction studies, health promotion, nursing, social care or related discipline.

•         Experience delivering addiction or sexual health interventions with young people or marginalised groups.

•         Knowledge of harm reduction approaches and local service pathways.

•         Non-judgemental, engaging facilitation style.

Person Specification – Desirable

•         Training in motivational interviewing, SAOR or CRAFT.

•         Experience in homeless services.

Tenure : The current vacancy available is a permanent, Part-Time post 0.6WTE

•           Enhanced maternity and paternity benefit

•           Additional Annual leave days

•           Comprehensive annual CPD schedule

•           Financial support for further education

Application Form Only – CV’s will not be accepted (Download Application Form)

Application form available at:  https://childhood-matters.ie/

04.08.2026

 04.09.2026  5pm

 TBD

· Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

· CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

· Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

· The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

· Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

· Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 12-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety respite is incorporated into this project. We are expanding this service into County Kerry and are recruiting for an emergency place of safety in Mallow.  This is a temporary 2 bed residential unit to provide a residential support to Young people across the 2 counties. This is in addition to our existing 2 bed house in Cork City.

· Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

· Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

· Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

Purpose of Role:

The Placement Support Project supports families where children under age 18 are on the edge of care or their care placement is at risk of breakdown.

The service engages with Tusla and professional networks to provide intensive support to children and their carers both in clinic and in the community. The service also provides emergency respite to a small number of young people.

The successful candidates for this role will form part of the Social Care/Residential team providing 24 hour care and support to Young people on a temporary basis in a 2 bed residential unit. This role is essential in meeting the needs of young people who are on the edge of care, where placements have broken down or are in need of emergency respite. The service must comply with ACIMS registration requirements and is also supported by the wider Placement Support Community Team.

Working with Children/Young People/Families

· To work as a member of a residential team, providing high-quality Social Care to children in care or on the edge of care in a residential setting.

· To support trauma-informed practices within the team.

· To be responsible for developing individual care plans, and manage the day to day needs of our clients within the bounds of the service’s operational policies.

· To provide emotional and practical support to our young people, and advocate for their needs.

· Foster a safe, protective environment for young people and manage their needs effectively

· Facilitate engagement in educational, recreational and social participation.

· Promote an effective and productive team ethos, fostering our Childhood Matters trauma-informed and trauma-responsive approach at all times.

· To participate in the development and implementation of care plans and tailored interventions and to ensure appropriate recording of same.

• To promote the rights and responsibilities of each child/young person within the service.

• To liaise with the parent, family, services and other agencies on behalf of the client.

• Adhere to all regulations governing the care of children in a residential setting.

Administration and Accountability

• To attend team meeting/handovers and to report to the Clinical Lead/ Service Manager on matters affecting the delivery of service.

• To provide written documentation on a regular basis on casework.

• Reporting and recording any incidents, that may happen to the / children and their families or are caused by them.

• Ensure Child protection procedures are followed.

• To implement the Childhood Matters procedures and policies.

• To undertake ongoing professional training and development.

• To attend regular supervision with the designated supervisor.

• To perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Team Work /Training & Professional Development

• Work collaboratively with a team to provide trauma responsive interventions and evidence-based practice.

• Participate in further training and development as required.

• Working with other professionals and external stakeholders

• Participate in regular team meetings, reflective practice, complex case discussions etc

• Be responsible for own health and wellbeing in order to carry out the duties of the role / is committed to managing own work / life balance.

• Keep abreast of governance standards of care for children in residential units.

Health & Safety

· Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

Minimum of NFQ Level7/ 8 qualification in Social Care or hold a relevant qualification in one of  the following disciplines;

· QQI Level 7 in Psychology

· QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy

· QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Counselling / Psychotherapy

· QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Addiction Counselling

· QQI Level 7 in Youth and Community or similar

· QQI Level 7 in Social Science / Social Studies

· QQI Level 7 in Family Support

· Professional Qualification in Teaching (Not TEFL)

· Professional Qualification in Nursing Studies

· QQI Level 7 in Disability Studies

· QQI Level 7 in Applied Behavioural Analysis

· BA in Applied Policing or equivalent

· Holder of Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) or equivalent

· For applicants awaiting CORU registration for Social Care Work, please indicate status of your application.

· A full clean driver’s license

Experience;

 Practice in Social Care Work or its equivalent and experience as a Social Care Worker with young people and families.

Skills, knowledge and abilities;

• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a Residential Team with support from a wider Multi-disciplinary Team

• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics

• Understanding of Trauma-informed practices, best practice and issues relevant to working with children in care.

• Ability to network, develop links and engage with statutory sector and local community

• Strong communication, IT and report writing skills

• Adaptable and flexible with regard to service development and working hours

Desirable

· CORU Registered

· Knowledge of models such as Signs of Safety, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention

· Group work with children and families

· Experience of working therapeutically with clients

· Experience of legal responsibilities with regard to child protection and child care

· Experience in home visiting

· Knowledge and Training in Trauma informed Care approaches, risk assessment, care planning.

Aligned with the June 2026, HSE Social Care Worker Salary Scale.

Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum point of the scale and will not be subject to negotiation.

• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefit

• Additional Annual leave days

• Comprehensive annual CPD schedule

• Financial support for further education

Please forward your completed application form by post to: HR Department, Childhood Matters, Blackrock, Cork or email hr@childhood-matters.ie

15.07.2026

TBD

Working Pattern

· Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

· CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

· Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

· The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

· Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

· Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 12-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety respite is incorporated into this project. We are expanding this service into County Kerry and are recruiting for this MDT.

· Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

· Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

· Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

· Estuary Way: A new trauma-informed supported accommodation service providing integrated housing and wraparound supports for young adults transitioning to independent living.

· Child Court Advocate: Independent advocacy and court accompaniment service supporting children and young people to navigate legal proceedings in a safe, child-centered, and trauma-informed manner.

Purpose of Role:

Reporting Relationship

The successful candidate will report to the Service Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

• Deputise fully for the Service Manager in their absence, including clinical escalation.

• Share, with the Service Manager, a rolling seven-day managerial roster ensuring on-site management presence every day of the week; when not rostered on duty, provide out-of-hours on-call management cover on a rotational basis.

• Manage the social care worker and key worker team, including rostering of the 24/7 staffing model, supervision, performance management and professional development.

• Lead the coordination of resident education, training and employment pathways, including referral, attendance monitoring and progression planning across the Leaving Certificate Completion Programme and Community Employment Scheme.

• Provide line management oversight to the Pathways Co-ordinator and act as the principal liaison between Estuary Way and Childhood Matters’ young people and adult services.

• Liaise with Cork ETB, the Department of Social Protection and adult education providers in respect of programme planning, eligibility and progression routes.

• Oversee individual support planning, key working standards and case file management (including PASS-format support plans).

• Chair weekly team meetings and contribute to multidisciplinary case reviews and reflective practice.

• Manage incidents, complaints and safeguarding concerns in line with policy, escalating as appropriate.

• Contribute to KPI reporting, including annual reporting on resident progression to education and employment programmes.

• Promote a psychologically informed, restorative and youth co-designed service culture.

• Undertake such other duties as may reasonably be assigned, consistent with the grade and purpose of the post. This job description will be reviewed during the pilot phase as the service develops

Eligibility Criteria / Qualifications

Applicants must, by the closing date for applications, possess:

Essential Criteria

• Recognised qualification in social care (minimum Level 7, ideally Level 8) or equivalent relevant professional qualification; eligibility for CORU social care worker registration.

• Minimum of five years’ relevant experience, including at least two years in a supervisory or management role in residential, homeless, aftercare or youth services.

• Demonstrated experience of managing staff teams and 24/7 rosters.

• Knowledge of further education, training and employment pathways for early school leavers and young adults (e.g. QQI, Leaving Certificate provision, Community Employment, apprenticeships).

• Strong case management, safeguarding and risk assessment skills.

• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and written communication skills.

• Availability to work a seven-day managerial roster (shared with the Service Manager) and to participate in the out-of-hours on-call rota.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of interagency working with ETBs, the Department of Social Protection, Tusla or the HSE.

• Management or supervision qualification.

• Experience in trauma-informed or PIE services.

Tenure : The current vacancy available is a permanent, Full-Time post 1.0WTE

Annual leave entitlement is 25 days

A probationary period of 6 months will apply

• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefit

• Additional Annual leave days

• Comprehensive annual CPD schedule

• Financial support for further education

Application form available on our website – careers section, at:  https://childhood-matters.ie/

Applications to be sent by post to HR Dept, Childhood Matters, Blackrock, Cork, T12CRA0

Or email to recruitment@childhood-matters.ie

Interviews dates to be decided

may be subject to change based on volume of candidates and availability of Service resources

· Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

· CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

· Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

· The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

· Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

· Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 10-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety (EPOS) and Aftercare is incorporated into this project

· Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

· Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

· Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long-term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

· Estuary Way: A new trauma-informed supported accommodation service providing integrated housing and wraparound supports for young adults transitioning to independent living.

· Child Court Advocate: Independent advocacy and court accompaniment service supporting children and young people to navigate legal proceedings in a safe, child-centered, and trauma-informed manner.

Purpose of Role:

• Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver practical ‘hurdle help’ — supporting residents with appointments, routines, budgeting, cooking, tenancy skills and engagement with services.

• Implement individual support plans and contribute to their review; record progress accurately.

• Support residents’ participation in education, training, employment and evening/weekend activities.

• Respond to incidents calmly and safely in line with policy, including de-escalation and restorative approaches.

• Work the 24/7 roster, including waking nights/sleepovers as assigned; complete handovers and daily logs.

• Build positive, boundaried relationships with residents consistent with trauma-informed and PIE principles.

• Contribute to a safe, welcoming campus environment and to communal activities, including those developed through the Working Assets Initiative.

• Undertake such other duties as may reasonably be assigned, consistent with the grade and purpose of the post. This job description will be reviewed during the pilot phase as the service develops.

Experience in child protection/welfare, aftercare, homelessness or adult safeguarding.

· Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and policy, including the Child Care Acts, aftercare provisions and the Revised Protocol on Young People Leaving State Care.

· Excellent assessment, report writing and interagency skills.

Person Requirement

· Experience of court work.

Working hours are: 36 and flexibility to undertake additional hours when reasonably required.

 A 6-Month Probation Period applies to this post

• Defined contribution pension scheme.

• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefit

• Additional Annual leave days

• Comprehensive annual CPD schedule

• Financial support for further education

• Staff parking

AVAILABLE AT  https://childhood-matters.ie/

·         Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

·         CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

·         Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

·         The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

·         Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

·         Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 10-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety (EPOS) and Aftercare is incorporated into this project

·         Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

·         Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

·         Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

Purpose of Role:

The relief role is across two services; the Parent and Infant unit and the EPOS residential House.

The Parent and Infant Unit is a residential support and assessment service for parents with infant children. While living on the unit, parents take part in a parenting assessment while also engaging in a programme of therapeutic support and key working tailored to meet their individual needs. The Social Care team provide assistance, developmental guidance and monitoring to each of the families though their residential bespoke placement.

The EPOS supports families where children under age 18 are on the edge of care or their care placement is at risk of breakdown.

The service engages with Tusla and professional networks to provide intensive support to children and their carers both in clinic and in the community. The service also provides emergency respite to a small number of young people.

•         Support, understand, and record parents’ ability to meet the emotional, physical and basic care needs of their children whilst working according to psychologically-informed care plans

•         Understand, support and engage with young people out of home, offering them care and boundaries relevant to their age and stage of development

•         Work in partnership with our multidisciplinary team in the development and progression of individualised care plan for clients

•         Impart formal and informal feedback aimed to help parents adjust to parenthood and develop their parenting skills and emotional connection with their child(ren)

•         Undertake assigned parenting development intervention to include group play, baby sensory work, parenting demonstration, psychoeducation on developmental awareness/attachment/mentalizing capacity

•         Work in partnership with the wider team in the context of understanding resident adults, infants, children and adolescents

•         To provide childcare for children

•         Contribute toward trauma informed working environment for both clients and colleagues

•         Demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm to developing skillset in niche area of service provision within Irish context though ongoing professional development and reflective supervision

•         Contribute to team discussions and Actively participate in team meetings.

•         Cleaning duties

•         To make written logs on a regular basis on the progress of development of the children and their families.

•         Reporting and recording any incidents, that may happen to the / children and their families or are caused by them.

•         Ensure Child protection procedures are followed

•         To keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.

•         To implement the Childhood Matters procedures and policies.

•         To undertake ongoing professional training and development.

•         To attend regular supervision with the designated supervisor.

•         To perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Team Work /Training & Professional Development

•         Participate in working within a team centered consistent approach.

•         Participate in further training and development as required.

•         Working with other professionals and external stakeholders

•         Participate in regular team meetings, reflective practice, complex case discussions etc Engage in reflective and evidence-based practice.

•         Be responsible for own health and wellbeing in order to carry out the duties of the role / is committed to managing own work / life balance.

•         Keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.

Health & Safety

·         Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

·         Minimum of NFQ Level 5 qualification social care, social science, Early Years, psychotherapy, Counselling, Psychology or equivalent is required.

·         Verification of garda Clearance

·         Validation of three references.

Experience;

•         Experience of working therapeutically with clients

•         Experience in conflict resolution mediation

•         Experience in lone working

•         Experienced in record keeping and report writing

Skills, knowledge and abilities;

•         Ability to work in a people centered and needs led manner

•         Knowledge of child development and family dynamics

•         Understanding of the relevant legislation, best practice and issues relevant to the area of Children’s services and Family Support

•         Excellent communication, IT and report writing skills

•         Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

•         Adaptable and flexible with regard to service development and working hours

Desirable

•         Experience of legal responsibilities with regard to child protection and child care

•         Knowledge around Trauma informed Care approaches

•         Trained in Parenting Programmes or other relevant trainings to the post

•         A full clean driver’s license

•           Comprehensive annual CPD schedule

•           Staff parking

Application Form Only – CV’s will not be accepted(Download Application Form)

–       may be subject to change based on volume of candidates and availability of Service resources.

·         Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

·         CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

·         Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

·         The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

·         Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

·         Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 12-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety respite is incorporated into this project. We are expanding this service into County Kerry and are recruiting for this MDT.

·         Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

·         Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

·         Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

Purpose of Role:

The Placement Support Project supports families where children under age 18 are on the edge of care or their care placement is at risk of breakdown.

The service engages with Tusla and professional networks to provide intensive support to children and their carers both in clinic and in the community. The service also provides emergency respite to a small number of young people.

The successful candidate/s will play a key role in contributing to MDT discussions of each child or family’s needs as well as those of the system around them, formulating the presenting difficulties and considering appropriate intervention. The clinician/s joining our organisation will provide both direct and indirect therapeutic input. They will liaise with partner agencies and endeavour to achieve positive outcomes for children in care, or on the edge of care, and their carers, working to build/restore placement stability and enhance key relationships in the child’s family/support network.

Working with Children/Young People/Families

·         To work as a member of a residential team, providing high-quality Social Care to children in care or on the edge of care in a residential setting.

·         To support trauma-informed practices within the team.

·         To be responsible for developing individual care plans, and manage the day to day needs of our clients within the bounds of the service’s operational policies.

·         To provide emotional and practical support to our young people, and advocate for their needs.

·         Foster a safe, protective environment for young people and manage their needs effectively

·         Facilitate engagement in educational, recreational and social participation.

·         Promote an effective and productive team ethos, fostering our Childhood Matters trauma-informed and trauma-responsive approach at all times.

·         To participate in the development and implementation of care plans and tailored interventions and to ensure appropriate recording of same.

•         To promote the rights and responsibilities of each child/young person within the service.

•         To liaise with the parent, family, services and other agencies on behalf of the client.

•         Adhere to all regulations governing the care of children in a residential setting.

Administration and Accountability

•         To attend team meeting/handovers and to report to the Clinical Lead/ Service Manager on matters affecting the delivery of service.

•         To provide written documentation on a regular basis on casework.

•         Reporting and recording any incidents, that may happen to the / children and their families or are caused by them.

•         Ensure Child protection procedures are followed.

•         To implement the Childhood Matters procedures and policies.

•         To undertake ongoing professional training and development.

•         To attend regular supervision with the designated supervisor.

•         To perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Team Work /Training & Professional Development

•         Work collaboratively with a team to provide trauma responsive interventions and evidence-based practice.

•         Participate in further training and development as required.

•         Working with other professionals and external stakeholders

•         Participate in regular team meetings, reflective practice, complex case discussions etc

•         Be responsible for own health and wellbeing in order to carry out the duties of the role / is committed to managing own work / life balance.

•         Keep abreast of governance standards of care for children in residential units.

Health & Safety

·         Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

Minimum of NFQ Level7/ 8 qualification in Social Care or hold a relevant qualification in one of  the following disciplines;

·         QQI Level 7 in Psychology

·         QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy

·         QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Counselling / Psychotherapy

·         QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Addiction Counselling

·         QQI Level 7 in Youth and Community or similar

·         QQI Level 7 in Social Science / Social Studies

·         QQI Level 7 in Family Support

·         Professional Qualification in Teaching (Not TEFL)

·         Professional Qualification in Nursing Studies

·         QQI Level 7 in Disability Studies

·         QQI Level 7 in Applied Behavioural Analysis

·         BA in Applied Policing or equivalent

·         Holder of Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) or equivalent

·         For applicants awaiting CORU registration for Social Care Work, please indicate status of your application.

·         A full clean driver’s license

Experience;

 Practice in Social Care Work or its equivalent and experience as a Social Care Worker with young people and families.

Skills, knowledge and abilities;

•         Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a Residential Team with support from a wider Multi-disciplinary Team

•         Knowledge of child development and family dynamics

•         Understanding of Trauma-informed practices, best practice and issues relevant to working with children in care.

•         Ability to network, develop links and engage with statutory sector and local community

•         Strong communication, IT and report writing skills

•         Adaptable and flexible with regard to service development and working hours

Desirable

·         CORU Registered

·         Knowledge of models such as Signs of Safety, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention

·         Group work with children and families

·         Experience of working therapeutically with clients

·         Experience of legal responsibilities with regard to child protection and child care

·         Experience in home visiting

·         Knowledge and Training in Trauma informed Care approaches, risk assessment, care planning.

Aligned with the HSE Social Care Work Salary Scale October 2024.

Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum point of the scale and will not be subject to negotiation.

•           Enhanced maternity and paternity benefit

•           Additional Annual leave days

•           Comprehensive annual CPD schedule

•           Financial support for further education