Assistant Inspector

The Role

The Assistant Inspector of Mental Health Services assists with fulfilling the statutory duties as set out in Sections 51–54 of the Mental Health Act 2001. The Assistant Inspector supports the Commission in the achievement of the Commission’s statutory mandate.

The Assistant Inspector will receive training in inspection of mental health services, mentoring from senior colleagues within the Office of the Inspector of Mental Health Services, access to mental health service expertise within the Commission, as well as guidance from the Inspector of Mental Health Services, the Director of Standards and Quality Assurance and the Chief Executive.

They will be expected to conduct impartial, independent and thorough inspections, identify salient issues and reach a fair conclusion. An Assistant Inspector must have the ability to organise and schedule work in a timely and resource efficient manner, prioritise tasks and anticipate obstacles to task completion.

Key Responsibilities

Under the overall direction of the Inspector of Mental Health Services, the Assistant Inspector’s key responsibilities include:

• Visiting and inspecting approved centres

• Visiting and inspecting other premises where mental health services are being provided

• Report preparation

• Assisting the Commission in fulfilling its statutory mandate to promote quality mental health services

• Assist the Inspector in carrying out an inquiry as specified in the Mental Health Act 2001

• Working with the Executive in relation to the development of quality mental health services

The Assistant Inspector of Mental Health Services performs their functions and duties in compliance with the requirements of the Act, Regulations, Rules and Codes of Practice. The Assistant Inspector shall also perform such other functions and duties as the Commission, acting through its Chief Executive, may assign to them from time to time in connection with the functions of the Commission, it being agreed that the Assistant Inspector shall not be required to undertake such functions or duties that they cannot reasonably be expected to perform or which are not commensurate with the position of Assistant Inspector.

Reporting and Working Relationships

The Assistant Inspector is accountable to the Chief Executive of the MHC and reports directly to the Inspector of Mental Health Services.

Essential Requirements

The ideal candidate must possess, by the closing date, the following:

• Educated to Honours Bachelor degree level (NFQ Level 8 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications) in a mental health, health, social care or related discipline.

• Minimum 1 years’ experience in a similar role within the health or social care sector / working within a regulatory environment.

• Demonstrable experience in one or more of the following:

Undertaking investigations

Gathering evidence

Service evaluations

Knowledge of evaluation tools

• Proven track record of completing reports and documentation within appropriate timeframes.

• Experience working with young people or adults with mental health issues.

• Computer proficiency in the use of Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel etc.

• Demonstrable knowledge of the relevant legislative and administrative framework, the regulatory environment and the national standards for mental health services.

• A full current driving license with access to a private motor vehicle and be able to lawfully drive same to ensure the proper performance of their duties on appointment. (This criterion will be waived in the case of an applicant whose disability prohibits driving but who is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements).

Candidates are advised to note that there is a significant travel commitment associated with this role including stays away from base.

• The requisite competencies to carry out the role as outlined below.

Desirable

• Ability to understand and consider legal compliance in relation to mental health services

• Experience of drafting submissions or detailed correspondence in relation to mental health services

• Have had experience as a user of mental health services and have achieved a level of recovery

Competencies

The person appointed to the role of Assistant Inspector will be required to show evidence of the following competencies:

Planning & Organising

• Evidence of a methodical and organised approach to his/her work.

• Manages his/her time well and prepares in advance before important events.

• Allocates, organises and controls resources to meet objectives within pre-determined time frames.

Communication & Influencing

• Articulates themselves clearly, fluently and in a compelling manner to both individuals and groups.

• Adapts communication style to suit audience. Is able to win support and influence others by choosing an appropriate blend of tactics, presenting views effectively, and negotiating mutually acceptable solutions.

• Understands the importance of relationship management.

Research & Report Preparation

• Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of undertaking in-depth research to inform objective judgement.

• Confident in undertaking detailed investigations, and in triangulation of various forms of information.

• Writes in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate grammar, style and language for the reader.

• Pays attention to detail and accuracy of content.

Technical & Professional Expertise

• The ability and capability to perform the duties associated with the role to an acceptable standard.

• Ability to perform a particular professional task with skill of an acceptable quality.

• Uses professional expertise in the day to day performance of the role.

Knowledge of Mental Health Services & Legislation

• Knowledge of the various issues within Mental Health Service, the legislation surrounding Mental Health Services, the relevant quality and legislative frameworks and the ability and commitment to drive continuous improvement in relation to such.

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

• Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives.

• Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands.

• Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon.

• Ensures that customers are at the heart of all services provided.

• Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics and integrity.

Salary

The Engineer Grade II salary scale (rates effective 1 February 2026) is as follows:

€75,448 - €77,172 - €78,891 - €80,619 - €82,342 - €82,801 - €84,499 - €86,262 - €89,133¹ - €92,011²

LSI 1 after 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum.

LSI 2 after 6 years satisfactory service at the maximum.

This rate will apply where the appointee is an existing civil or public servant appointed on or after 6 April 1995 or is newly recruited to the MHC and is required to make a personal pension contribution.

Important Note

Entry will be at the minimum of the pay scale, and the rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

Different terms and conditions may apply if you are a currently serving civil or public servant.

Note: Salary for the purposes of calculation of superannuation benefits may differ from the above depending on individual circumstances.

Payment Arrangements

Payment will be made fortnightly in arrears by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) into a bank account of the successful candidate’s choice. Payment cannot be made until a bank account number and bank sort code has been supplied to the MHC. Statutory deductions from salary will be made as appropriate.

A staff member appointed to this post will agree that any overpayment of salary or travel and subsistence may be deducted from future salary payments due in accordance with the Payment of Wages Act 1991 (as amended). In accordance with that Act, the MHC will advise the staff member in writing of the amount and details of such overpayment and give at least one week’s notice of the deduction to take place and will deduct the overpayment, at an amount that is fair and reasonable having regard to all the circumstances, within six months of such notice in accordance with the Act.

Tenure

The appointment will be based on a permanent contract of employment with the MHC.

The probationary period will be for a period of nine months from the date of appointment. Notwithstanding this paragraph and the paragraph immediately following below, this will not preclude an extension of the probationary period in appropriate circumstances.

During the probationary period, a staff member’s performance will be subject to review by the line manager to determine whether the staff member:

(i) has performed in a satisfactory manner; and

(ii) has been satisfactory in general conduct.

Prior to completion of the probationary period a decision will be made as to whether the staff member will be retained. This decision will be based on the staff member’s performance assessed against the criteria set out in (i) and (ii) above. The detail of the probationary process will be explained to the staff member by the MHC on commencement of employment.