Join Our Team as Deputy of Services Location: Fethard, Co. Tipperary Salary: Circa €67,254 - €82,505 based on consolidated pay scales 01/10/2023). WRC pay rises are applicable to this post. Contract: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 35 hours per week Submission of C.Vs Deadline: 10th October 2025 Contact: Roisin Stewart, Director of Services About Us St. Bernards Childrens Services is a voluntary therapeutic childrens residential and fostering support service. We have dedicated over 50 years to providing a nurturing, trauma-informed environment that supports recovery, healing and growth for children and families. The Role St. Bernards Childrens Services is seeking a dynamic and experienced Deputy Director of Services to lead and support the delivery of high-quality therapeutic residential and fostering support services. This senior leadership role will play a pivotal role in the leadership and daily operations of our residential and fostering support services. Working closely with the Director of Services and the Board, you will ensure the highest standards of therapeutic care, staff supervision, governance, strategic development and ensuring excellence in trauma-informed care. Key Responsibilities: Lead and support the implementation of our trauma informed, therapeutic model of care. Strategic leadership & operational management promoting the delivery of services. Governance, compliance, quality assurance and quality improvements. Oversee staff management, HR, and compliance with national standards. Ensure quality care planning and positive outcomes for young people. Manage budgets and resources effectively. Foster a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for all. Facilitate and deliver supervision, training and staff professional development. Communication & stakeholder engagement. Risk assessment & safeguarding and child protection oversight. Essential Requirements: Hold a professional qualification (third level or higher) in Health & Social Care and/or management related discipline. Have a minimum 5 years experience at senior management level in the delivery of social care or health services. Social Care Manager or an equivalent grade/higher in a health or social care setting. Have a qualification in leadership and management or HR. Proven track record in the delivery of trauma informed therapeutic care. Proven track record in team leadership and strategic planning Proven track in governance and compliance requirements in social and health care settings. Proven track record in people management, HR and professional development of teams. Full driving licence & eligibility to work in Ireland Garda vetting & satisfactory references required Why Join Us? Make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children. Be part of an experienced, supportive, and professional team. Access to ongoing training and development. Pensionable position with structured working hours. Make a real differencejoin us in transforming lives through therapeutic care. Your leadership can be the foundation for healing and hope. Job Title Deputy Director Details of Service St. Bernards Childrens Services is a voluntary therapeutic childrens residential & Fostering Support service which provides a unique and dedicated service to children and families. Reporting Relationship The post holder will report to the Director of Services and the Board of Directors. Location of Post St. Bernards Childrens Services, Fethard, Co. Tipperary. Informal Enquiries Director of Services, Roisin Stewart Purpose of the Post The Deputy Director will assist the Director in overseeing the daily operations of the residential service. This role involves both internal and external responsibilities, including oversight of the implementation of the therapeutic model of care, line management responsibility, HR and personnel matters, staff supervision, governance and compliance and strategic planning. The Deputy Director will ensure that the highest standards of care and therapeutic support are maintained. You demonstrate a key understanding of our group living, therapeutic community approach and an awareness of the psychodynamic principles which underpin our model of care. Candidates should be emotionally mature and willing and open to engage in processes, which will enhance their ability to manage the anxiety, create stability and provide a nurturing therapeutic environment which supports recovery and repair from trauma. You will also, promote a culture within the service that is respectful, non-discriminatory, and embracing of diversity. You will be expected to deputise in the absence of the Director of Services Principal Duties and Responsibilities Subject to the overall authority of the Director of Services and acting on behalf of the Board of Directors Model of Care and Care Practice: Oversight and leadership of the implementation of therapeutic model of care provided by the service. Co-ordination and oversight of the implementation of Care Plans agreed upon to meet the specific needs of each child and young person in accordance with the National Standards for Childrens Residential Centres. Co-ordination and oversight of the implementation of therapeutic placement plans to meet the individual needs of each child in accordance with the National Standards for Childrens Residential Centres. Will co-operate with and facilitate statutory inspections of the Centre and will carry the principal responsibility for implementing any agreed subsequent recommendations. Provide guidance and leadership to Social Care Managers and Social Care Teams in respect of inspection and compliance preparedness. Assist in the management of the centre in accordance with St Bernards policies, guidelines and protocols and adherence to current regulations made by the Minister for Health & Children under the Child Care Act 1991 and other relevant legislation. Provide leadership in the implementation of the National Standards for Childrens Residential Centres, 2018 and to be committed to drive positive change to achieve quality improvements on behalf of the children and service. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in therapeutic residential care and Safeguarding and Child Protection. To take seriously any complaint a child may make and to respond appropriately, in accordance with the centre policy. To ensure the rights and responsibilities of children and young people are respected. To be proactive in the formulation of policy and procedures in consultation with the Director and the Deputy Director and to ensure that these policies and procedures are always adhered to. Demonstrate awareness of GDPR, respectful and understanding the confidentiality required in this work, personal details about children /young people or staff members must not be divulged to members of the public. Such other duties as may be assigned to the post from time to time by the Director/Deputy Director (or other specified person) Financial Management To be accountable for the management of the budget and financial oversight for the centre, in compliance with approved budgetary procedures, and to ensure that optimum benefit is achieved from available resources. To ensure that expenditure in the centre is controlled within agreed cash limits and in compliance with approved procedures. To ensure that appropriate financial information for the unit is provided to the Director (or other specified persons). Staff Management Participate in the recruitment, selection, training and development of staff. Ensure all members of staff carry out the duties assigned to them under their job descriptions and conditions of service. Participate in the management of holiday entitlement and absence management. Assist the Director in the management of all personnel and HR matters which may arise with all employees. Provide leadership and support to the Social Care Managers and Deputy Social Care Managers including supervision, training, and personal and professional development plans. Oversee the implementation of mandatory training for new and existing staff. Ensure that all staff members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care. This will involve the completion of annual training needs analysis. Conduct regular training sessions and workshops on best practices, therapeutic techniques, and compliance requirements. To provide leadership, motivation, flexibility and role modelling which is conducive to good staff relations and work performance Foster a positive and collaborative work environment. Persons appointed to this grade may be required to participate in an out of hours contact support to the centre. To respect and understand the confidentiality required in this work, personal details about children/young people or staff members must not be divulged to members of the public. Strategic Planning: Assist in the development and execution of strategic plans to enhance the service's mission and goals. Identify opportunities for service development and improvement. Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in therapeutic residential care and Safeguarding and Child Protection. Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the organization at events, meetings, and other public forums. Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including social workers, families, and partner organizations. Crisis Management: Provide support in crisis situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of all children and staff. Health & Safety To ensure compliance in the unit with the provisions of the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act, (1989) and other relevant legislation. To be familiar with and comply with St Bernards policy on health, safety and welfare at work. Alert to any possible danger either from defects in premises or equipment and to bring these to the notice of senior staff. In the event of any immediate damage to take appropriate action to reduce the risk of physical injury to young people staff or visitors. Demonstrate a proficiency to conduct a risk assessment in regard to danger identified. To adhere to Fire Safety Requirements The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. Eligibility Criteria Qualifications and/ or experience Minimum of 5 years of experience in a social care manager and/ or an equivalent leadership role within a childrens residential setting or similar therapeutic care environment. A relevant post graduate qualification and/ or masters degree in social work, Psychology, Counselling, or a related field. AND A Level 8 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications in Social Care. Qualifications considered as a related and a relevant field are degrees in Psychology Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Youth and Community Work, Social Work and Social Sciences and a minimum of 5 years experience of working in a childrens residential services OR Level 7 in social and a relevant management qualification suitable for a healthcare or social care setting and minimum of 5 years experience of working in a childrens residential services. Relevant professional certifications are desirable, such as Management and Leadership qualification, coaching skills and/or counselling skills. Fluent English Eligibility to work in Ireland CORU registered/registration pending Skills, competencies and/ or knowledge Personal Attributes: Empathy: Demonstrates a deep understanding and compassion for the needs of children and families. Integrity: Maintains high ethical standards and acts with honesty and transparency. Resilience: Capable of handling challenging situations with grace and professionalism. Collaboration: Works well with others and values diverse perspectives. Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure. Professional Knowledge: In-depth understanding of therapeutic practices, child development, and trauma-informed care. Child Care related Legislation, Regulation, Policy and Procedures National Standards for Childrens Residential Centres Children First Comprehensive knowledge of the Therapeutic Community Model and psychodynamic principles which underpin it Child Development Care / Placement Planning Need / Risk Assessment Procedures Intervention Procedures Behaviour Management Reasonable knowledge of the service provided & Theoretical Framework Human Resource Management Group Dynamics Staff Development Centre Management Professional Supervision Awareness of children and young peoples participatory practice Core Aptitudes Unconditional positive regard towards vulnerable young people. Empathic skills Communication Skills Interpersonal Skills Motivation Innovation Computer Skills Inter-disciplinary Skills Decision Making Skills Problem Solving Skills Leadership Skills Financial Management Skills Policy / Procedure Development Skills Systems Development Skills Remaining calm in a crisis Ability to relate and communicate with vulnerable children and their families Special Competencies Time Management Skills Non-Judgemental Attitude Interest / Enthusiasm Ability to seek advice as required Report writing / Record Keeping Skill Health A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of an ability to render regular and efficient service to undertake all the tasks and duties outlined. A pre-employment medical must be successfully passed as a pre-condition for employment. Other Requirements of the Role Full Driving License Shortlisting/Interview On review of CVs, suitably qualified candidates will be required to fill in an application form. The criteria for short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore, it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements. Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process. Those successful at the shortlisting stage of this process will be called forward to interview. Salary The current salary for this post is €67,254 - €82,505 based on consolidated pay scales 01/10/2023). WRC pay rises are applicable to this post. Working Hours The successful candidate will be offered a 39-hr pw contract of employment, 9-5 Monday- Friday. Place of work is on the main campus, Fethard. Pension This is a pensionable position. Annual Leave 30 days annual leave entitlement + 10 public holidays Sick Pay Scheme St. Bernards operate a sick pay scheme for employees after one years full employment. Garda Vetting/Police Clearance A successful Garda/Police Clearance is a pre-condition for all prospective employees undertaking relevant work or activities relating to children or vulnerable persons. Work References St. Bernards must obtain 3 satisfactory (written & verbal) work references from previous employers as a pre-condition for employment. Employment Duties Further Terms and Conditions of Employment will be outlined to the successful candidate in the Employee Handbook and individual Contract of Employment.