About the Role
As a senior executive, we seek an experienced Quality Assurance Specialist to lead compliance and governance across residential care centres.
This key leadership position ensures the highest standards of care and support for young people while maintaining full regulatory compliance at all times.
The Quality Assurance Specialist will work closely with Directors of Services, Centre Managers, and external agencies to ensure best practice, risk management, and continuous improvement across all services.
This role is primarily remote, with weekly travel required to residential centres in Mullahoran, Co. Cavan.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee quality assurance and governance across all centres, ensuring services remain inspection-ready.
* Monitor and review personnel files, resident care plans, training audits, maintenance, health and safety, fire safety, and medication records.
* Produce regular compliance and risk reports for senior management.
* Manage budgets and resource allocation to support safe, effective care delivery.
* Ensure full compliance with National Standards, safeguarding legislation, child protection law, and HIQA/TUSLA regulations.
* Support Centre Managers and Deputies in embedding governance and risk management practices.
* Oversee the safe management of complaints, incidents, and critical events.
* Provide reports on resident experiences and outcomes.
* Provide strong leadership across residential services, embedding the organisation's model of care.
* Promote a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.
* Liaise with social work departments, the HSE, Tusla, and other professionals to ensure coordinated care.
* Lead, support, and develop multidisciplinary teams through effective workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management.
* Foster a culture of inclusiveness, professional development, and staff wellbeing.
* Ensure all training needs are met and source bespoke training where required.
Requirements
* Bachelor's degree in Social Care, Health & Social Care, Nursing, Psychology, or a related field (Master's or management qualification desirable).
* 4-5 years' experience in residential care, child/youth services, or healthcare, with at least 3 years in management.
* Proven track record managing teams, driving compliance, and embedding governance systems.
* Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, HIQA/TUSLA regulations, and national care standards.
* Skilled in risk management, auditing, and quality assurance.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage staff, families, and external agencies.
* IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office and report preparation.
* Full driving licence and flexibility to travel weekly to centres.