Senior Social Care Worker / Team Lead

Job Description - Senior Social Care Worker / Team Lead Location: The Bungalow, Swellan, Cavan. H12 VW21.

Services: Disability Residential Community - Adults

Contract Hrs: 84 hours per fortnight

Contract Type: Full-time & Permanent

Reporting to: Service manager - PIC

Salary Scale: Starting from €40,351 pro rata per annum based on working an 84-hour fortnight.

About Inclusive Living The values and vision of Inclusive Living are built on three simple promises:

• To promote independence
• To protect individuals
• To uphold integrity in all that we do.

We are a rights-based, neuroaffirmative, and trauma-informed service supporting adults with complex needs, including intellectual and physical disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injuries.

Guided by the social model of disability, we believe people are disabled not by their differences, but by societal barriers. Our work centres on trust, co-regulation, and authentic human connection.

We don't just provide care - we build relationships, promote independence, protect individuals, and uphold integrity in everything we do.

Overall Purpose of the Role The Team Lead will oversee the daily operations of the centre, reporting to the Person in Charge (Manager) and acting as their deputy when required.

The role involves ensuring full compliance with HIQA/HSE standards, while implementing Inclusive Living's policies to promote best practice in disability services. Key responsibilities include working in a person-centred way with service users, in line with Inclusive Living's values, and in collaboration with families, the MDT, and other relevant bodies. The Team Lead will ensure a safe, effective service, support staff development and supervision, set standards, facilitate communication, manage staff teams, and monitor risk and safeguarding. Standard setting, facilitating communication, managing staff teams, monitoring of risk and safeguarding.

Duties and responsibilities Professional & Regulatory

• Support person-centred planning, case reviews, and relevant meetings.
• Assist keyworkers in coordinating care plans, advocating for individuals, liaising with services, and offering emotional support.
• Promote active community involvement including access education and employment in line with residents' preferences.
• Develop and monitor communication passports based on assessed needs.
• Support residents attending appointments and communicate outcomes to PIC or other relevant professionals in keeping with resident's wishes.
• Facilitate weekly residents' meetings.
• Ensure staff follow individual risk assessments and care plans.
• Assist with intimate care in accordance with personal care plans.
• Support daily living needs including meals, medication, and routine tasks.
• Conduct financial and medication assessments with service users.
• Promote self-care education for residents to enhance independence and skills.
• Maintain accurate records for service users and staff, ensuring compliance with HIQA and legislation.
• Collaborate with families, carers, MDTs, and external agencies to deliver person centred care.
• Uphold dignity and respect for all service users and staff.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and stay informed of HIQA standards.
• Contribute to the development of care protocols and guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical and legal standards.
• Operate within the Scope of Practice and seek guidance when needed.
• Manage complaints in a timely manner in line with procedures.
• Maintain clear communication with management and follow escalation protocols.
• Participate in an on call rota outside normal working hours

Health and Safety

• Key role in maintaining a safe environment for service users, staff, and visitors through daily inspections, adherence to cleaning protocols, and regular audits.
• Support the implementation of Health & Safety, Infection Control, and Medication Management and other policies and procedures.
• Identify, report, and act on any issues affecting service user wellbeing or care delivery.
• Ensure team members understand and fulfil their roles in health and safety management.

Leadership & Supervision

• Provide leadership, supervision, and ongoing support to the team.
• Promote a workplace culture of respect, inclusion, and diversity.
• Encourage team cohesion to achieve shared goals.
• Lead and implement change management to support continuous improvement.
• Oversee staff supervision and performance management.
• Champion national and local procedures to ensure consistent service quality and staff development.
• Support service development and initiatives to meet evolving needs of service users and funders.
• Maintain strong links with community services and ensure effective reporting when required.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, keeping teams informed and encouraging collaboration.

Training and Development

• Identify training needs and ensure support staff complete all mandatory training as outlined by Inclusive Living.
• Champion continuous upskilling to empower staff in their roles.
• Monitor care and practice standards, addressing performance issues with the team as needed.
• Stay informed of legislative changes across the Health, Disability, and Health & Safety sectors.

Personal and administrative

• Demonstrate skills of policy development and implementation of Inclusive Living policies and innovative service models.
• Coordinate staff to ensure efficient delivery of assigned duties, activities, and programmes.
• Maintain clinical and administrative records and assist other departments with data collection for quality assurance.
• Prepare service-related reports as requested.
• Ensure staff rotas are planned, up to date, and available for inspection.

This description is not restrictive, and the post holder may be required to carry out other duties as requested by the manager for the centre.

Skills needed for the role Candidates must be able to:

• Foster professional relationships and effective teamwork.
• Provide staff supervision and support development.
• Demonstrate experience in supporting vulnerable persons.
• Show leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to self-development.
• Communicate clearly and effectively.
• Apply relevant IT skills confidently.
• Exhibit resilience and composure under pressure.
• Uphold strong person-centred work practices.
• Work independently while recognising when to seek support.

Qualifications and Experience

• All applicants must be CORU registered as Social Care Workers or have their application for registration submitted.
• An appropriate third-level qualification in Social Care.
• Previous experience of working in the social care field.
• A full driving licence is desirable.

Benefits of Working with Inclusive Living

• Competitive Salary
• Competitive annual leave entitlement
• A comprehensive training and induction programme
• Opportunities for career progression
• Pension Scheme
• Health Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Regular supervision and ongoing professional development opportunities
• On-site parking

Terms & Conditions Responsible to: Service Manager - Person in Charge

Probation: A probationary period of six months applies to this post.

Salary: 12-point scale starting from €40,351 pro rata per annum based on working an 84-hour fortnight.

Working Hours: 84 hours per fortnight on a 7-day roster. Details of starting and finishing times, which may vary in accordance with Service needs, will be notified to you by your Service Manager. There will be times when you will be required to work outside of the normal office hours.

Annual leave: Annual leave entitlement is between 20 days dependent on experience pro rata per annum and proportionately less for less than 12 months service.

Pension Scheme: Inclusive Living operates a contributory pension scheme.

Medical: The successful candidate will be required to complete a medical declaration and may be required to obtain medical examination.

Garda Clearance: These will be required for all prospective employees who will undertake relevant work or activities relating to children or vulnerable persons.

Sick Pay: All periods of sickness exceeding two days must be medically certified. Weekly medical certificates are required thereafter. The Company reserves the right to have you examined by its own Doctor after 3 months continuous sick leave

References: Two professional references are required for successful candidate one of which must be from the candidates last employer.

Selection Process

• Shortlisting of candidates, based on the information contained in their application and assessment of competencies detailed in respect of the role.
• In Person Interview: A face to face meeting to assess suitability for the position.
• A secondary interview to further explore qualifications or clarify any outstanding questions.

Inclusive Living is an equal opportunities employer.