Child & Youth Team Leader

About the job

The primary function of the Child & Youth Services Team Leader is to provide guidance and leadership to the Child & Youth Service and its staff, in line with SDVS’s aims, principles, and vision. The Team Leader plays a key role in ensuring high-quality, trauma-informed services are delivered to children, young people, and mothers impacted by domestic violence.

The CYS Team Leader will support the Child & Youth Services Manager in the strategic and operational delivery of the department. This includes oversight of staff, programme development, case management, quality assurance, and cross-team collaboration. The role will focus on innovation, development and growth of the service.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Supervision

• Provide leadership and day-to-day support to the Child & Youth Services team, including reflective case management, guidance and coaching.

• Support staff to deliver high-quality keyworking and evidence-based parenting interventions (Parents Under Pressure and Theraplay) to families in the community and refuge.

• Ensure consistent and robust implementation of care plans for child and youth clients, regularly reviewing progress and supporting team problem-solving.

• Role model trauma-informed and child-centred best practice across all areas of service delivery.

• Participate in recruitment, induction, and training of new Child & Youth Services staff as required.

Programme Development & Strategic Projects

• Lead on the continued development and expansion of Healthy Relationships Workshops.

• Provide project leadership on evaluation projects.

• Collaborate with the CYS Manager to increase awareness of INSPIRE Family Project among referral agents ensuring marginalised family groups are prioritised.

• Provide operational support for the INSPIRE 16–25 Youth services as they develop.

• Contribute to future partnership development with other DSGBV services to promote parenting work with mothers and fathers.

Groupwork & Programme Oversight

• Provide quality assurance and support on the planning, design, and delivery of groupwork programmes for children, young people, and parents.

• Identify gaps in service delivery and propose new programme initiatives aligned with the team’s strategic goals.

• Ensure groupwork delivery is consistently inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the diverse needs of young people.

• Participate in delivery and planning of seasonal programming (e.g. summer, Easter, Christmas events).

Interagency & Networking

• Represent the Child & Youth Service at interagency and community network meetings.

• Build strong working relationships with referring agents and key external partners.

• Collaborate across SDVS teams (Refuge and Outreach, Prevention &Training) to ensure a seamless service journey for families.

• Participate in advocacy and awareness raising to support the visibility and impact of CYS initiatives in the sector.

Administration & Monitoring

• Support the Child & Youth Services Manager with management of referrals to each programme area.

• Ensure all case notes, statistics, and evaluation data are accurately recorded and maintained in line with GDPR and best practice.

• Carry out weekly audits of client files and data input using the eSafe system.

• Monitor progress toward strategic goals, project deadlines, and evaluation milestones in collaboration with the CYS Manager.

• Provide administrative support in line with departmental needs, including policy development and planning documentation.

 Other Responsibilities

• Act as Deputy Designated Liaison Person for the CYS and support all departments with maintaining Child Protection mandates.

• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold the values of SDVS.

• Attend internal and external meetings as directed by the CYS Manager.

• Participate in supervision, training, and professional development opportunities.

• Contribute to the implementation of SDVS’s Strategic Plan and quality standards.

• Carry out additional duties in line with the role and service needs as directed.

• Promote the philosophy of self-help and empowerment in all interactions with clients and colleagues.

What we offer

• Pension: 7% employer’s contribution through our Pension Scheme (7% of annual basic salary) once probation is passed.

• Annual leave/Public Holidays: Entitled to 27 days annual leave exclusive of public holidays (Good Friday treated as public holiday). SDVS have an Annual Leave Purchase Scheme to apply for up to 5 additional days annual leave each year.

• Paid Sick leave: available once probation passed.

• Paid Maternity leave: SDVS pay full salary (less Social Welfare benefits) for the period of the 26 weeks basic maternity leave (subject to 1+ year service).

• Doctor visits: Funding towards 2 Doctor visits per year.

• Education Support: Funding towards further education and time off rostered duties where possible.

• Training & Development: Access to excellent training opportunities and continuous professional development.

• Employee Well-being: Access to regular supervision, reflective practice, team building days and Employee Assistance Programme with 24 hour support and counselling for staff and their families.

About you

• Minimum Education & Skills Required

  • A third-level qualification in Social Care, Youth Work, Psychology, or a related field.

  • Minimum 5 years’ experience working with children, young people, and families impacted by domestic violence.

  • Strong understanding of trauma-informed, child-centred, and attachment-based practice.

  • Proven leadership or supervisory experience within a social care, youth, or domestic violence service.

  • Skilled in reflective case management and staff support.

  • Demonstrated experience in groupwork delivery and programme coordination.

  • Knowledge of child protection legislation and safeguarding practices, including Children First 2015.

  • Strong organisational, communication, and IT skills.

  • Training in Parents Under Pressure and Theraplay (Level 1) is desirable or willingness to train.

   

   Full, clean driver’s licence and access to own transport is essential. Applicants who do not meet this criteria will not be shortlisted.