Assistant Unit Manager

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Operations

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Support the Unit Manager to deliver effective day to day operations of the unit

• Deputise for the Unit Manager as agreed and when required and always keep the Unit Manager informed on significant issues

• Ensure that the unit is everyday-auditable for the purposes of HIQA unannounced and announced inspections on campus

• Participate and attend a range of meetings as required

• Assist and direct the planning of and co-ordination of unit shifts and monitor/intervene as appropriate

Care

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Support the Unit Manager to ensure that policies/procedures are communicated effectively to staff and young people through providing regular briefings and updates

• Adhere to all legal obligations including ‘Children First Act 2015’ (Mandatory Reporting) children protection and welfare concerns

• Ensure strict adherence to policies, procedures and relevant legislation at all times and cooperate with any inspection/audit process

• Ensuring that health, safety, welfare and security on the units is paramount

• Ensure that young people’s and staff personal property is stored safely at all times (Decanting)

• Support Unit Manager to oversee and lead the case management system on the unit and ensure the accuracy of data and record keeping

• Working with the Unit Manager to ensure documentation and records are kept up to date in line with policies and procedures

• Responsible for ensuring total confidentiality of personal information relating to young people, their families and staff. Ensure such information is treated in a confidential and professional manner at all times in line with Data Protection and GDPR guidelines

• Ensure that a very high standard of hygiene, cleanliness and tidiness is maintained within the unit and that furniture, fittings and equipment are cared for at all times

• Produce and contribute to a wide range of reports as required. Ensure all reports or agreed plans are completed in a timely fashion and available for inspection at all times, follow up to ensure this happens as appropriate

• Responsible for ensuring that a detailed handover is given to a designated colleague at the end of each shift, and when on leave

• On a personal level, ensure that you continuously develop and engage in regular continuous professional development initiatives

• Ensure that you stay informed in relation to the implementation of the Oberstown strategy and annual plans and be clear on your role in their implementation and delivery

• Support the Unit Manager to lead and manage the effective implementation of the Children’s Right Policy Framework, take responsibility for the implementation on a consistent basis within the designated unit

Promote a holistic approach across the campus, through working with internal services and external agencies to ensure that the complex needs of young people in Oberstown are met including but not limited to ACTS, FCAMHS, Oberstown School, medical team etc

• Fostering positive relationships with Oberstown Campus School and management team

• Working collaboratively with Programme Team and keyworkers to ensure that young people have access to relevant programmes and recreational activities

• Ensure awareness and knowledge of service providers working with Oberstown and make referrals as appropriate

• Ensure the best supports and services are provided to young people during their detention

• Take day to day responsibility for ensuring that staff provide excellent care to the young people in detention, safeguarding the rights of the young people at all times, under the responsibilities assigned to Oberstown under the ‘Children’s Act 2001’ and ‘Children’s First Act 2015’

• Take day to day responsibility for the monitoring, recording and reporting of single separation trends in the unit on a weekly/ monthly basis as required in line with the ‘Single Separation Policy’ and associated procedures

• In line with CEHOP ensure the delivery of quality placement planning meetings, including the provision of quality key-working sessions

• Manage, plan, record and document all off-campus movement of young people and staff relevant to the unit ensuring minimal impact to the operations on the campus

• Implement admission and discharge procedures for the young people

• Report and record all incidents/accidents/assaults to Health and Safety, in line with the Incident/Accident/Assault Policy. Ensure all relevant documentation is completed, signed off and forwarded to the relevant personnel

People

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Role model the Oberstown values, vision and purpose. Demonstrate this through your practice, interactions with Young People and the Care Team alike

• Role model high performance

• Co-manage the residential social care team effectively and appropriately and take full responsibility for delegated areas of duty

• Take primary role in the introduction and implementation of Performance Management in your unit, working closely with HR and the Unit Manager

• Pro-actively ensure that staff receive training to carry out their role effectively and fully understand all campus policies/procedures

• Follow up on non-compliance of training requirements

• Work with Unit Manager to ensure staff have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities through regular supervision, team meetings, probation reviews and performance management processes all of which have been recorded

• Working in conjunction with the Unit Manger to ensure all under performance is identified and managed in a timely and constructive manner

• Support the manager in leading the development and promotion of a professional social care team through providing guidance and development opportunities for staff

• Lead by example, motivate and encourage others, build team commitment

• Co-facilitate the weekly team meetings

• Working with the Unit Manager to ensure the planning and management of staff rosters (through Softworks), within agreed framework. Ensure pre-planning of annual leave/planned leave. Ensure alterations are made in the event of absences to ensure full cover in line HR policies

• Ensure administrative duties are completed in a timely manner – including payroll timesheets, accurate recording on Softworks, notifying HR of holiday/sick leave, completing return to work interviews etc

• Follow up on all anomalies regarding same

Finance

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Day to day management of inventories within the designated unit

• Ensure effective management of the young people’s pocket money, accounts and for all monies belonging to the unit. Follow up anomalies

• Co-manage the children accounts, manage unit budgets and for the overall unit expenditure

The above duties are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities involved and, consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post, which may be assigned to him/her from time to time, and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

For any queries or more information on this role, please contact the HR department at

Eligibility Criteria Qualifications and/ or experienceEssential Criteria

• Hold a relevant third-level qualification at Level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

• Registered with CORU or be eligible for registration and able to obtain registration prior to appointment.

• Maintain current (“live”) annual registration on the Social Care Worker Register maintained by the Social Care Workers Registration Board at CORU for the duration of employment.

• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience working directly with young people and/or adults who present with challenging behaviour.

• Demonstrable experience leading and/or managing people (including informal supervision, shift-leading, or mentoring).

Desirable Criteria

• A minimum of 4 years’ experience in working directly with young people and / or vulnerable adults who present with challenging behaviour

• Must possess appropriate ICT Skills, e.g. proficiency in Word, Excel, e-mail etc.

• Knowledge of relevant Irish legislation and policy in relation to the detention and care of young people

• A knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation and policy in relation to the detention and care of young people.

Competencies

Candidates must be able to demonstrate clearly at interview that they possess the full range of competencies as set out below:

Professional Knowledge & Experience

• Experience in the creation of professional documents and presentations thereby demonstrating proficiency in the use of MS Office skills to include, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Softworks and Case Management System

• The ability to work in an accurate and methodical manner, with great attention to detail, while meeting the demands of a busy office

• Excellent numeracy/literacy skills

Planning & Managing Resources

• Excellent planning and organisational skills including using computer technology effectively

• The ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks

• The ability to manage within allocated resources and a capacity to respond to changes in a fast paced, changing environment

Commitment to a Quality Service

• Great attention to detail and high levels of accuracy

• Awareness and appreciation of the young person’s needs

• A commitment to maintaining high work standards

• A commitment to providing a quality service for every young person

• Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives and take ownership for their role in working towards the organisation’s strategic plan

• To be resilient in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands

• To be personally trustworthy and can be relied upon

• Embrace the view that young people are at the heart of all services provided

• The ability to uphold high standards of honesty, ethics, integrity and responsibility

Evaluating Information, Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Flexibility, problem solving and initiative skills including the ability to adapt to change

• The ability to appropriately analyse and interpret information, develop solutions and contribute to decisions quickly and accurately as appropriate

• Is familiar with and understands their role in the implementation of the Oberstown Strategic Plan

• The ability to make sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stand by these, and can determine when appropriate to escalate to a higher level of management

• The ability to gather and analyse information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or otherwise weighing up a range of critical factors

• The ability to take account of any broader issues and related implications when making decisions

• The use of previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions

• The ability to put forward solutions to address problems

Communications & Interpersonal Skills

• Understands and role models the vision, purpose and values of Oberstown through their everyday actions and interactions

• Good communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner

• Strong written communication skills

• The ability to respect and maintain composure when dealing with staff members

• The ability to be assertive and negotiate when necessary, communicating in a clear and confident manner whilst remaining respectful and dignified

• The ability to listen to others and invite feedback, dealing with information in a constructive way

• The ability to influence others by actively listening and clearly expressing their position

• The ability to produce written correspondence/reports in a clear and concise manner

Teamwork

• Can create a good esprit de Corp within the team and works hard to keep a good team spirit

• Develop strong team building skills and develop team and individuals

• The ability to work as part of a team and to establish a good working relationship with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders

• The ability to share information and knowledge, as appropriate

• The ability to work independently on own initiative and as part of a team

• The capacity for management responsibility and initiative

• To possess strong team leadership and management skills

Leadership & Management Skills

• The ability to lead, coach, develop and motivate teams and individuals

• The ability to manage and implement change initiatives and reform efficiently and effectively

• The ability to lead a team, through setting high standards, tackling any performance problems & facilitating high performance

• Facilitate an open exchange of ideas and fosters and atmosphere of open communication

Driving Licence

Successful candidates will be required to hold a current full clean Driving Licence – Category B, prior to commencement of employment.

Health

A candidate must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the position and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service, which will include sporting and leisure activities as well as an ability to be fully involved in physical restraints where necessary (training will be provided).

Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

Age

Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where s/he is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age.

Communication

Candidates must have a good command of the English language.

Principal Conditions of ServiceGeneral

The appointment is made under Section 180 of the Children (Amendment) Act 2015.

Salary

The current salary for the position (effective 1 August 2025) is as follows:

Personal pension contribution (PPC) rate: The salary scale for the post as of 1 August 2025 is: Point 1 €65,740 to Point 12 €78,295

Secure Unit Allowance of €2702 pro rata.

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

A different rate may apply where the appointee is a civil or public servant recruited before 6 April 1995 and who is not required to make a personal pension contribution.

Important notes relating to salary:

Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum of the scale and will not be subject to negotiation. The rate of total remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy as applying to public servants generally.

Subject to satisfactory performance, increments may be awarded in line with current Government policy.

Tenure and Probation

The appointment will be made as a whole-time permanent position in the Public Service.

The individual must serve a probationary period of 9 months.

Should the appointee’s services be unsatisfactory as regards health, conduct or efficiency generally during the probationary period, the position may be terminated at any time by the Board of Management.

Location

Oberstown Children Detention Campus is located in Lusk, Co. Dublin.

Hours of Attendance

Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less 39 hours per week. The successful candidate will be required to work such additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of his/her duties subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations. The rate of remuneration payable covers any extra attendance liability that may arise from time to time. This role is based over seven days on a roster basis.

Annual Leave

In addition to the usual public holidays, the annual leave for this position is 30 working days.

Sick Leave

Pay during properly certified sick absence, provided there is no evidence of permanent disability for service, will apply on a pro-rata basis, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme.

Superannuation and Retirement

The successful candidate will be offered the appropriate superannuation terms and conditions as prevailing in the public service, at the time of being offered an appointment.

In general, this means being offered appointment based on membership of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (“Single Scheme”). Full details of the Single Scheme can be found at http://www.singlepensionscheme.gov.ie/

The maximum retirement age for most Single Scheme members is age 70.

Different terms and conditions related to superannuation and retirement may apply to candidates who have worked in a pensionable (non-Single Scheme terms) public service job in the 26 weeks prior to appointment, or is currently on a career break, or is on special leave with or without pay. The pension entitlements and maximum retirement age, if applicable, of such appointees will be determined in the context of their public service employment history.