Day Centre Manager

Purpose of Position

The Day Care Manager is responsible for providing best practice dementia-specific care to all clients in the Day Care Centre. He/she provides and promotes a model of care which is person-centred, community-focused, and has an appreciation of the needs of the carer. He/she is responsible for managing and guiding all staff required to run the centre. He/she is also responsible for the health and safety and administration of the Day Care Centre.

Main Duties and Responsibilities1. Assess and provide appropriate client care in the centre

• Respect the rights, dignity, and confidentiality of all clients who attend the Day Care Centre and their carers/advocates.
• Build a trusting relationship with clients and their carers so that they feel secure in the day care environment.
• Provide a service that focuses on increasing clients' self-esteem and improving the quality of life for both clients and their carers.
• In consultation with clients, carers/advocates, care workers, and volunteers, devise and implement suitable holistic care plans for clients.
• Liaise with Home Care Co-ordinators and Public Health Nurses (PHNs) regarding clients' requirements for day care and home care services.
• Be responsible for the proper administration and recording of all care plans and medications prescribed to clients, and for the safe storage of these records and medications in the Day Care Centre.
• Provide stimulating and enjoyable activities for clients in a relaxed and homely environment.
• Escalate any client nursing concerns to the PHN.
• Promote good relationships with carers and a partnership-in-care approach.
• Welcome visitors to the centre and provide feedback to family carers regarding clients or consult with them on the wellbeing of their family member.
• Provide phone support and relay information to family carers on issues arising in the daily care of a client in the centre.
• Provide care supports and education to family carers.
• Arrange weekly chiropody clinics and administer and document payments.
• Document any client accidents, incidents, or complaints and report them to the Operations Manager and HR if necessary.

2. Supervise, co-ordinate, and support the work of all staff assigned

• Manage all staff and volunteers, including carers, kitchen staff, bus drivers, and escorts, by ensuring clarity of roles, assignment of duties, adequate staff-to-client ratios, and leave arrangements.
• Ensure all new employees and volunteers receive appropriate induction and that ongoing training needs are periodically reviewed and addressed.
• Ensure fair and consistent application of all Society policies and procedures applicable to the Day Care Centre.
• Conduct regular performance reviews with staff and deal with breaches of policy, disciplinary matters, or grievances in a timely manner.
• Hold regular meetings with staff on matters relating to:
• Deal with staff issues promptly and effectively, liaising with and seeking advice from HR where necessary.
• Ensure effective communication between bus drivers, carers, and family carers.
• Co-ordinate bus routes and ensure adequate cover for bus drivers and carers/couriers when necessary.
• Ensure all necessary maintenance and records associated with the bus are kept up to date.
• Liaise with the Home Care Co-ordinator when staff cover is required or regarding client referrals.
• Ensure staff and volunteers receive induction and ongoing training.
• Provide reports and practical tasks for those undertaking FETAC Level 5 and maintain all related records and costs.
• Ensure mandatory staff training remains up to date, including:
• Promote and maintain an open learning culture.
• Advertise and recruit volunteer activity staff and ensure all required paperwork is completed.
• Assist in the placement of students seeking work experience, providing induction, supervision, and required reports to educational institutions where necessary.

3. Carry out the administration required to provide an efficient and effective Day Care Centre

• Keep and maintain appropriate records of clients receiving day care.
• Input required data into the billing system for issuing invoices to clients.
• Ensure accurate statistics are recorded and provide reports to the Operations Manager, Committee, and HSE.
• Liaise with clients' primary carers and Public Health Nurses to complete day care records.
• Maintain the desk diary and day book with all required communications.
• Order the required number of meals for each day and document accordingly.
• Process correspondence from clients' primary carers and administer payments as required.
• Order supplies for the Day Care Centre, including:
• Apply for grants and ensure grant income and other income streams are utilised appropriately and accounted for.
• Apply for VEC activity funding and maintain records.
• Maintain all required record systems relating to the management of the centre, staff, and volunteers, and make these available to the National Office and Regional Manager as required.
• Comply with food hygiene regulations and the safe storage and administration of medication.
• Ensure Fire and Burglar alarms, Emergency lights, Fire extinguishers, hoists, and electrical appliances are inspected and maintained as required, with records kept up to date.
• Ensure the maintenance and general care of:
• Ensure the heating boiler is maintained and serviced and that adequate heating oil is always available.
• Ensure the bus driver maintains all required bus records, including servicing and hoist servicing.
• Ensure the safe keeping of donations or client money entrusted to the centre.
• Maintain daily attendance records.
• Appraise and supervise a biannual fire drill in the centre.

4. Promote awareness of dementia and the Society's services

• Network and liaise with other service providers, health professionals, and referral sources such as:
• Organise events and seminars to help promote the service.

5. Committee and Fundraising Support

• Keep the Chairperson and Committee informed of issues requiring their attention.
• Support the Committee in fundraising activities such as:

6. Training and Development

• Attend training courses, conferences, and meetings with the Regional Manager as required.

7. Other Duties

• Carry out any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required for this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required. The holder of this position is required to respond with a flexible approach when tasks arise that are not specifically covered in this job description.

Person SpecificationKnowledge/Experience

Essential

• Degree or foreign equivalent (validated by NQAI), ideally in:
• At least 5 years' post-qualification experience in the health, social care, or voluntary sector.
• At least 3 years' management experience in a similar role.
• Experience working with people with complex needs in a variety of situations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of:
• Full clean driving licence.

Desirable

• Registered Nurse with An Bord Altranais.
• Postgraduate qualification in Dementia or an equivalent social care qualification.

Skills/Competencies

Strong Client Focus

• Commitment to delivering a high-quality, person-centred care service.
• Empathy and respect for the rights of individuals with dementia.
• Good observational skills.

Management Skills

• Ability to supervise, manage, and motivate a team of carers.
• Ability to plan and manage change.
• Excellent organisational skills in:
• Financial awareness and the ability to operate the centre within budget.
• Ability to handle challenging deadlines and multiple tasks effectively.

Other Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of legislation relevant to the role, including:
• Comprehensive understanding of the Irish health system and structures.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Other Requirements

• Patience
• Empathy
• Reliability
• Flexibility
• Enthusiasm
• Confidentiality