Join Our Team as a Day Centre Manager - Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry
Location: The Parsonage, The Avenue, Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry, V23 R726
Contract: Permanent | Hours: 8 per week (Tuesdays)
Closing Date: 27th March 2026
About The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI)
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland works at the heart of local communities, providing dementia‑specific services and championing the rights of people affected by dementia. Our vision is an Ireland where every person on the dementia journey is valued and fully supported.
What You Will Do
Assess and provide appropriate client care in the centre.
Respect the rights, dignity and confidentiality of all clients that attend the day care centre and their carers/advocates.
Build a trusting relationship with clients and their carers so they feel secure in the day care environment.
Provide a service to the client that focuses on increasing their self‑esteem and provides a better quality of life for the client and their carers.
In consultation with clients, carers/advocates, care workers and volunteers devise and implement suitable holistic care plans for the clients.
Liaise with Home Care Co‑ordinators/PHNs regarding clients’ requirements for day/home care service.
Properly administer and record all care plans and medication prescribed to the client and store them safely in the day care centre.
Provide stimulating and enjoyable activities for the clients in a relaxed and homely environment.
Escalate any client nursing concerns to the PHN.
Promote good relationships with carers and a partnership in care approach. Welcome visitors to the centre and give feedback to family carers regarding clients or consult with them on the well‑being of their family member.
Provide phone support and relay information to family carers on issues arising in the daily care of a client in the centre.
Provide care supports and education to family carers.
Arrange chiropody clinics weekly, administer and document payments for them.
Document any client accidents/incidents or complaints and report them to the Operations Manager and HR if necessary.
Supervise, coordinate and support the work of all staff assigned to the day centre: manage carers, kitchen staff, bus drivers and escorts, ensuring clarity of roles, adequate staff‑client ratios, leave arrangements, etc.
Ensure all new employees and volunteers receive appropriate induction and that their ongoing training needs are periodically reviewed and actioned.
Ensure fair and consistent application of all Society policies and procedures as applicable to the day centre.
Conduct regular performance reviews with all staff and address any breaches of policy, disciplinary or grievance matters in a timely manner.
Hold regular meetings with staff on matters relating to the running of the centre, care provision, staff matters, updates of existing policies and procedures, induction to new policies, etc.
Deal with any staff issues promptly and effectively, liaising with HR when necessary.
Ensure effective communication between bus drivers, carers and family carers; coordinate the bus driver’s route and ensure adequate cover for the bus driver and carer/courier on the bus when necessary.
Ensure all maintenance and records associated with the bus are kept up to date.
Liaise with the Home Care Co‑ordinator when staff cover is required in the centre or for client referrals.
Ensure staff and volunteers receive induction and ongoing training, provide necessary reports and practical tasks for those doing FETAC Level 5, maintain all necessary records and costs.
Keep staff training up to date (e.g. People Moving and Handling, First Aid, etc.).
Create and maintain an open, learning culture.
Advertise and recruit for volunteer activity staff and ensure all required paperwork is processed.
Assist in placing students seeking work experience in the centre, give induction and ongoing supervision, administer any paperwork required by the college and provide performance reports.
Carry out the administration required for an efficient day care centre: maintain records of clients, input data into the billing system, issue invoices, record accurate statistics, and provide reports to the Operations Manager, Committee and HSE.
Liaise with the client’s primary carer and public health nurse to complete the day care record; maintain desk diary and day book; order required dinners; process correspondence and payments; order provisions for the day centre; apply for grants and ensure grant income is used appropriately; account for all monies spent to grant provider.
Apply for VEC activity funding and maintain records.
Maintain all record systems relating to centre, staff and volunteers and provide them to National Office and Regional Manager as required.
Comply with food hygiene regulations and safe storage/administration of medication.
Ensure fire & burglar alarms, emergency lights, fire extinguishers, hoists, electrical appliances, etc. are checked as required and maintain records.
Maintain the centre, its contents and garden; keep the boiler serviced and heating oil adequate.
Maintain bus records, safe keeping of donations or client money, daily attendance record; appraise and supervise bi‑annual fire drill; promote dementia awareness locally.
Network and liaise with service providers, health professionals and referral sources (PHNs, GPs, etc.) to promote the service.
Organise events/seminars to promote the service; keep chairperson/committee informed of issues and support fundraising activities (e.g. Tea Day, Christmas sales).
Attend training courses, conferences and meetings with the regional manager as required.
Carry out any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.
What You Need
Degree (or foreign equivalent validated by NQAI) in Social Care, Applied Social Studies, Social Studies, or related discipline.
Minimum 5 years’ experience in health/social care or voluntary sector.
At least 3 years’ management experience.
Experience supporting people with dementia or complex needs.
Understanding of the voluntary sector and older adult services.
Full clean driving licence.
Desirable
Registered Nurse or postgraduate qualification in dementia/social care.
Skills & Competencies
Commitment to deliver a high‑quality person‑centred care service.
Empathy and respect for the rights of the individual with dementia.
Good observational skills.
Management Skills
Ability to supervise, manage and motivate a team of carers.
Ability to plan and manage change.
Excellent organisational skills in general administration, resource allocation, etc.
Financial awareness and ability to operate the centre within budget.
Ability to handle effectively challenging deadlines and multiple tasks.
Other Requirements
Experienced computer user with strong MS Office skills.
Patience.
Empathy.
Reliability.
Flexibility.
Enthusiasm.
Confidentiality.
Benefits
Competitive salary based on experience.
Chance to be part of a values‑driven, rights‑based organisation making a real impact.
Travel expenses.
Enhanced annual leave and public holiday pay.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role to: The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer. #IJ
Certification
I certify that I have read and understand the responsibilities assigned to this position.Signed: Day Care Manager
I certify that this job description is an accurate description of the responsibilities assigned to the position.Signed: Operations Manager
Equal Opportunities Statement
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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