Day Centre Manager – Kildangan, Co. Kildare
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland works across the country in local communities, providing dementia‑specific services and advocating for the rights of people affected by dementia to quality supports and services. Our vision is an Ireland where people affected by dementia are valued and supported. We are a national non‑profit, person‑centred, rights‑based, grassroots‑led organisation with the voice of the person with dementia and their carer at its core.
Job Title
Day Centre Manager
Location
Kildare – Unit A Harristown,Drive, Kildangan village, W34 AX23
Reporting to
Operations Manager
Contract
Permanent, 35 hours per week.
Salary
Commensurate with the care sector, dependent on relevant experience.
Closing Date for Applications
6th March 2026
Equal Opportunities Statement
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Purpose of Position
The Day Centre Manager is responsible for providing best‑practice, dementia‑specific care to all clients in the Day Care Centre. They promote a person‑centred, community‑focused model of care that respects the needs of carers. The role includes staff leadership, health and safety oversight, and centre administration.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Assess and provide appropriate client care, respecting rights, dignity, and confidentiality.
Build trusting relationships with clients and carers.
Provide personal care and hygiene, glucose checks, dressings, colostomy care, and record vital signs as required.
Administer or prompt medication provided by the GP.
Focus on increasing client self‑esteem and quality of life.
Co‑create holistic care plans with clients, carers, care workers, and volunteers.
Liaise with Home Care Coordinators and PHNs regarding client care needs.
Ensure accurate administration and recording of all care plans and medication.
Meet personal care needs, including wound dressing and medical care, maintaining staff focus on dignity, hygiene, and safety.
Provide stimulating activities in a relaxed, homely environment.
Escalate nursing concerns to the PHN.
Promote good relationships with carers, welcome visitors, and provide feedback to family carers.
Offer phone support and relay information to family carers on daily care issues.
Arrange chiropody clinics weekly and manage payments and documentation.
Document accidents, incidents, or complaints and report to the Operations Manager and HR.
Supervise, coordinate, and support all staff and volunteers, ensuring clear roles, adequate staff‑client ratios, and leave arrangements.
Provide induction for new employees and volunteers and review training needs.
Apply Society policies and procedures consistently.
Conduct regular performance reviews and handle policy breaches, disciplinary, or grievance matters promptly.
Hold regular staff meetings on centre operations, care provision, and policy updates.
Maintain an open, learning culture and promote staff development.
Advertise and recruit volunteer activity staff, processing required paperwork.
Provide induction and supervision for students seeking work experience.
Maintain client records, billing, and statistical reports for Operations Manager, Committee, and HSE.
Coordinate with carers and PHNs for record completion.
Keep desk diary, arrange dinners, process correspondence, and manage payments.
Order provisions, apply for grants and VEC activity funding, and manage income streams.
Ensure food hygiene, medication storage, and safety equipment are compliant and maintained.
Maintain centre facilities, garden, heating boiler, and donation money safety.
Administer fire safety drills and ensure awareness of dementia issues locally.
Network with service providers, health professionals, and referral sources, and organise events to promote the service.
Support committee fundraising activities and training courses as required.
Carry out any other duties assigned.
Person Specification
Knowledge/Experience
Essential: Degree or foreign equivalent (validated by NQAI) ideally in Nursing, Social Care, or a related field; at least 5 years post‑qualification experience in the health/social care or voluntary sector; at least 3 years management experience in a similar role; experience working with people with complex needs; demonstrated knowledge of the voluntary sector, older people issues, and dementia; full clean driving licence.
Desirable: Registered Nurse with An Bord Altranais or postgraduate qualification in dementia; RN with An Bord Altranais highly desirable or equivalent social care qualification.
Skills & Competencies
Commitment to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred care.
Empathy and respect for the rights of individuals with dementia.
Good observational skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong client focus.
Management Skills
Ability to supervise, manage, and motivate a team of carers.
Ability to plan and manage change.
Excellent organisational skills in general administration and resource allocation.
Financial awareness and ability to operate the centre within budget.
Effective handling of challenging deadlines and multiple tasks.
Other Requirements
Experienced computer user with strong MS Office skills.
Patience, empathy, reliability, flexibility, enthusiasm, confidentiality.
Key Relationships
Internal – Operations Manager, other Society day centre managers in the region.
PR – Fundraising.
Information – Training Department, HR.
External – PHNs, GPs, psychiatric community services, community care service providers, voluntary organisations, local nursing homes.
All statements above describe the general nature and level of work required for this position. They are not exhaustive. The holder must respond flexibly when tasks arise beyond the description.
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