Residential Care Manager

Meath, louth, Ireland Posted on 01/30/2026

Location: Meath / Louth Reports to: Director of Services

Role Purpose

The Residential Care Manager will have overall responsibility for the effective leadership and management of a Children's Residential Care Centre, ensuring the provision of a safe, nurturing and stable environment for young people in care. The role requires strong regulatory knowledge, people leadership capability and a child-centred approach aligned with best practice and statutory requirements.

Key Responsibilities Leadership & Care Delivery

• Create, maintain and promote a safe, caring and stable environment for young people within the centre
• Lead the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed care in line with each young person's individual needs
• Ensure care programmes are developed in consultation with social work teams, implemented effectively and regularly reviewed
• Promote the rights, responsibilities and participation of young people within the service
• Plan for each young person's future in collaboration with the young person, families, social workers and relevant agencies

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Manage the centre in accordance with the Child Care Act 1991, National Standards for Children's Residential Centres, Children First Guidelines and all relevant legislation
• Ensure policies, procedures and health & safety documentation are in place, understood and adhered to by all staff
• Maintain robust child protection, safeguarding and incident-reporting procedures
• Ensure an effective complaints process is in place and clearly communicated to young people, families, staff and external stakeholders
• Ensure accurate, timely and professional record-keeping is maintained and available for inspection by regulatory authorities

Care Planning & Service Agreements

• Ensure each young person has an up-to-date care plan and placement plan developed in consultation with the social worker, key worker and the young person
• Ensure service agreements clearly outline roles, responsibilities, placement duration, review dates, and admission/discharge procedures
• Monitor and review placement outcomes and ensure appropriate supports are in place

People Management & Staffing

• Recruit, manage and retain suitably qualified staff to ensure safe and adequate staffing levels at all times
• Ensure all staff have valid Garda Vetting, references and required qualifications prior to commencing employment
• Provide regular supervision, support and performance management to staff
• Lead, motivate and support staff in managing challenging behaviours, key working and emotional regulation
• Ensure staff training and development needs are identified and addressed
• Maintain staff records confidentially in line with employment legislation
• Oversee rotas, payroll returns and general administrative requirements
• Manage centre budgets and ensure young people have access to appropriate funding for clothing, activities, education and additional supports
• Ensure effective systems are in place for financial oversight and accountability

On-Call & Emergency Support

• Participate in an on-call rota, providing guidance and support to staff outside normal working hours
• Be available to respond to emergencies and critical incidents as required

Facilities & Health & Safety

• Ensure the centre, furnishings, equipment and grounds are maintained to a high standard
• Ensure compliance with fire safety, health and safety legislation and risk-management procedures
• Regularly review practices impacting the safety and welfare of staff and young people

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Social Care, Social Work, Youth Work or a related discipline (CORU registration where applicable)
• Significant experience in children's residential care, including management or senior leadership level
• Strong knowledge of Irish childcare legislation and regulatory standards
• Proven people-management and leadership capability
• Excellent organisational, communication and decision-making skills
• Full driving licence
• Experience working with Tusla and external regulatory bodies
• Postgraduate qualification in management or leadership

Additional Information

This role requires flexibility, resilience and a strong commitment to safeguarding and best practice. The duties outlined above are not exhaustive and may be reviewed in line with service needs.