Social Care Worker / Activity Therapist - Children's Residential Care

Social Care Worker / Activity Therapist - Children's Residential Care

Location: Mitchelstown, Co. Cork
Salary: €19.82 per hour (approximately €38,000-€39,000 per annum)
Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent (subject to confirmation)
Hours: 40 hours per week, across 4 days

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a compassionate, enthusiastic and dedicated Social Care Worker / Activity Therapist to join an established children's residential care service in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork.

Our client provides a safe, supportive and nurturing home environment for young people, with a strong focus on therapeutic care, personal development, emotional wellbeing and positive outcomes.

Based in a small residential home, you will work closely with young people and a multidisciplinary care team to provide individualised support, encourage independence and help young people reach their full potential.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Social Care graduate or suitably qualified professional who is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide person-centred, therapeutic support to young people in a residential care setting.
• Build positive, trusting and supportive relationships with young people.
• Support the implementation of individual care plans and therapeutic interventions.
• Plan and participate in recreational, educational and community-based activities.
• Encourage independence, emotional wellbeing, resilience and positive social development.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, key workers, families and external professionals.
• Support the daily running of the residential home, including household activities and routines.
• Maintain accurate care records, reports and documentation.
• Ensure safeguarding, child protection and health and safety procedures are followed.
• Promote a safe, welcoming and family-style environment.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum QQI Level 7 degree in Social Care or a relevant discipline.
• Applications are also welcomed from graduates in Psychology, Social Work, Social Studies, Addiction Studies or closely related fields.
• CORU registration, where applicable, or eligibility for registration is advantageous.
• Full, clean driving licence is essential, due to the rural location.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A genuine passion for working with children and young people.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Flexibility to work a rotating roster, including alternate weekends.
• Successful completion of all required background checks and vetting.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience working in children's residential care or a similar setting.
• Knowledge of Irish Residential Care Standards and child protection legislation.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, attachment theory and therapeutic approaches.
• Experience supporting young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties.
• Interest in outdoor activities, sports, recreation and experiential learning.

Working Hours & Salary

• €19.82 per hour.
• 40 hours per week, typically across 4 days.
• Rotating shifts between 7:00am and 10:00pm.
• Every second weekend, working either Saturday or Sunday as part of the four-day roster.
• Overnight sleepover shifts are generally not required, except occasionally to provide cover during staff leave.

Training & Development

The organisation provides comprehensive training, including:

• Children's First and Child Protection
• Therapeutic Care and Social Pedagogy
• First Aid and Fire Safety
• Manual Handling
• Medication Administration
• Safeguarding and relevant professional development

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to make a genuine difference in young people's lives.
• Supportive and collaborative residential care team.
• Structured four-day working week.
• Comprehensive employer-provided training.
• Opportunity to develop experience in therapeutic residential childcare.
• Rewarding role within an established care organisation.

Apply Today

If you are a qualified Social Care professional or a graduate from a relevant discipline looking for a rewarding opportunity in children's residential care, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today with your updated CV to learn more about this opportunity in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork.