Position Title: Quality Assurance Auditor
Reports to: Head of Quality and Risk
Location: Hybrid with Nationwide Travel
Contract: Full-time & Permanent
About The Role
Job Purpose
Odyssey Social Care (OSC) is a leading provider of residential care for young people, committed to fostering an environment of support and continuous growth. The Quality Assurance Specialist reports directly to the Head of Quality & Risk within Odyssey Social Care. They are responsible for planning, auditing, and formulating quality control policies, procedures, systems, and compliance tools within Odyssey Social Care. They do not manage teams but ensure quality controls are updated and circulated to our teams. These tools are used to report on implementation, compliance, and adherence to policies. The auditor must be knowledgeable in current legislation and regulations relevant to our sector and able to determine quality indicators of care. This office-based/hybrid role requires stakeholder engagement to implement policies aligned with organizational goals, including the 3X10X journey and fostering a workplace culture aligned with the H.A.V.E. strategy.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Audit services using internal audit tools, focusing on regulatory framework and internal systems, with at least one report submitted weekly to the Executive Team.
2. Train and guide management during onsite audits to ensure consistency and compliance.
3. Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, reporting immediately if a service falls below compliance standards.
4. Complete themed audits as required by the Executive Team.
5. Conduct interviews with team members to assess their knowledge of policies and care frameworks.
6. Interview young people to ensure their needs and rights are met and provide them with a feedback forum.
7. Report concerns related to child protection, whistleblowing, or conduct issues immediately to the Executive Team.
8. Maintain and update control systems, policies, and procedures on the portal and related systems.
9. Recommend training needs for teams.
10. Write policies and procedures to improve services and outcomes for young people.
11. Represent Odyssey Social Care during inspections with TUSLA when needed.
12. Promote quality internally and externally through seminars, workshops, and feedback sessions.
13. Report learnings quarterly and provide training to management for consistency and improvement.
14. Engage with stakeholders for continuous improvement.
15. Provide problem-solving and improvement recommendations.
16. Design and apply risk management principles as needed.
17. Maintain knowledge of HIQA requirements and how they apply within Odyssey Social Care.
Essential Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills
* Degree in Social Care or relevant discipline.
* Experience managing care systems with young people.
* Experience implementing quality control systems.
* Understanding of Quality and Continuous Improvement principles.
* In-depth knowledge of Odyssey Social Care’s Policies and Procedures.
* Knowledge of health and safety, fire safety, risk management, medication management, infection control, HIQA standards, and related frameworks.
* Problem-solving ability and logical thinking.
* Effective communication skills.
* Time management and scheduling skills, with ability to travel.
* Full, clean driving license.
Desirable Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Ability to work under pressure and adapt to change.
* Critical thinking and analytical skills.
* Teamwork and independent working capabilities.
* Attention to detail and integrity.
Work Conditions
* Travel is a significant component; a full clean driving license is required.
* Primarily office-based with travel between services.
* Stay updated on legislation and regulatory frameworks.
Additional Information
Other job titles include: Quality and Compliance Officer, Quality Assurance Specialist, Governance and Compliance Lead, and others.
About The Company
Mission: Provide a supportive, safe environment for 7 to 18-year-olds unable to stay with their families.
Values: Non-violence, emotional intelligence, social learning, democracy, open communication, social responsibility, and growth.
Care Approach: Trauma-informed, including the Sanctuary Model, Positive Behaviour Support, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and the Saoirse Project.
Company Culture: Focused on supporting vulnerable children and young people, emphasizing trauma-informed care, safety, emotional well-being, and continuous learning.
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