Relief Social Care Worker

Misty Croft, a company within the Daffodil Care Group is hiring Relief Social Care Workers for our residential based services for separated children seeking international protection. Our residential centres are based in South Dublin & Wicklow.

Who we are -

Misty Croft was established to provide high quality residential based and ancillary services to young people, providing residential services to young people seeking international protection. We are committed to working intensively with young people & support networks through a clearly identified model of care, where reflective practice is at the core of all engagements.

We promote the values of therapeutic child and youth care engagement in a safe environment where the young person is at the centre of all planning, all activities, all decision-making, all interventions, and all review processes.

Separated children seeking international protection are aged under 18, are outside their country of origin, who may be in need of international protection and are separated from their parents or their legal/customary care giver.

Many of these children may have high levels of vulnerability and have experienced significant trauma.

As a Relief Social Care Worker and working as part of a team you will be responsible for the day-to-day activities in the residential centre and work in close collaboration with the Social Care Team Leader and Social Care Manager in creating and maintaining a warm, accepting and secure environment for the young people in your care and will play a key role in the delivery of the highest standard of therapeutic residential services.

• Combination of shifts patterns i.e. sleepover shifts with opportunity of additional day shifts
• Continued professional development

Qualifications & Experience

Candidates with a variety of social care related qualifications from Level 6, Level 7 or Level 8 achieved in Ireland and Internationally are invited to apply.

Qualification (degree) or above in one of the following:

• QQI Level 8 in Psychology
• QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy
• QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Counselling / Psychotherapy
• QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Addiction Counselling
• QQI Level 7 in Youth and Community or similar
• QQI Level 7 in Social Science / Social Studies
• QQI Level 7 in Family Support
• Professional Qualification in Teaching (Not TEFL)
• Professional Qualification in Nursing Studies
• QQI Level 7 in Disability Studies
• QQI Level 7 in Applied Behavioural Analysis
• BA in Applied Policing or equivalent
• Holder of Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) or equivalent

Or

QQI Level 6 qualification with a minimum of 2 years' experience working with children and young people in a social care setting.

• Knowledge of child safeguarding and reporting responsibilities
• Knowledge of relevant childcare legislation, National Standards for Children's Residential Centres
• Good report writing skills
• Knowledge/experience of working with people from culturally diverse backgrounds is an advantage

A full Irish driving license is a mandatory requirement for this role.

At Misty Croft, we promote the professional and personal development of each team member. With a clear focus on our ethos and therapeutic approach, we provide for significant investment in our people, who in turn through their professionalism and commitment greatly enhance the experience and outcomes for our service users.

Skills Needed

Founded in the early 2000s, Daffodil Care Group has established a strong reputation across Ireland through its specialised services delivered via Daffodil Care Services, Misty Croft, and ARCS. The Group provides a continuum of care, including residential homes, semi-independent living, and community outreach tailored for children and young people with disabilities or autism. Emphasising therapeutic and educational support, Daffodil Care Group designs individual care plans that encourage growth, resilience, and independence. With multidisciplinary teams, the Group consistently delivers high-quality service through ongoing training and a supportive work environment. Ambitious professionals joining the Group can expect a rewarding career helping young lives and contributing to meaningful outcomes in a stable and growing organisation.

Daffodil Care Group nurtures a culture rooted in empathy, collaboration, and professional growth. Team members work in close-knit units where open communication, shared learning, and mutual support are encouraged. The Group values lived experience and therapeutic expertise, with staff empowered to reflect, innovate, and continuously improve practices. Regular supervision and team-building enrich the work environment, helping employees thrive personally and professionally. With respect for individual contributions and an emphasis on staff wellbeing, Daffodil Care Group provides a supportive, inclusive workplace where dedication to young people's welfare is central to every decision and success is celebrated collectively.

Daffodil Care Group offers a compelling benefits package designed to attract and retain talented care professionals. Starting salaries for Social Care Workers range from €38,900 to €42,900, while Social Care Leaders earn between €44,400 and €46,800 annually—both including sleeping-time premiums and incremental pay scales. Staff receive paid core training, health insurance, maternity cover, life assurance, and access to a company pension scheme. Employees benefit from free professional development opportunities, including leadership courses and educational grants, alongside clear career progression pathways. The Group also organises team-building activities, staff social events, and a refer-a-friend bonus programme. With a strong focus on growth, support, and wellbeing, Daffodil Care Group ensures its workforce remains valued and motivated.

Vacation, Paid time off, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee development programs, Referral bonus, Competitive salary, Long service recognition, Social Opportunities, Annual performance review, Culture of recognition, On the job learning, Progression opportunities, Staff celebration events

€15.70 per hour