Person in Charge

Job Title: Person in Charge (PIC)
Location: Residential Services for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disability (ID)

Co. Wicklow/ Co. Kildare

Reports To: Clinical Governance Lead / Senior Management Team

Role Summary:

The Person in Charge (PIC) is responsible for the overall management, leadership, and governance of the residential service, ensuring the provision of high-quality, person-centred care for individuals with ASD and ID. They oversee compliance with HIQA regulations, lead the staff team, manage resources, and promote a safe, supportive environment that enhances the well-being and independence of residents.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Governance, Leadership & Service Management

• Provide strategic leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, person-centred residential services.
• Ensure full compliance with HIQA regulations, the Health Act 2007, and all other relevant legislation.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices in line with regulatory requirements.
• Lead the service’s risk management strategy, ensuring robust safeguarding measures are in place.
• Conduct regular audits, self-assessments, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Act as the Designated Person in Charge under HIQA, ensuring effective governance structures.

2. Resident Welfare & Person-Centred Support

• Oversee the development, implementation, and review of Individualised Care Plans (ICPs) to meet residents’ unique needs.
• Promote an inclusive, rights-based approach, ensuring residents are actively involved in decision-making.
• Foster a therapeutic and low-arousal environment to support residents with ASD and ID.
• Ensure all supports are trauma-informed, promoting well-being, dignity, and quality of life.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, families, and external professionals.

3. Staff Management & Development

• Provide supervision, training, and performance management for staff, ensuring professional development.
• Promote a positive team culture, supporting staff in delivering high-quality care.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels, rostering, and workforce planning.
• Oversee recruitment, induction, and retention strategies.
• Address HR issues, grievances, and disciplinary matters in line with policy.

4. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure the service meets HIQA’s Residential Standards for Disability Services.
• Lead in the preparation for HIQA inspections, addressing findings and implementing corrective actions.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of incidents, complaints, and safeguarding concerns.
• Monitor compliance with health and safety policies, fire safety protocols, and infection control.
• Implement audit systems to review documentation, care plans, and risk assessments.

5. Financial & Resource Management

• Oversee the budget and financial planning for the residential service.
• Ensure efficient use of resources, including staffing, equipment, and facilities.
• Manage residents’ personal finances, ensuring transparency and adherence to legal guidelines.
• Develop funding proposals and liaise with funding bodies as required.

6. Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for families, guardians, and advocacy groups.
• Maintain strong working relationships with HSE, HIQA, external agencies, and service providers.
• Represent the organisation in inter-agency meetings, case reviews, and policy discussions.
• Promote community integration and ensure residents have access to meaningful social opportunities.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• A Level 7 or 8 qualification in Social Care, Nursing, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of management experience in a residential or disability service.
• In-depth knowledge of HIQA regulations, the Health Act 2007, and disability service standards.
• Experience in budget management, staff leadership, and strategic planning.
• Training in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), crisis intervention, and safeguarding is an advantage.

Key Competencies:

• Leadership & Decision-Making: Ability to manage complex situations and make informed decisions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Strong knowledge of disability services legislation and HIQA requirements.
• People Management: Proven ability to lead, supervise, and motivate staff teams.
• Risk & Crisis Management: Skilled in handling safeguarding concerns and challenging behaviours.
• Communication & Advocacy: Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders and advocate for residents.

Additional Requirements:

• Full clean driving licence (desirable but not always essential).
• Flexibility to work on-call or outside standard hours if required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: €60,000.00-€80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bike to work scheme
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee assistance program

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Wicklow, CO. Wicklow: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Education:

• Master's (preferred)

Experience:

• Management: 3 years (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• Ireland (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: PIC
Expected start date: 18/03/2025