Assistant Director of Nursing - Intellectual Disability Services Location: St John of God Community Services North East (Louth, Meath & Monaghan) Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time Hours: 37.5 hours per week Salary: As per HSE Consolidated Pay Scale (01.08.2025) About Us St John of God Community Services (SJOG CS) is one of Ireland's largest providers of supports for people with intellectual disabilities and mental health difficulties.
We work with over 3,000 individuals nationwide, guided by our mission to provide person-centred, responsive, and inclusive services that empower people to live full and meaningful lives.
Our North East Service (SJOG NES) supports 310 adults with intellectual disabilities across Counties Louth, Meath and Monaghan.
Services are delivered through: 57 community houses and 2 campus-based residences at St Mary's, Drumcar 8 day services located in Drogheda, Blackrock, and Dundalk This is a dynamic and expanding service, offering you the opportunity to take on a leadership role in a multi-site, community-based setting.
About the Role We are now seeking a highly motivated and experienced Assistant Director of Nursing (Intellectual Disability Services) to join our leadership team.
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring governance and clinical leadership across residential, working closely with Person in Charge (PIC) colleagues, HR, multidisciplinary teams, families, and external partners.
You will also be required to register as a Person Participating in Management (PPIM) with HIQA and may also act as a PIC, depending on service needs.
Key Responsibilities Workforce Planning & Leadership Oversee staffing levels across designated centres, addressing skill mix, risk areas and budgets.
Manage recruitment, placement, retention, relocation, and contracted hour changes.
Ensure relief staff are appropriately scheduled, trained, inducted and supported.
Support equitable shift allocation, supervision and monitoring of staff availability.
Lead, motivate and support nursing and healthcare teams to provide high-quality, evidence-based care.
Resident Transitions & Care Pathways Oversee requests for new residential placements and changes in support needs.
Work with individuals, families, staff, and MDT colleagues to assess and plan transitions.
Coordinate with external stakeholders to ensure smooth referral and admission processes.
Governance & Service Development Support and deputise for the Director of Nursing.
Lead service planning, financial management, and resource allocation.
Ensure compliance with HIQA standards, NMBI guidelines, and HSE/SJOG policies.
Promote quality improvement, clinical audit, risk management, and safeguarding.
Contribute to policy development and the implementation of best practice models of care.
Education, Training & Staff Development Create an environment conducive to ongoing learning, professional development, and reflective practice.
Support student placements, in-service training, and postgraduate development for nursing staff.
Provide coaching, supervision, and performance management to support staff growth and development.
Health & Safety / Risk Management Ensure effective safety procedures are in place across the service.
Actively participate in quality and safety committees, maintaining the risk register.
Ensure all incidents are reported and managed through NIMS.
Support infection prevention, safeguarding, and compliance with all statutory requirements.
Candidate Requirements Essential Qualifications & Experience Registered (or eligible to register) in the Intellectual Disability Division of the NMBI Register.
Minimum of 7 years' post-registration experience in intellectual disability nursing.
At least 3 years' management experience at Clinical Nurse Manager 2 (CNM2) level or higher, with 3 years spent in an Intellectual Disability setting.
A Level 8 (or higher) qualification in healthcare or management.
Strong leadership, governance, and administrative skills.
Access to appropriate transport to meet the needs of a multi-site service.
Desirable Competencies A collaborative, empowering leadership style that promotes teamwork and innovation.
Ability to monitor and evaluate service performance, ensuring continuous quality improvement.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with staff, families, and stakeholders.
Commitment to professional development, clinical governance, and service-user advocacy.
Flexibility and resilience to lead in a changing healthcare environment.
Why Join SJOG CS?
This role offers: A permanent, pensionable contract with HSE-linked salary and benefits.
The opportunity to shape and lead services in a respected, mission-driven organisation.
The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities.
A collaborative, values-driven culture that supports diversity, equality and inclusion.
Professional growth and development through training, education, and career progression.
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page.
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