top of page

Job Description: Social Care Team Leader 

 

Position Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Social Care Team Leader to join our dynamic team supporting individuals with complex needs, including intellectual disabilities, mental health issues, and/or challenging behaviours. The successful candidate will provide leadership, supervision, and mentorship to a team of social care workers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care in accordance with standards and organisational policies.

A portion of the position will be as part of the intervention team

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead, support, and supervise a team of social care staff in the day-to-day operations of the service.

  • Promote a positive, respectful, and empowering environment for residents and staff alike.

  • Oversee the implementation and review of individual care/support plans, risk assessments, and personal outcomes.

  • Ensure compliance with HIQA regulations, organisational policies, and relevant legislation.

  • Provide direct support to service users when required, fostering independence, dignity, and inclusion.

  • Coordinate staff rotas, training, and performance appraisals in collaboration with management.

  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including reports, logs, and incident records.

  • Act as a point of contact for families, multidisciplinary teams, and external agencies.

  • Participate in the on-call rota and respond to emergencies or issues as needed.

Requirements:

  • A recognised qualification in Social Care or equivalent (minimum Level 7 NFQ).

  • CORU registered or in process

  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a social care setting, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or leadership role.

  • In-depth knowledge of HIQA standards and national policy frameworks.

  • Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.

  • A proactive, compassionate, and person-centred approach to care.

  • Full clean driving licence and use of own car

  • Garda Vetting clearance.

Desirable:

  • Experience supporting individuals with complex needs or behaviours of concern.

  • Management or leadership training (e.g., QQI Level 6 or above in Management/Supervision).

  • Familiarity with positive behaviour support approaches.

Benefits

  • €42,334 - €56,182 Depending on Experience

  • Pension

  • Bike to work

  • Fuel card

  • Training Budget

  • Refer a Friend bonus 

  • A/L bonus inline with time served

  • Flexible working up to 60%

  • EAP

To apply send CV to info@activeconnections.ie

Job Title: Operations Manager

 

Location: South East Ireland

Reporting to: CEO / Managers of Services

 

Position Summary:

Active Connections is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Operations Manager to lead our therapeutic service delivery. This role is critical in ensuring that our adventure-based programs—such as New Trails, Connect and Ember Camps—are delivered to the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and clinical excellence. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operational management, ensuring strict compliance with social care regulations, and providing high-level support for our long-term strategic growth.

 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Leadership & Service Delivery

  • Oversee daily operations of all therapeutic adventure programs, ensuring they are adequately resourced, staffed, and aligned with the organization's mission.

  • Manage the referral and intake process, ensuring that service level agreements (SLAs) with Tusla, HSE, and other stakeholders are met, this will be done in combination of the SCTL

  • Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of "unconditional positive regard" and reflective practice.

  • Adapt and adopt: new processes to enable our frontline team to be most effective. 

2. Compliance & Quality Assurance

  • Act as the lead for Quality & Compliance, ensuring all services adhere to National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres and relevant Social Care legislation.

  • Safeguarding Lead: Ensure robust child protection policies are implemented and that all staff are trained in Children First National Guidance.

  • Audit & Reporting: Conduct regular internal audits and prepare for external inspections. Oversee the maintenance of accurate digital and physical case records.

  • Risk Management: Develop and review comprehensive risk assessments for both clinical outcomes and outdoor/adventure activities.

3. Strategic Management Support

  • Execute Strategic Objectives: Work closely with the Senior Management Team (SMT) to translate the 3-5 year strategic plan into actionable operational targets.

  • Financial Oversight: Manage operational budgets, monitor KPIs, and ensure cost-effective service delivery without compromising care quality.

  • Change Management: Lead the implementation of new policies or service expansions (e.g., new residential centers or specialized disability camps).

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Represent Active Connections at national forums and maintain strong relationships with funders, community partners, and statutory bodies.

 

The Ideal Candidate - Experience & Qualifications:

  • Education: A Level 7/8 degree in Social Care, Youth Work, or a related field. A qualification in Management or Business is highly desirable.

  • CORU registration: Number or in process 

  • Management Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience in a management role within the social care sector (Mainstream Residential or Disability Services preferred).

  • Compliance Knowledge: Deep understanding of the Health Act 2007, HIQA/Tusla regulations, and the Irish social care landscape.

  • Strategic Capability: Proven track record of supporting or leading organizational growth and strategic planning.

  • Experience with managing a team: Delivery of direct support, supervision, reporting.

  • Engagement with Statutory Partners: Proven record to establish and maintain relationship with key partners/stakeholders

Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong leadership with the ability to manage remote or field-based teams.

  • Excellent report writing and data analysis skills for board-level reporting.

  • An appreciation for, or experience in, supporting high need young people or outdoor education.

  • A full, clean Irish Driving License 

 

Why Join Active Connections?

  • The opportunity to work at the forefront of innovative adventure-based therapy.

  • A dynamic, supportive work environment that values staff well-being and professional development.

  • Annual Salary 50,000-62,000

  • Remote/Office based work 60%/30%

  • Fuel Paid

  • Pension

  • Bike to work

  • Medical support

  • EAP

  • Refer a friend bonus

Application process 

Send cover letter and CV to people@activeconnections.ie

Deadline 19.4.2026

Job Title: Seasonal Adventure Team – Ember Camp

Location: Dublin, Carlow/Kilkenny, Waterford/Wexford, Tipperary/Cork

Duration: Summer Season (June – August 2026)

Pay Range: 14.50-18.50 per hour DOE

The Mission:

At Ember Camp, we believe adventure is for everyone. We are looking for high-energy, empathetic, and outdoor-loving individuals to join our summer team. You won’t just be a staff member; you’ll be the bridge between a young person with a disability and an unforgettable outdoor experience. Whether it’s hitting the water or navigating a forest trail, your goal is to ensure safety, inclusion, and a whole lot of fun.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Facilitate Adventure: Lead and support young people with physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities through outdoor activities, including trekking, team-building games, and bushcraft.

  • Water Sports Support: Assist in delivering safe and engaging water-based sessions (kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming) specifically adapted for various ability levels.

  • Individualised Care: Provide 1:1 or small group support, ensuring each participant’s specific emotional and physical needs are met throughout the day.

  • Safety & Gear Management: Maintain equipment to high standards and ensure all safety protocols (PFDs, harnesses, etc.) are strictly followed.

  • Be the "Hype": Bring the energy! You’ll be responsible for fostering a positive, inclusive camp culture where every camper feels like a champion.

Candidate Profile Must-Haves:

  • Experience with Youth: Previous experience working with young people (ages 8–18) in a camp, school, or sports setting.

  • Adaptability: The ability to think on your feet and modify an activity if a camper is struggling or needs a new challenge.

  • Resilience: Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions and maintaining a positive attitude during long, active days.

  • Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to build trust with campers and provide clear updates to parents and guardians.

Desirable (The "Cherry on Top"):

  • Specialised Experience: Prior experience specifically supporting individuals with disabilities SEN training

  • Water Sports Certifications: Lifeguard qualifications, Paddlesports instructor awards, or equivalent water safety training.

  • First Aid: Current First Aid and CPR certification (highly preferred).

  • Adventure Skills

Why Join Ember Camp?

  • Spend your summer in the great outdoors instead of behind a desk.

  • Gain invaluable experience in inclusive education and adaptive sports.

  • Join a tight-knit team of like-minded adventurers.

Application process 

Send cover letter and CV to people@activeconnections.ie

Active Connections CLG  - Recruiting Voluntary Board Members

 

Active Connections CLG is Ireland's leading adventure therapy based provider. We are looking for board members who believe in our mission “Transforming Lives Through Adventure'' and are willing to be active in their governance roles.

 

Currently we are seeking board members with experience of Strategy, Business development, Marketing and Engaging with statutory/government organisations.

 

Board Members Job Description

  • Serving as a trusted advisor to the CEO as s/he develops and implements Active Connections strategic plan.

  • Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by Active Connections for evaluating its impact, and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics; reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings

  • Approving Active Connections annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities

  • Contributing to an annual performance evaluation of the CEO

  • Partnering with the CEO and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out

  • Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments

  • Representing Active Connections to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organisation

  • Ensuring Active Connections commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities Active Connections serves

Our board meets at least once a month online

Committees meet every two months or as needed

 

For more information, please contact CEO Raymond Burke on 0857479283 or info@activeconnections.ie

Join our team (3)
Join our team (2)
Active Connections Logo-01 (1)

Our SUPPORTERS

Untitled design - 2026-03-30T114909.203
Untitled design - 2025-07-29T140231.978
Untitled design - 2025-07-28T144906.182
Untitled design (1)
Untitled design (2)
Untitled design (7)
Untitled design (4)
Untitled design (5)
Untitled design (10)
Untitled design (11)
Untitled design (8)
Untitled design (12)
Untitled design (33)
Untitled design (36)
Untitled design (56)
Untitled design (46)
Untitled design (52)
Untitled design (53)
Untitled design (50)
Untitled design (51)
Untitled design (49)
Untitled design (41)
Untitled design (54)
Tesco Community fund
Untitled design (55)
Untitled design (45)
Untitled design (36)
Untitled design (47)
sustainable development goals
bottom of page