Pathways Ireland
The Willows
Naas Road
Newbridge
Co. Kildare
Rep. of Ireland / / Phone: 045461711
Fax: 045462296

“Taking steps towards a better future for children and families”
Job Title and Grade: / Residential Social Care Worker
Reporting Relationship: / Reports to Social Care Leader, Social Care Manager & Service Manager.
Purpose of the Post: / To provide high quality care to young people resident in Pathways Ireland and assist the manager in the overall delivery of service in your unit.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities: / General
  • To be part of a team with shared responsibility for the creation, provision and delivery of the highest level of care to the young people within the unit.
  • To contribute to the development of the unit, in the provision of a safe, stable, caring and therapeutic environment for the young people resident in the unit.
  • To prepare and maintain files and reports and other records as directed to an exceptionally high standard.
  • To assist the Manager and Social Care Leaders in providing the highest standard of care.
  • To advise the Manager and Social Care Leaders of any developments that may arise.
  • To record and report to the Manager and Social Care Leaders of any accidents/ incidents/complaints /allegations and to provide a written report on same.
  • To share in the responsibility for the maintaining a sufficiently high standard of hygiene in the centre.
  • To carry out any other duties that may be determined from time to time by the Unit Manager
Young People
  • To ensure that the rights of the young people are respected and upheld.
  • To provide a positive life experience for the young people in all aspects of their welfare.
  • To prepare written reports for reviews, case conferences or other such purpose.
  • To assist in the implementation and development of care plans and specified programmes of care for those availing of the service.
  • To participate in the development and implementation of programmes for the young people, such as personal development, interpersonal skills, social skills, problem solving skills and anger management skills.
  • To ensure the appropriate recreation activities are arranged and planned for and to participate in these activities.
  • To engage with the young people within their community and/or family setting.
  • To supervise young people on outings from the unit.
  • To ensure that activities both on site and off site involving young people are assessed in accordance with company policy before initiation.
  • To actively participate in the physical, emotional, educational and recreational development of the young people.
  • To facilitate young people in having an active role in their own care.
Colleagues and the Organisation
  • To participate and assist colleagues in the delivery of care to the young people.
  • To attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, training and induction as directed.
  • To implement and adhere to all the agency policies and procedures regarding the young people in the service. To share in those duties that are essential to the maintance of hygiene and the domestic duties required to maintain the unit in a clean and tidy environment.
  • To contribute to the promotion of good links with neighbours, local community, schools, employment schemes, clubs, local Gardai and any other appropriate body.
  • To be aware of the obligations on employees under the provisions of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
  • To administer and keep strict account of all monies administered in the unit.
  • To participate as part of a team in ensuring that adequate staffing levels are maintained at all times in the unit.

Essential Qualifications: / Candidates must possess:
An appropriate professional qualification (i.e. BA in Social Care/National Diploma in Child Care or in Applied Social Studies in Social Care or equivalent)
Or
A recognized qualification in Social Work, Nursing, Psychology or Teaching.
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge / Knowledge
  • A reasonable knowledge of the type of service provided including the type of client and care provided.
Professional Knowledge
  • Child development.
  • Behaviour management.
  • Attachment theories.
  • Leadership theories.
  • Childcare legislation.
Leadership/Team Building Skills
  • Ability to support staff in forming relationships with troubled young people.
  • Ability to contribute to the overall development of the team.
  • Ability to motivate others in a work situation.
  • Ability to remain calm and respond decisively in a crisis situation.
  • Ability to support, direct and monitor the interactions between staff and young people.
Communications and Inter-personal Skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work on own initiative.
  • Ability to engage in reflective practices
  • Ability to prepare and write clear and concise reports.
Other Requirements
  • Willingness to work shift rosters, weekends and unsocial hours.
  • Flexibility.
  • Counseling skills.
  • Recreation and leisure skills that can be used to aid their work with the young persons.
  • Computer skills.
  • Report writing skills

Other / This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.