Assistant Director Of Services, Per Week

KERRY PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION is a voluntary organisation committed to the delivery of life enhancing services and supports, responding to needs, wishes, and choices of people withan intellectual disability, connected to support networks in their communities.

In our work with people and families, we endeavour to deliver our supports in a person and family centred way.

All those who work for and on behalf of the Association, and those who use our services, have a right to be treated with dignity, courtesy and respect at all times.

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As a Section 39 organisation, KPFA operates its own pay scales.

Annual increments are awarded up to the maximum point of the relevant scale.

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Applications are invited for the following position

Post: Assistant Director of Services (ADOS) Day Services, Outreach and Home Support Services County-wide

Contract: Fixed-Term/Full-Time – 37 hrs per week

Location: The Old Monastery, Port Road, Killarney (This role will require travel to all KPFA locations throughout County Kerry)

Roster: Mon - Thurs: 09:00 - 17:00 / Fri: 09:00 - 16:30

*Rosters may be subject to change due to the operational requirements of the service*

Overview of the Role

The ADOS is a senior leadership role within the Association, responsible for overseeing and supporting the delivery of high quality, rights-based, person centred services for adults with intellectual disabilities. This role ensures compliance with HIQA regulations, the New Directions policy framework, the UNCRPD, the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, the National Consent Policy, and other relevant legislation, while fostering a culture of inclusion, empowerment, safeguarding, and continuous improvement.

The ADOS has operational responsibility for a designated number of services and directly supervises Persons in Charge (PICs) and Centre Managers, ensuring effective service delivery, staff management, and optimal use of resources. Cross-cover by ADOS colleagues will be provided as needed to maintain service continuity. In the absence of the Director of Services, the ADOS ensures the continued safe and effective operation of all services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategically – guiding services in line with organisational priorities, national policy, and UNCRPD principles.
• Drive innovation – modernising services and engaging staff, stakeholders, and the people we support.
• Champion rights & empowerment – promoting choice, dignity, and meaningful community participation.
• Deliver operational excellence – managing compliance, finances, risk, and sustainable service delivery.
• Collaborate & advocate – building relationships and representing the organisation professionally.
• Develop teams – inspiring, mentoring, and fostering learning, accountability, and growth.
• Ensure safeguarding & quality – embedding safety, incident management, and continuous improvement.
• Solve problems confidently – making timely, rights-based decisions aligned with regulations.
• Work independently – managing priorities with sound judgment and escalating only strategic matters.

In this role, you will support service development and transformation in line with the Association’s mission, HIQA standards, New Directions, the Health Act 2007, Section 39 Service Level Agreements, HSE policies, and UNCRPD principles. You will ensure governance, compliance, and quality assurance through audits, inspections, and service reviews; lead and develop managers and staff; oversee operational and financial performance; champion the rights and voices of service users and families; embed safeguarding and a culture of safety; and drive policy development, continuous improvement, and service innovation.

What essential requirements we are looking for

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Social Care, Disability Studies, Nursing, Psychology, or a related field.
• Formal management qualification in health or social care (minimum Level 6, e.g., Certificate/Diploma/Degree in Leadership or Management)
• At least 5 years of management experience in disability services, healthcare, or a similar regulated environment.
• Proven experience in implementing both HIQA regulations, New Directions, ADM and rights-based practice under the UNCRPD.
• Strong knowledge of HSE policies, safeguarding regulations, and quality improvement.
• Demonstrated experience in staff leadership, team development, and service innovation.
• Excellent understanding of person-centered planning, community inclusion, and rights-based approaches.

Other

• Applicants must have a full drivers licence with access to a road worthy car insured for business purposes.
• Applicants must have the necessary authorisation to work in Ireland and will be asked to provide supporting documentation during the recruitment process.

Highly desirable criteria

• A postgraduate qualification in Social Care Management, Disability Studies, Health & Social Care Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience in leading HIQA inspections, service audits, or compliance assessments.
• Training in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), Trauma-Informed Care, or Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults.
• Experience in a senior manager role.

Employee Benefits: Sick Pay Scheme, Paid Maternity Leave, Flexible Working, Employee Assistance Programme, Pension Scheme, Parking, Generous Annual Leave, Access to income continuance scheme, Discounted Health Insurance and Access to training.

For informal queries, please contact the Director of Services, Bernice Costello at 064-6632742 or by email to bernice.costello@kpfa.ie

(A panel may be formed from which future vacancies for the Services Department may be filled up to the 31st of December 2025)

*In relation to offers of employment, evidence of relevant employment experience must be clearly detailed in your CV. Failure to provide this information, along with a satisfactorily completed verification of service form before an agreed start date, will result in placement at Point 1 of the applicable scale. Incremental credit will only be applied from the date correct documents are submitted.*

Canvassing
Any attempt by candidates or others acting on their behalf, directly or indirectly, through written communication or any other means, to canvass or influence in the candidate's favour any staff member of Kerry Parents and Friends Association, or any individual involved in interviewing or evaluating applicants, will result in the candidate's automatic disqualification from the position.

Kerry Parents and Friends Association is an equal opportunities employer