Join our team
With a global presence across
six countries
, Dovida delivers nine million hours of care annually.
In Ireland, our network of 25 offices and 350 professionals supports 4,000 caregivers, empowering over 7,000 clients to live life their way
Guided by our
'Circle of Ca
re' philosophy, we promis
e: Your Life, Your Way.
Be part of a team that values compassion, empowerment, and making a real impact. Join us and help shape a brighter future—one life at a time.
Who We're Looking For;
We are seeking an experienced and values-led
Person in Charge (PIC)
to lead a small, bespoke
children's residential service
supporting young people with complex needs, including autism and behaviours of concern.
This is a senior leadership role with full regulatory accountability for the safety, quality, and governance of the service. The PIC will ensure that children experience safe, meaningful, and ordinary lives, supported by skilled teams and robust systems of care and support.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide overall governance and operational leadership of the designated centre in line with regulations and National Standards.
* Ensure children's rights, voice, safety, and wellbeing are central to all decisions and practices.
* Lead, develop, and support a multidisciplinary staff team, embedding a culture of positive behaviour support, reflective practice, and trauma-informed care.
* Maintain full accountability for risk management, safeguarding, restrictive practices, incident management, and quality improvement.
* Oversee care planning, assessments, transitions, and family engagement, ensuring each child's plan is genuinely person-centred and outcomes focused.
* Act as the primary regulatory lead, managing inspections, compliance plans, notifications, and ongoing quality monitoring.
* Work collaboratively with families, commissioners, social workers, clinicians, and senior management.
Essential Criteria
* QQI Level 7 or 8 qualification in Social Care, Social Work, Nursing with CORU / NMBI registration as relevant.
* QQI Level 6 or higher qualification in health or social care management at an appropriate level
* Minimum 3 years' experience in children's residential services,
* At least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
* Proven experience managing complex behaviours, safeguarding risk, and regulatory compliance.
* Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills.
* In-depth knowledge of Children First, HIQA / TUSLA regulations, and disability/autism service frameworks.
* Full clean car licence.
Desirable
* Experience in opening or transitioning a designated centre.
* Training in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), trauma-informed care, or autism-specific practice.
* Experience working with children with high support or complex behavioural needs.
What We Offer
* Opportunity to lead a high-quality, innovative children's service from the ground up.
* Strong organisational support, governance structures, and clinical input.
* Competitive salary aligned to experience and responsibility.
* Ongoing professional development and leadership support.
* A role where quality, safety, and the child's life outcomes genuinely matter.
* Pension
* EAP access
* Free onsite parking