Orchard Fostering
Social Work Team Leader (Fostering)
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Social Work Team Leader (Fostering)
Social Work Team Lead – Orchard Fostering
About the Role
Orchard Fostering is an Irish company established in 2008 that provides fostering and supported lodging services to children and young people referred to its service by TUSLA. The organisation is committed to service excellence and ensuring the best outcomes for children and young people in its care.
We are seeking a Social Work Team Lead to join our team, reporting directly to the Orchard Fostering Principal Social Worker.
Location
Applicants can apply nationwide, though candidates located in Midlands or surrounding areas, West Meath, Galway, or Mayo are preferred due to travel requirements.
Purpose of the Post
The successful candidate will:
- Take overall management and leadership of Orchard Fostering’s support team.
- Ensure the provision of safe, caring foster placements that offer child-centred care to children and young people of all backgrounds.
- Provide:
- Support, formal supervision, and direction to fostering support team social workers.
- Safe and effective service delivery to carers and children using the service.
- Ensure compliance with:
- Regulations and national standards
- Company policy and procedures
- Enforce the National Children First Guidelines to ensure child protection.
- Motivate and lead the support social work team (alongside the senior practitioner) to:
- Continuously improve and develop the service.
- Maintain excellent relationships with TUSLA and HIQA.
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Essential Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a professional qualification in Social Work (CQSW, MSc in Social Work, or equivalent Irish validated qualification).
- Be registered with CORU.
- Provide valid Garda Vetting.
- Provide valid Overseas Clearance if residing abroad for more than 6 months in the last 3 years.
- Have a minimum of 3 years of social work experience (preferable in foster care, though not mandatory).
- Hold a clean driving licence and have reliable access to a car (IND bonus available where applicable).
Benefits of Working with Orchard Fostering
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- Comprehensive induction process
- Extensive training programme
- Ongoing mentoring and support
- Competitive salary with annual increments
- Refer a friend scheme
- Employee of the Month recognition
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Internal career progression opportunities
- Bike-to-work scheme
- Education Assistance grants
About Orchard Care Group
The Orchard Care Group is a wholly Irish-owned organisation dedicated to providing high-quality care, support, and outcomes for children, young people, and adults across fostering, disability, and residential services.
Our three leading brands in Irish social care – Orchard Residential, Orchard Community Care, and Orchard Fostering – unite under a shared vision to foster a culture where those supported can live meaningful lives.
Our Mission
"Supporting people to live fulfilling lives through excellence in care, collaboration, and human rights."
Our core values:
- Advocacy
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Collaboration
- Human Rights
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