Assistant Director of Services (ADOS) 37 hours per week
Kerry Parents & Friends Association is a voluntary organisation committed to the delivery of life enhancing services and supports, responding to needs, wishes, and choices of people with an intellectual disability, connected to support networks in their communities.
All those who work for and on behalf of the Association, and those who use our services, have a right to be treated with dignity, courtesy and respect at all times.
Application details:
* Post: Assistant Director of Services (ADOS) – Day Services, Outreach and Home Support Services County-wide
* Contract: Fixed‑Term/Full‑Time – 37 hrs per week
* Location: The Old Monastery, Port Road, Killarney (requires travel to all KPFA locations throughout County Kerry)
* Roster: Mon‑Thurs: 09:00‑17:00 / Fri: 09:00‑16:30 (subject to operational requirements)
* Rosters may be subject to change due to the operational requirements of the service
Overview of the role
The ADOS is a senior leadership role within the Association, responsible for overseeing and supporting the delivery of high quality, rights‑based, person‑centred services for adults with intellectual disabilities. This role ensures compliance with HIQA regulations, the New Directions policy framework, the UNCRPD, the Assisted Decision‑Making (Capacity) Act 2015, the National Consent Policy, and other relevant legislation, while fostering a culture of inclusion, empowerment, safeguarding, and continuous improvement.
The ADOS has operational responsibility for a designated number of services and directly supervises Persons in Charge (PICs) and Centre Managers, ensuring effective service delivery, staff management, and optimal use of resources. Cross‑cover by ADOS colleagues will be provided as needed to maintain service continuity. In the absence of the Director of Services, the ADOS ensures the continued safe and effective operation of all services.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead strategically – guiding services in line with organisational priorities, national policy, and UNCRPD principles.
* Drive innovation – modernising services and engaging staff, stakeholders, and the people we support.
* Champion rights & empowerment – promoting choice, dignity, and meaningful community participation.
* Deliver operational excellence – managing compliance, finances, risk, and sustainable service delivery.
* Collaborate & advocate – building relationships and representing the organisation professionally.
* Develop teams – inspiring, mentoring, and fostering learning, accountability, and growth.
* Ensure safeguarding & quality – embedding safety, incident management, and continuous improvement.
* Solve problems confidently – making timely, rights‑based decisions aligned with regulations.
* Work independently – managing priorities with sound judgement and escalating only strategic matters.
What Essential Requirements We Are Looking For
* A degree or equivalent qualification in Social Care, Disability Studies, Nursing, Psychology, or a related field.
* Formal management qualification in health or social care (minimum Level 6, e.g., Certificate/Diploma/Degree in Leadership or Management).
* At least 5 years of management experience in disability services, healthcare, or a similar regulated environment.
* Proven experience in implementing HIQA regulations, New Directions, ADM and rights‑based practice under the UNCRPD.
* Strong knowledge of HSE policies, safeguarding regulations, and quality improvement.
* Demonstrated experience in staff leadership, team development, and service innovation.
* Excellent understanding of person‑centred planning, community inclusion, and rights‑based approaches.
Other
* Applicants must have a full driver’s licence with access to a roadworthy car insured for business purposes.
* Applicants must have the necessary authorisation to work in Ireland and will be asked to provide supporting documentation during the recruitment process.
Highly desirable criteria
* A postgraduate qualification in Social Care Management, Disability Studies, Health & Social Care Leadership, or a related field.
* Experience in leading HIQA inspections, service audits, or compliance assessments.
* Training in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), Trauma‑Informed Care, or Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults.
* Experience in a senior manager role.
Employee Benefits
Sick Pay Scheme, Paid Maternity Leave, Flexible Working, Employee Assistance Programme, Pension Scheme, Parking, Generous Annual Leave, Access to income continuance scheme, Discounted Health Insurance and Access to training.
For informal queries, please contact the Director of Services, Bernice Costello at 064‑6632742 or by email to bernice.costello@kpfa.ie.
Standings: Kerry Parents & Friends Association is an equal opportunities employer.
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