Day Centre Manager

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland works across the country in the heart of local communities, providing dementia-specific services and advocating for the rights of people affected by dementia to quality supports and services.

Our vision is an Ireland where people living with dementia and their families are valued and supported.

A national non-profit organisation, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is person-centred, rights-based, and grassroots-led, with the voice of the person living with dementia and their family at its core.

We are recruiting a Day Centre Manager to lead the Day Centre service at:

Pinegrove Day Care, Pinegrove Day Centre, Passage Road, Grange Upper, Waterford, X91 ET10

The successful candidate will report to the Operations Manager.

This is a permanent contract, working 35 hours per week.

You will need good communication skills, be open and enthusiastic, have a positive attitude, lead by example, make staff feel valued, and be able to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team.

To succeed in the role, you should have experience supporting people living with dementia.

Experience in the following areas is desirable:

• Human Resource Management
• Budget Management
• Quality Standards
• Risk Management

A Social Care Degree or Nursing Degree is desirable.

Salary will be commensurate with the care sector and dependent on relevant experience.

A detailed job description is available on The ASI website:

www.alzheimer.ie/careers

If you are interested in applying for this post, please submit a full and up-to-date CV and covering letter explaining why you feel you could undertake this role and send it to:

recruit@alzheimer.ie

Closing date for applications: 26th June 2026.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

The Day Care Manager

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 that is:

• Person-centred
• Community-focused
• Appreciative of the needs of carers

He/she is responsible for:

• Managing and guiding all staff required to run the centre
• Health and safety
• 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 attending the Day Care Centre and their carers/advocates.
• Build trusting relationships with clients and carers so they feel secure in the day care environment.
• Provide care to clients as required, including:
• Administer or prompt medication provided by the GP to the client.
• Provide a service focused on increasing self-esteem and improving quality of life for clients and their carers.
• In consultation with clients, carers/advocates, care workers, and volunteers, devise and implement suitable holistic care plans.
• Liaise with Home Care Co-ordinators and PHNs regarding clients' day care and home care requirements.
• Be responsible for the administration and recording of care plans and prescribed medication, including safe storage within the centre.
• Ensure personal care needs, wound dressings, and medical care requested by PHNs or GPs are met and that staff maintain dignity, hygiene, and safety standards.
• Provide stimulating and enjoyable activities for clients in a relaxed and homely environment.
• Escalate any client nursing concerns to the PHN.
• Promote positive relationships with carers and a partnership-in-care approach.
• Welcome visitors to the centre and provide feedback to family carers regarding client wellbeing.
• Provide telephone support and information to family carers on issues arising in daily care.
• Provide care supports and education to family carers.
• Arrange weekly chiropody clinics and administer and document payments.
• Document client accidents, incidents, and complaints and report them to the Operations Manager and HR where necessary.

2. Supervise, Co-ordinate and Support Staff

• Manage all staff and volunteers, including:
• Ensure:
• Ensure all new employees and volunteers receive appropriate induction.
• Review and address ongoing training needs.
• Ensure fair and consistent application of Society policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular performance reviews.
• Address disciplinary or grievance matters in a timely manner.
• Hold regular staff meetings covering:
• Deal with staff issues promptly and liaise with HR when necessary.
• Liaise with the Home Care Co-ordinator regarding:
• Ensure staff and volunteers receive induction and ongoing training.
• Provide reports and practical tasks for those undertaking FETAC Level 5 qualifications.
• Maintain all training records and associated costs.
• Ensure training remains current, including:
• Promote an open learning culture.
• Advertise and recruit volunteer activity staff and ensure all required paperwork is completed.
• Assist with student placements, including:

3. Carry Out the Administration Required to Provide an Efficient and Effective Day Care Centre

• Keep and maintain records of clients receiving day care.
• Input required data into the billing system for issuing invoices.
• Record accurate statistics and provide reports to:
• Liaise with the client's primary carer and Public Health Nurse to complete day care records.
• Maintain the desk diary and day book.
• Order and document daily meals.
• Process correspondence and payments from clients' primary carers.
• Order required supplies for the centre, including:
• Apply for grants and ensure funds are utilised appropriately.
• Account for all monies spent to grant providers.
• Apply for VEC activity funding and maintain records.
• Maintain all records relating to:
• Make records available to National Office and the Regional Manager as required.
• Comply with food hygiene regulations.
• Ensure safe storage and administration of medication.
• Ensure all equipment is inspected and records maintained, including:
• Ensure maintenance and upkeep of:
• Ensure safe keeping of donations and client money.
• Maintain daily attendance records.
• Appraise and supervise biannual fire drills.

4. Promote Dementia Awareness and Local Services

• Network and liaise with:
• Promote the service locally.
• Organise events and seminars to raise awareness and promote services.

5. Committee and Fundraising Support

• Keep the Chairperson and Committee informed on relevant matters.
• Support fundraising activities, including:

6. Professional Development

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

7. Other Duties

• Carry out any other duties assigned from time to time.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work required from 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 flexibly 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 of 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.
• Equivalent Social Care qualification.

Skills/CompetenciesStrong 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 effectively handle challenging deadlines and multiple tasks.

Additional Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of legislation relevant to the role, including:
• Comprehensive understanding of the Irish health system and structures.
• Experienced computer user with strong Microsoft Office skills.