At Western Care we aim to provide the most appropriate care, in the most appropriate setting for the people we support. And right now, we are looking to grow and support our team across County Mayo.
Why not be part of a progressive team, that's delivering for its community.
Western Care - Supporting People To Live Their Lives.

Area Manager - Childrens Services

Castlebar, Co. Mayo

• 
  Permanent 35 hours per week

A panel may also be formed following these interviews for similar vacancies arising over the next 12 months

• Reference Number 2024-227
• Closing date: November 6th, 2024

Job Brief
We invite applications for this position which will oversee the effective management and day to day operations of our Children's Services Area to ensure the delivery of high quality, safe, effective and person- centred services to meet the needs of children with intellectual disabilities, to have the best life possible, within their community.
The post holder will also be required to register as a PPIM for the designated centres within the service area. In the absence of the Head of Operations, the CEO may delegate responsibility as required to the Area Manager.
The Area Manager will lead and be responsible for a range of services, focused on:

• Ensuring a person-centred approach to service delivery based on the priorities agreed with each individual
• Ensuring each person supported receives a high quality and safe service, based on each person's assessed needs
• Developing and building relationships with services users, families, advocates and the wider community
• Develop and maintain effective and efficient service delivery standards to ensure that service users, Western Care Association, statutory and national service reform requirements are meet
• The management, supervision, coaching and development of frontline managers
• The implementation of Western Care Association policies and procedures
• Budget management
• Day to day management of health and safety within the services

Candidate Requirements:

• Strong knowledge and competency on relevant regulations and policy including, but not limited to HIQA, New Directions, National Service Reform and current best practice in the delivery of person-centred practice
• Ability to demonstrate strong leadership, management and improvement skills
• Experience of direct line management with well-developed people management skills
• Experience of service development and service improvement
• Willingness to work flexible hours required for the job which may include evening and weekend work
• Competent IT skills
• Knowledge and experience of working with people with intellectual disabilities, Autism and complex medical needs
• Experience of supporting individuals with additional needs and collaborating with families is essential
• Applicants must have excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to problem-solve and be creative around service responses
• A genuine interest and enthusiasm to stay true to the ethos of the services
• An appetite for change, challenge and enhancement
• An understanding and appreciation of equality and life quality for all people

Other duties involved - (duties included but are not limited to the following)

• Contribute to and participate in the local service planning process and the creative development and ongoing changing needs of the service.
• Provide personal care and support to service users where required
• Ensure a safe place of work, incorporating Western Care Association's Dignity at Work Policy and Health & Safety requirement.
• To promote safety in all environments, in line with the Association's practices.
• Use positive approaches to support people who may have behaviours that challenge in line with Organisational practice.

Qualification Details

• A minimum level 7 degree qualification in Social Care, or equivalent.

• please note your qualification must be eligible for CORU registration

• Relevant management qualification
• A minimum of three years at management level in the social care sector
• At least five years social care experience

Other Requirements

• Full driver's license is essential
• All applicants will be subject to Irish Garda Vetting & Reference checks
• All applicants will be required to access Overseas Police Clearance if they have lived outside of the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland more than 6 months since the age of 18 years

Salary Scale
Area Manager Pay Scale Grade VII (Salary range €54,123 to €70,972)
this is based on full time working hours i.e. 35 per week


Employment Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Pension and Life Insurance Scheme
• Annual leave in excess of statutory entitlement
• Dedicated learning and development
• Flexible working opportunities
• Staff initiatives e.g. Employee Assistance Programme, Bike-to-Work Scheme
• Sick pay scheme

Health
Applicants must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to this post and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service


Application Details

• Please apply using current C.V.
• Further information available from Anne Chambers, Head of Operations Tel: 094-9025133

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reports To: Head of Operations
Responsibility for: Children's Services within Western Care Association


Job Summary
Reporting to the Head of Operations, the Area Manager will have responsibility for overseeing the effective management and day to day operations of allocated services within a Service Area, to ensure the delivery of high quality, safe, effective and person centered services to meet the needs of adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism, to have the best life possible, within their community.
The post holder will also be required to register as a PPIM for the designated centres within the remit of his/her service area. In the absence of the Head of Operations, the CEO will delegate responsibility as required to the Area Manager.
As a member of the Senior Operations Team for Western Care Association, the Area Manager will be responsible for contributing to and leading strategic development and achievement.
Key Responsibilities
Operations / Service Delivery:
Manage and oversee day to day operations for service delivery within your area of remit. This will include but will not be limited to,
1. Monitor the overall performance in relation to quality and safe service delivery, service user satisfaction, viability of service models and service development in response to identified need.
2. Monitor and control the use of resources to meet service demands. This will include staffing levels, equipment, transport and infrastructures such as housing and community hubs.
3. Develop effective service delivery standards to ensure that service user, Western Care Association, statutory and national reform requirements are met.
4. Identify and implement in agreement with the Head of Operations any improvement or change programme necessary in order to maximise service provision and delivery
5. Review reports of Incidents and ensure appropriate mitigating action is taken in line with Western Care Association policy and procedures
6. Pro-actively liaise with all service department to ensure appropriate services are delivered to meet service need
7. Anticipate emergency circumstances and ensure agreed appropriate contingency plans are instigated
8. Embed all relevant quality and governance standards in day-to-day practices and processes within your area of remit
9. Assist and support staff where appropriate to resolve complex or out of policy operational challenges
10. Keep up to date with relevant research, development and innovative approaches
11. Contribute to, and implement a learning organisation philosophy, seeking continuous quality improvement


Governance and Management:

• Ensure services within your area of responsibility fulfil all their legal, statutory, regulatory and national reform responsibilities.
• Ensure that service risks are identified and escalated to the Head of Operations for inclusion on the Corporate Risk Register and implement agreed controls as appropriate
• Contribute to the development, implementation and review of service policies and procedures
• Undertake the role of monitoring within your area of responsibility and complete the required quality monitoring visits identifying areas of good practice and areas for improvement.

People Management:
1. Maximise individual and area performance through the implementation of a high performance culture
2. Delegate authority within staff control, consistent with effective judgement, decision making while retaining responsibility and accountability.
3. Ensure regular supervision, monitoring of responsibilities and performance of reporting staff, in line with Western Care Association's support and supervision policy.
4. Act as a role model, coaching and supporting staff in their personal and professional development within their role, encouraging innovation and creativity within the workplace.
5. In consultation with the Head of Operations and reporting staff, effective management and monitoring of volunteers and students within services.
6. Ensure that all staff adherence to HR policies and procedures.


Service Performance and Financial Management:

• Be accountable for the financial performance of operations within your area of remit
• Review financial activity reports and financial statements in line with agreed budgets
• As part of the senior management team for Western Care Association, participate in the budget planning process
• Ensure that all major risks relevant to service delivery within your area are identified and that appropriate controls are in place to mitigate these risks
• Embed all relevant quality and governance standards in day-to-day practices and processes in line with Western Care Association's financial policies and procedures
• Ensure appropriate and safe use of IT systems to support effective/efficient evaluation and delivery of services within the role.
• Ensure there is a continuous monitoring and evaluation of Western Care Association against service level agreements and Key Performance Indicators.

Service Development:
1. Support the Head of Operations in relevant business and case development within your area of remit.
2. Pro-actively seek opportunities for expansion and/or diversification of individuals supported/Family groups. Liaise with the Head of Operations to ensure all opportunities are in line with Western Care Association strategy and objectives
3. Promote a positive image of Western Care Association with internal and external stakeholders and partners.
4. Build and manage long term effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
5. Liaise with the Head of Operations and oversee the completion of relevant documentation for external submission to relevant funding bodies in relation to the planning and implementation of contracted services relating to your area of remit
6. Acts as a spokesperson for Western Care Association as agreed e.g. participation on regional or national bodies/groups and conference attendance.
7. Source additional funding streams which support the delivery of enhanced services and supports in line with organisation mission, vision and strategic plan.


Leadership and Strategy:

• Contribute to the development of Western Care Association models of best practice for Intellectual Disability / Autism.
• Support in the strategic development of Western Care Association, in accordance with the objectives, vision and values.
• Monitor and review strategy on a regular basis and report back to the Head of Operations on progress towards the strategic priorities and accountability for outcomes.
• Assume responsibility, in consultation with the Head of Operations for corporate performance and the achievement of organisational objectives
• Ensure delivery of objectives and key performance targets for Western Care Association
• Ensure Western Care Association's vision and values are embedded within your area of responsibility
• Confirm operational responsibilities and reporting relationships of management within your area of responsibility
• Provide professional leadership, vision and directions to Western Care Association, ensuring staff have the capacity and capability to meet organisational objectives.

General
1. Members of staff are expected to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner in accordance with the Dignity at Work Procedure.
2. Develop and enhance existing collaborative working relationships with all stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcomes for individuals who use the services.
3. All staff are expected to demonstrate their commitment to Western Care Association by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
4. All staff must comply with the Smoke Free Policy and associated procedures.
5. All Staff must take care of their own health and safety and that of people who may be affected by what they do (or do not do).
6. All staff must co-operate with others on health and safety, and not interfere with, or misuse, anything provided for their health, safety or welfare.
7. All staff must follow the training they have received when using any work items their employer has given them.
8. Western Care Association is committed to equality of opportunity and to selection based on merit. The Area Manager is required to adhere to all associated procedures throughout the course of his/her employment.
9. The Area Manager will endeavour to ensure the on-going confidence of the public.
10.The Area Manager will maintain high standards of personal accountability.


Person Specification Requirements:

• A minimum level 7 degree qualification in Social Care, Nursing or equivalent
• Relevant management qualification
• At least five years social care experience, of which at least three must be at a management level.
• Strong knowledge and competency on relevant regulations and policy including, but not limited to HIQA, New Directions, National Service Reform and current best practice in the delivery of person-centred practice.
• Ability to demonstrate strong leadership, management and improvement skills
• Experience of direct line management with well developed people management skills
• Experience of service development and service improvement
• Willingness to work flexible hours required for the job which may include evening and weekend work
• Experience of using IT packages and programmes
• Full clean driver's license and use of / access to a car

Initial Base: Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Hours: 35 hours per week including flexibility
Salary: Based on Grade VII salary scale


This job description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and may be reviewed and amended in the future to include any other reasonable duties, projects or tasks as may be requested by management from time to time and to reflect changing organisational requirements, changing staffing levels, etc.