Residential Care Manager

Job Description

Residential Care Manager

Location: Meath / Louth
Reports to: Director of Services

Role Purpose

The Residential Care Manager will have overall responsibility for the effective leadership and management of a Children’s Residential Care Centre, ensuring the provision of a safe, nurturing and stable environment for young people in care. The role requires strong regulatory knowledge, people leadership capability and a child-centred approach aligned with best practice and statutory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Care Delivery

• Create, maintain and promote a safe, caring and stable environment for young people within the centre
  

• Lead the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed care in line with each young person’s individual needs
  

• Ensure care programmes are developed in consultation with social work teams, implemented effectively and regularly reviewed
  

• Promote the rights, responsibilities and participation of young people within the service
  

• Plan for each young person’s future in collaboration with the young person, families, social workers and relevant agencies
  

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Manage the centre in accordance with the Child Care Act 1991, National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres, Children First Guidelines and all relevant legislation
  

• Ensure policies, procedures and health & safety documentation are in place, understood and adhered to by all staff
  

• Maintain robust child protection, safeguarding and incident-reporting procedures
  

• Ensure an effective complaints process is in place and clearly communicated to young people, families, staff and external stakeholders
  

• Ensure accurate, timely and professional record-keeping is maintained and available for inspection by regulatory authorities
  

Care Planning & Service Agreements

• Ensure each young person has an up-to-date care plan and placement plan developed in consultation with the social worker, key worker and the young person
  

• Ensure service agreements clearly outline roles, responsibilities, placement duration, review dates, and admission/discharge procedures
  

• Monitor and review placement outcomes and ensure appropriate supports are in place
  

People Management & Staffing

• Recruit, manage and retain suitably qualified staff to ensure safe and adequate staffing levels at all times
  

• Ensure all staff have valid Garda Vetting, references and required qualifications prior to commencing employment
  

• Provide regular supervision, support and performance management to staff
  

• Lead, motivate and support staff in managing challenging behaviours, key working and emotional regulation
  

• Ensure staff training and development needs are identified and addressed
  

• Maintain staff records confidentially in line with employment legislation
  

Operational & Financial Management

• Oversee rotas, payroll returns and general administrative requirements
  

• Manage centre budgets and ensure young people have access to appropriate funding for clothing, activities, education and additional supports
  

• Ensure effective systems are in place for financial oversight and accountability
  

On-Call & Emergency Support

• Participate in an on-call rota, providing guidance and support to staff outside normal working hours
  

• Be available to respond to emergencies and critical incidents as required
  

Facilities & Health & Safety

• Ensure the centre, furnishings, equipment and grounds are maintained to a high standard
  

• Ensure compliance with fire safety, health and safety legislation and risk-management procedures
  

• Regularly review practices impacting the safety and welfare of staff and young people
  

Candidate Profile (Essential)

• Relevant qualification in Social Care, Social Work, Youth Work or a related discipline (CORU registration where applicable)
  

• Significant experience in children’s residential care, including management or senior leadership level
  

• Strong knowledge of Irish childcare legislation and regulatory standards
  

• Proven people-management and leadership capability
  

• Excellent organisational, communication and decision-making skills
  

• Full driving licence
  

Desirable

• Experience managing centre openings or service development
  

• Experience working with Tusla and external regulatory bodies
  

• Postgraduate qualification in management or leadership
  

Additional Information

This role requires flexibility, resilience and a strong commitment to safeguarding and best practice. The duties outlined above are not exhaustive and may be reviewed in line with service needs.

Requirements
Key Responsibilities of a Healthcare Assistant: Personal Care: Assisting with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and toileting. Clinical Tasks: Under supervision, taking vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure), and potentially assisting with other clinical tasks like specimen collection. Patient Support: Providing emotional support, engaging in conversation, and promoting patient comfort and well-being. Maintaining a Safe and Clean Environment: Ensuring patient areas are clean, tidy, and stocked with necessary supplies. Documentation: Accurately recording observations, vital signs, and any other relevant information about patient care. Following Instructions: Adhering to care plans and instructions provided by nurses and other healthcare professionals. Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with other healthcare professionals to provide quality care. Skills and Qualities: Caring and Compassionate: A genuine desire to help and support others. Communication Skills: The ability to listen and communicate effectively with patients and colleagues. Observation Skills: The ability to notice changes in a patient's condition and report them accurately. Organizational Skills: The ability to manage tasks and prioritize responsibilities. Physical Stamina: The ability to perform physically demanding tasks. Work Settings: Healthcare Assistants can work in a variety of settings, including: Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Clinics, Community and Home Care, and Aged Care Facilities. Additional Information: In some settings, HCAs may also be involved in housekeeping tasks, such as laundry and meal preparation. The role of a Healthcare Assistant can be very rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Training and qualifications for HCAs may vary depending on the specific role and employer.