Consultant Paediatrician

Purpose of role:

Currently in Ireland, all General Paediatricians have a responsibility for the assessment and management of cases of suspected child abuse including cases of suspected physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse or fabricated illness. In contrast to this, suspected child sexual abuse (CSA) cases are strictly managed by specific Consultant Paediatricians and an ANP with extra subspecialty training in this field in 3 units around Ireland (Dublin, Cork, Galway). This has led to the development of a high quality, child-centred (PFME) service that is comparable to other services internationally.

Cases of suspected child abuse should be assessed and managed with the same level of specialist input as cases of possible CSA. In the UK, Canada, US, Australia and many European countries, it is standard that a ‘Child Protection Paediatrician/Child Abuse Paediatrician/Child Safeguarding team’ is available to assist in the assessment and management of children where there is a concern of suspected physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse or fabricated illness. This ensures that a rigorous, high standard medico-legal opinion is formulated and provided to investigators in the community i.e. Tusla – Child and Family Agency, An Garda Síochána and the judicial system.

With this in mind, the vision is that the post holder will play a pivotal role in the development of a dedicated Child Protection team / Safeguarding service within CHI.

The post holder will contribute to the delivery of a specialist consultation service in complex cases of child abuse and neglect.

The appointee will have a dedicated clinical commitment to the Paediatric Forensic Medical Examination (PFME) service and will allow the expansion of the current service. The appointee will improve access to the PFME Service, shorten waiting lists for planned clinic appointments and provide clinical and academic leadership to the PFME service and Child Protection / Safeguarding service within CHI.

Essential Criteria: Professional Qualifications and Experience

• Registration as a specialist in the Specialist Division of the Register of Medical Practitioners maintained by the Medical Council in Ireland in the specialty of Paediatrics

And

• A minimum of one-year Clinical fellowship, or specialist training, in Child Protection and Forensic Medical Examination national or international is essential.

Essential: Skills / Competencies / Knowledge:

• Significant experience in clinical practice in delivery of acute unscheduled care at both local and national levels.
• Experienced clinician with credibility and the ability to command the respect of all clinical and non-clinical professionals.
• Experience of developing, applying and reviewing an evidence-based approach to decision making.
• Excellent inter-personal skills, including experience and familiarity with public, professional, media and political communications and stakeholder relations.
• Demonstrate commitment to fostering partnerships, multi-professional and multidisciplinary relationships.
• Demonstrate a knowledge and undertaking of the current governance structures and anticipated changes with the establishment of the new children’s hospital.
• Experience in reconfiguring acute services across organisations and regions.
• Demonstrate leadership and team management skills including the ability to manage his/her staff and service and work with multi-disciplinary team members.
• Experience of operating in complex and challenging environments.
• Knowledge of the Irish health sector, national health programmes and health reform agendas.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Effective change management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Risk and issue management skills.
• Ability to recognise and respect the expertise of others and the contribution of team members and harness good teamwork and open contributions to enable the achievement of programme aims.
• Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills including awareness of resource management.
• Have excellent computer skills, competencies and knowledge of hospital data/ information systems.

How to apply & other queries:

The criteria for short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and/or the essential & desirable knowledge, skills and competencies section of this job specification.

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.

To apply for this position, please send a CV and letter of application.

The closing date for submissions of CV’s and letter of application is 13th March 2026 at 4pm. Applications must be completed through the advertised post on CHI.jobs by clicking ‘Apply for Job’.

Applications will not be accepted through direct email or any other method.

Informal Enquiries can be obtained from Dr Sinead Harty, Consultant General Paediatrician – sinead.harty@childrenshealthireland.ie / +353 1409 6824.

For other queries relating to this recruitment process, please contact the medical talent acquisition specialist, Cillian Greene via Cillian.greene@childrenshealthireland.ie