Head of Services - Children's Residential Care
As Head of Service, you will provide day-to-day operational management for all care and support services across the Residential Childcare Centre settings, ensuring that care and support is equitable, professional, and of an excellent standard.
You will work closely with the Director of Services, all TUSLA contracted colleagues, and clinical leads for service users to ensure the effective management of placement planning activities for residents and oversight of resources.
You will contribute to the senior management leadership of centres and deputise for the Director of Services in their absence.
Key Responsibilities
Managing the service
* Make decisions about the appropriate allocation of resources and ensure deployment of centre staff across all care settings meeting residents' needs and preventing unnecessary significant events.
* Monitor and regularly review centre management, personnel files, resident’s files, maintenance records, health and safety, fire, and medication records.
* Ensure oversight and governance of the centres with the Directors and provide monthly reports on outcomes and risks in centres.
* Manage care and support budgets for centres.
* Work with all relevant and directed external organisations to ensure collaborative and integrated working.
Governance
* Ensure that all Centres comply with National Standards, Professional Standards, and all company Policies and Procedures, safeguarding, and childcare laws.
* Support the Centre Managers, Deputies, and Teams.
* Ensure that systems are in place to manage and reduce risk.
* Ensure safe and sensitive management of complaints, incidents, crises, and unanticipated significant events.
* Produce reports on the lived experiences of young people in residence and the resource allocation by the centres.
* Ensure line managed staff recognise their responsibility for governance and contribute fully.
Leadership
* Provide and embed strong leadership in the care and support services.
* Embed the Model of Care in centres across the organisation.
* Ensure teams embed quality assurance in everyday practices in all roles.
* Work closely with the Social Work Departments, Referring Agents, Inspectors, and Clinical Participants.
* Monitor and manage the service’s budget, ensuring financial efficiency, cost control, and resources allocation aligned with service delivery goals.
* Identify opportunities for cost savings and financial optimization across operations while maintaining high-quality service standards.
* Ensure compliance with financial policies.
Special Features of the Job
* Participate in the on-call rota when required.
* The post holder will be required to work flexible and unsocial hours.
* Be the representative at local, regional, and national meetings, events, and conferences.
* Work closely with HR, Accounts, and Marketing elements of the company.
People Management
Providing leadership, management, and development of all staff and students within the area of responsibility through effective:
* Workforce planning, recruitment, and selection
* Communication and staff support
* Performance Management
* Staff support including health and safety and wellbeing awareness
* Facilitating a culture of learning, inclusiveness, respect for difference, and care.
Qualification required
* Bachelor's degree in social work, nursing, healthcare management, or a related field required
* Master's degree in social work, Business Administration, Healthcare Management, preferred
* Minimum of 3 years of experience in managing residential care services, particularly in child and youth services, with a proven track record of leadership and governance.
* Familiarity with regulatory bodies, including TUSLA, HIQA, and other childcare or social service agents.
* Financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control in a care environment.
Skills and Competencies
* Leadership and management skills with experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams in a care setting.
* Strong knowledge of childcare law and safeguarding practices including national standards and relevant policies
* Experience with Strategic Planning and Risk Management in a social or healthcare setting
* Excellent Communication Skills, with the ability to engage with internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
* Financial Acumen in managing and reporting on budgets, as well as identifying opportunities for resource optimization
For further information regarding this role, contact Laura Kennedy, Research Director, on 087-9620892.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Health Care Provider and Management
Industries
Hospitals and Health Care
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