Job Summary
The Community Inclusion Leader will lead and supervise a team of carers, managing the day-to-day coordination of the day service unit. The role requires a highly motivated, creative, and experienced individual with a passion for engaging with individuals on a daily basis.
Main Responsibilities:
1. Management
* Lead and manage day services from an operational perspective, working with the Assistant CEO to support the strategic development of day services.
* Ensure services are delivered in an effective person-centred manner, meeting the needs of the people supported, and aligning with the Philosophy, Ethos, and Core Values of St Aidan's Services.
* Provide supports within the framework of New Directions, an outcomes-based approach to supports and services for people with intellectual disabilities.
* Effectively lead, motivate, and support day service leads and staff, ensuring all new staff are inducted and developed into their role through effective supervision and training.
* Lead and manage day services, representing the service on external Steering Groups/Committees/Working Groups, and manage admissions and discharges.
* Liaise with other services/schools and St Aidan's Services regarding school leavers/new referrals who have expressed interest in sampling/attending our services.
* Assess support needs to identify required supports for effective services delivery to new referrals if approved.
* Develop transition plans for individuals transitioning from children's services to adult services/an individual transitioning from another service provider to St Aidan's Services.
* Attend referral/transition meetings and collaborate with individuals and their family/guardians to develop an individualized support plan.
* Act as Safeguarding Designated Officer (DO), attending DO training, achieving DO certification, and providing DO support to the organization.
* Ensure services are delivered in a cost-effective manner, within available resources, and that units/leads operate within allocated staffing and financial resources.
2. Client Supports
* Treat each person with utmost respect and dignity, striving to ensure a 'good life' for each person supported.
* Promote a Human Rights-Based Approach to working with the people we support, ensuring individual involvement in decision-making processes.
* Seek new interests and opportunities for people supported to develop meaningful roles in their communities.
* Manage and coordinate supports for individuals accessing work experience/employment opportunities through job coaching and mentoring.
* Ensure best possible health and wellbeing of people supported in all areas of life, including health and personal care.
* Oversight and implementation of skills development and confidence building of people supported in day services.
* Responsible for overseeing individual care and support plans, prepared, implemented, and updated in line with New Directions.
* Liaise with multidisciplinary teams and agencies relevant to individual care/support needs, reviewing quality of service delivery to people supported.
* Ensure lead of each unit keeps informed of individuals care and welfare, advising on concerns arising.
* Promote capacity building within the organization, applying least restrictive practices where appropriate.
* Maintain a pleasant atmosphere for people supported within day services.
* Evaluate effective systems and practices for people supported and family/carer consultation and involvement in service planning and review.
3. Compliance & Regulations
* Roll out National Policies across the Service, implementing standards in line with New Directions, and managing the Easi-Tool.
* Deliver services compliant with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including laws, regulations, codes of practice, standards, national policies, etc. (HSE, Legislation, Health & Safety Authority, etc.).
* Ensure adherence to policies and procedures, maintaining consistent practices across day services.
* Coordinate internal audit practices and approaches to assess and enhance compliance.
* Submit KPIs and Metrics to the Senior Day Service Manager for analysis of service delivery, performance management, and compliance across day services.
* Manage service complaints and issues constructively and effectively.
* Evaluate risk management systems and procedures operating in day services.
* Maintain an effective Health & Safety regime across all activities, services, and facilities.
* Store and administer prescribed medicines, drugs, and treatments in compliance with St. Aidan's Policies.
* Deal promptly and timely with safeguarding concerns.
4. Staff Management
* Delegate responsibility and authority to staff under supervision, retaining overall responsibility and accountability for outcome.
* Ensure work carried out by staff meets care plan requirements, delivered in a safe and supportive manner considering the will and preference of people supported.
* Oversee activities delivered to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of services across day service locations.
* Promote and monitor staff performance management and development across day services.
* Maintain open and timely communication across day services and residential when required.
* IDentify, prioritize, and address training and development needs within day services.
* Supervise, direct, and support assigned staff development needs.
* Facilitate training for staff as required, including refresher training as part of continuous professional development.
* Ensure workforce planning, rostering, and staff performance meet individual needs requirements.
Qualifications & Experience Requirements:
* Hold a Degree in Social Care, Applied Social Studies, Applied Social Studies in Social Care or foreign equivalent (validated by QQI).
* Hold a management qualification (advantageous).
* Several years' experience in Disability Services.
* Highly experienced Social Care Professional with a minimum of 2 years experience in a supervisory capacity.
* Hold a full clean driving license and willingness to drive company vehicles if required.
* Hold the legal right to work in Ireland and currently hold valid work authorisation for Ireland.
Required Skills & Attributes:
* Specialist knowledge of, and expertise in the Intellectual Disability sector.
* Thorough understanding of current thinking, approaches, and developments in ID services delivery.
* Detailed knowledge of all relevant legislation/regulations/standards and ability to implement standards and regulations.
* Experience of strong relationship building with key sector stakeholders: HSE, people supported/guardians.
* Evidenced ability to reorganize and restructure services to deliver enhancements and efficiencies.
* Excellent leadership and motivation skills.
* Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
* Drive and commitment to service values.
* Evidence of effective planning, including awareness of resource management and importance of value for money.
* Proven organizational and time management skills to meet objectives within agreed timeframes and achieve quality results.
* Excellent report-writing skills.
Benefits:
* Excellent pay rates with premium pay for Sundays, Public Holidays.
* Free Garda Vetting.
* Comprehensive induction training and ongoing in-house professional development.
* Generous annual leave (pro-rata).
* Defined contribution pension scheme.
* Sick leave payment.
* Opportunities for career progression.
* Employee discounts in St. Aidan's Garden Centre.