Manager – Estuary Way

About Childhood Matters

Childhood Matters is a not-for-profit organisation committed to improving developmental and life outcomes for children, young people and families.

We provide a range of specialist services, underpinned by evidence-based, trauma-informed and therapeutic practices. We are committed to delivering high-quality services while creating a supportive working environment for our employees through regular supervision, reflective practice, professional development and ongoing training opportunities.

About Estuary Way

Estuary Way is a trauma-informed supported accommodation service providing integrated housing and wraparound supports for young adults transitioning towards independent living.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Manager to lead the day-to-day operational management and development of the Estuary Way service.

Reporting directly to the Head of Young Person and Adult Services, the successful candidate will have responsibility for the operational running of the service, including staff management, service delivery, safeguarding, quality assurance and oversight of resident support planning.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced social care professional with strong leadership and management experience to take ownership of a developing service and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young adults.

Position: Manager, Estuary Way

Location: Childhood Matters, Estuary Way, Mahon, Cork.

Department: Estuary Way

Reporting to: Head of Young Person and Adult Services.

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (1.0 WTE).

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week.

Working Pattern: Seven-day managerial roster, including weekend duties and participation in the management on-call rota.

Salary: Aligned with HSE Consolidated Pay Scale, June 2026 – Social Care Manager 3.

Annual Leave: 25 days, with additional annual leave benefits.

Probation: Six months.

Download Application Form: 2. Application Form_Manager, Estuary Way

The Manager, Estuary Way will lead and manage the day-to-day operational delivery of Estuary Way, a trauma-informed supported accommodation service providing integrated housing and wraparound supports for young adults transitioning to independent living.

Reporting directly to the Head of Young Person and Adult Services, the post holder will have responsibility for the operational management, development and delivery of the service in line with organisational policies, procedures and strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the day-to-day operational management and development of Estuary Way.

• Managing the social care worker and key worker team, including staff supervision, rostering, performance management and professional development.

• Overseeing the 24/7 staffing model and participating in the seven-day managerial and out-of-hours on-call rotas.

• Overseeing resident support plans, key working standards and case file management.

• Coordinating residents’ education, training and employment pathways.

• Providing management oversight of the multidisciplinary team.

• Liaising with Cork ETB, the Department of Social Protection and relevant education providers.

• Managing incidents, complaints and safeguarding concerns.

• Contributing to service monitoring, KPI reporting and quality assurance.

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

Applicants must possess the following:

• 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.

• At least two years’ experience in a supervisory or management role within residential, homeless, aftercare or youth services.

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

• Knowledge of further education, training and employment pathways for early school leavers and young adults.

• Strong case management, safeguarding and risk assessment skills.

• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and written communication skills.

• Availability to work a seven-day managerial roster and participate in the out-of-hours on-call rota.

Desirable Requirements:

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

• Management or supervision qualification.

• Experience working in trauma-informed or psychologically informed environments (PIE).

• Leadership and Management: Ability to lead, motivate and develop a multidisciplinary team while maintaining high standards of service delivery.

• Operational Management: Strong organisational skills and experience managing staffing structures, 24/7 rosters and day-to-day service operations.

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with residents, staff and external stakeholders.

• Safeguarding and Risk Management: Strong understanding of safeguarding, incident management, risk assessment and case management.

• Planning and Coordination: Ability to coordinate resident support plans and education, training and employment pathways.

• Interagency Collaboration: Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with statutory agencies and education providers.

• Trauma-Informed Practice: Commitment to psychologically informed, restorative and youth-centred approaches.

• Quality and Accountability: Ability to monitor service performance, maintain accurate records and contribute to quality assurance and KPI reporting.

Additional Benefits:

• Defined contribution pension scheme.

• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits.

• Comprehensive annual CPD schedule.

• Financial support for further education.

• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

• Regular supervision and reflective practice.

Application Details:

• Opening date: 04 November 2026.

• Closing date: 20 November 2026.

• Completed application forms only; CVs will not be accepted.

• Applications can be submitted to recruitment@childhood-matters.ie