Job Overview:
To oversee the home in accordance with its Statement of Purpose and ensure a safe and nurturing environment that aligns with relevant childcare legislation, national standards, and policies.
Key Responsibilities:
* Ensure all care practices adhere to relevant childcare legislation, National Standards for Children's Residential Centres, and best practices.
* Promote, participate in, and ensure the provision of high standards of physical care, hygiene, and safety for all children residing in the Home.
* Manage the home to meet the expressed needs of individual children and promote positive outcomes.
* Participate in pre-admission and admission processes to identify placement needs and develop individual care plans.
* Develop, implement, and monitor individual care plans aligned with agreed standards.
* Attend and contribute to planning meetings, statutory reviews, management team meetings, and other required meetings, representing the Home positively and advocating for the child and their family when necessary.
* Foster good working relationships with parents, social workers, teachers, doctors, and other relevant professionals and agencies.
* Act upon and seek the young people's views and wishes when appropriate.
* Integrate Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and Person-Centred Planning (PCP) models within the home's care practices and monitor their application.
* Provide monthly summary reports/weekly reports on children's placements to the Social Worker.
* Attend court and furnish the court with updated court reports.
* Ensure regular statistics are provided for updating the census held on residents.
* Carry out regular audits of care standards and practices within the home and develop innovative ways to engage residents in this process.
* Contribute to the development and implementation of governance systems to ensure continuous improvement in service quality.
* Help establish links between the home and the local community.
Staff Management:
Provide leadership and guidance.
Organize and manage staff daily to maintain 24-hour staff cover and consistent care.
Assist in new staff induction to acquire an understanding of their role and responsibilities.
Offer professional supervision to staff and participate in staff appraisals according to policies and procedures.
Ensure effective communication within the staff team regarding operational practice, including systematic handovers, accurate recording, and regular staff meetings.
Support staff in producing written reports.
Implement human resource policies, including participating in the selection process, appraisal process, absence management, etc.
Promote a culture of learning and development within the staff team.
Develop an annual team training and development plan based on individual training needs, resident needs, and external factors.
Financial Management:
Assist with budget control by verifying monthly returns, mileage sheets, and accounts for payment as required.
Ensure financial procedures regarding children's allowances, pocket money, clothing, etc. are followed by staff.
Ensure petty cash policy is adhered to by staff and complete monthly petty cash returns to the Financial Controller.
Resource Management:
Create a homely setting where children feel comfortable.
Ensure a safe environment that complies with health and safety regulations and other legal requirements.
Maintain and promote the outside of the building, grounds, equipment, vehicles in good condition, encouraging staff and children to care for their surroundings and make best use of available resources.
Personal Development:
Promote high standards of childcare practice.
Take immediate action against poor practice and report to the Operations Manager when aware of such practice in any circumstances.
Continuously develop professional knowledge and skills through supervision, courses, and study days, aligning with the Homes' staff development and training plan.
Participate in a duty rota and undertake sleeping-in duties as required.
Supervise students where applicable (subject to completion of practice teacher or similar training).
This job description serves as a guideline and will be subject to periodic review to ensure it continues to meet future needs.
What You'll Receive:
Competitive salaries starting from €56,256 - €65,912 (dependent on experience).
Benefits include:
* Exceptional Training Opportunities
* Income Protection
* Annual Leave entitlements
* Employee Pension Scheme
* Management Training Programme
* Annual Appraisals
* Annual Pay Review
* Staff Care
* First access to career opportunities
* Excellent career development opportunities