Social Care Worker
Fulltime Position (39hrs per week)

Reports to: Orchard Fostering Team Leader

Location: Counties Cavan / Leitrim / Longford / Westmeath / Monaghan

Purpose of post:

To assist the Team Leader in achieving the aims set for the Service within organisational polices and in accordance with statutory, regulatory, and requirements. To assist the Team Leader in providing the highest possible standards of care, support, and protection for children and to co-operate fully with colleagues in achieving these objectives.

Main Duties:

1. To meet the children and young people’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs at all times.
2. To undertake social care support interventions as directed by the Team Leader and meet the specific goals of this.
3. To provide support to foster carers where a support need has been identified.
4. To work collaboratively with the different teams within the service to ensure that formal and informal support is provided as required.
5. To work in conjunction with the Team Leader in the identification of specific needs for children, young people, and foster carers.
6. To maintain records of observations and report any issues that may be of concern.
7. To ensure all professionals and individuals are kept up to date with the plans and progress of interventions.
8. To undertake access supervision, direct work, respite and educational pieces with children, young people, and foster families.
9. To plan and manage individual and group work pieces.
10. To take a flexible and creative approach to working with children, young people, and foster families.
11. To respond professionally and sensitively to children, young people, and families at all times.
12. To attend and be an active participant in multi-disciplinary meetings.
13. To advocate for the rights and needs of children, young people, and foster families within the service.
14. To undertake the lead facilitation role for children’s groups and plan appropriate activities for this.
15. To ensure all information relating to children, young people and families is kept confidential and secure at all times.
16. To keep the Support Team Leader informed of all relevant information pertaining to children, young people, and families.
17. To develop and maintain effective communication with colleagues within the team, with foster carers and external agencies.
18. To undertake responsibility for specific aspects of the service e.g. children’s health promotion, links with education, community involvement.
19. To inform the Team Leader promptly of any incidents and accidents involving children, young people, and foster carers.
20. To undertake recording of work including computerised recording in compliance with the company’s recording policy and standards.
21. To comply with Childcare legislation and regulations, child protection procedures, the requirements of the Childrens First Act 2015 and undertake mandatory Children’s First training

Key Criteria:

1. A recognised qualification in Social Care or appropriate recognised qualification through CORU.
2. Previous experience in the foster care field is desirable but not mandatory.
3. Post graduate experience of working directly with children, young people, and families.
4. Ability to build positive relationships with children, young people, and families.
5. Working knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Childcare Act 1991 and related regulations, standards, and guidance.
6. Experience of working within child protection procedures and the requirements of the Childrens First Act 2015.
7. Knowledge of theoretical frameworks underpinning work with children, young people, and families.
8. Ability to work on own initiative in a creative and flexible manner.
9. High standard of report writing skills and computer literacy.
10. Full driver’s license and access to own vehicle, as travel will be required for this post.
11. Experience of working therapeutically with children.
12. Additional training in creative and therapeutic interventions.
13. Experience of facilitation of training is desirable.
14. Must have valid Garda Clearance.
15. Must have valid Overseas Clearance if applicant lived abroad for more than 6 months.

To apply: 

Please submit a CV to Office Manager, Christine Kavanagh at christine.kavanagh@orchardfostering.ie by 2nd of April 2025. 

For any informal enquiries about the role please contact Orchard Fostering at 01 6275713.