Team Leader Supported Independent Living (New Service)
Future Person in Charge (Subject to Registration)
We are recruiting a Team Leader to play a central role in the development of a new, single-occupancy Supported Independent Living service.
This is a unique opportunity to help design and establish a bespoke, wrap-around support model from the ground up. The successful candidate will work closely with the person being supported, alongside a Project Coordinator, Operational Support Coordinator, psychology team, and trainers, to create a service that is genuinely person-centred, rights-based, and responsive.
About the Role
A core element of this role will be building a strong, respectful professional relationship with the person we support, taking the time to understand their needs, preferences, communication style, routines, and goals.
This understanding will directly inform the design, implementation, and ongoing development of an individualised support service, including staffing approaches, daily supports, and ways of working.
The Team Leader will work closely with the organisation's psychology team and trainers, using evidence-based guidance to shape support strategies and staff practice. The successful candidate will receive training in Studio 3 philosophies and approaches, which will underpin the service's values, culture, and responses to distress and behaviour.
As the service develops, this role is intended to progress to Person in Charge (PIC) should the service become subject to registration with HIQA. Training, preparation, and organisational support will be provided in advance of any transition to PIC.
Key ResponsibilitiesPerson-Centred Service Design
* Develop a meaningful professional relationship with the person supported
* Work collaboratively with the individual, family members, psychology team, and relevant professionals to understand what good support looks like for the person we support
* Translate this understanding into practical, individualised support approaches
* Ensure the service evolves in line with the person's changing needs and preferences
Interdisciplinary & Therapeutic Working
* Work closely with the psychology team to implement recommended support strategies
* Support staff to apply psychological and behavioural guidance consistently and reflectively
* Engage with trainers and participate in ongoing professional development
* Embed Studio 3 philosophies and approaches into everyday practice and team culture
Service Development & Leadership
* Contribute to establishing a new Supported Independent Living service from the outset
* Work closely with the Project Coordinator and Operational Support CoordinatorHelp shape service culture, values, and ways of working
* Promote a rights-based, trauma-informed, and person-centred approach to independent living
Staffing & Team Building
* Support the recruitment, induction, and development of a dedicated support team
* Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and supervision
* Foster a positive, reflective, and accountable team environment
Quality, Safeguarding & Governance
* Uphold high standards of safeguarding, dignity, and professional practice
* Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and operational systems
* Support continuous improvement and quality assurance processes
Future Role Development (Subject to Registration)
If registration is required, the Team Leader will:
* Progress to the role of Person in Charge (PIC)
* Lead the service in meeting regulatory and governance requirements
* Act as a key point of contact during inspection processes
Salary will be reviewed and adjusted to reflect the additional responsibilities associated with formal appointment as Person in Charge.
Essential Criteria
* Relevant experience in disability, social care, or supported living services
* Experience in a senior support, supervisory, or leadership role
* Demonstrated ability to build strong professional relationships with people supported and use this understanding to shape supports
* Openness to reflective practice and learning from psychological and therapeutic input
* Strong understanding of person-centred and rights-based practice
* Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills
* Ability to work confidently and flexibly in a developing service
* Full clean driving license with access to a vehicle
Desirable Criteria
* Experience working in a regulated or registered service
* Familiarity with HIQA standards and requirements
* Experience working alongside psychology or multidisciplinary teams
* Relevant qualification in social care, health, or management
Why Join Us?
* Opportunity to shape a new service from the ground up
* Close working relationships with psychology and training teams
* Studio 3 training and ongoing professional development
* Time and support to develop a truly individualised, person-led service
* Clear progression to Person in Charge
* Strong organisational and peer support during service development
* Values-driven, relationship-focused ethos
Salary
Competitive, commensurate with experience. Salary will be reviewed and increased should the role formally progress to Person in Charge.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: €30,321.11-€50,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person