Daycare Centre Manager

About SVP

SVP is a large, national, voluntary organisation with extensive experience of working with a diverse range of people who experience poverty and exclusion. Through its network of volunteers and employees, it is strongly committed to working for social justice and advocates the creation of a more just and caring society.

SVP is an equal opportunity employer committed to treating all individuals with dignity and respect. We are dedicated to protecting everyone we encounter from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, in accordance with Irish equality legislation. All employees are expected to adhere to SVP's Dignity & Respect and Safeguarding policies, including those pertaining to children and vulnerable adults.

The founder of the Society, Blessed Frederick Ozanam, was a devout Christian and his legacy of spirituality remains a key element of the make-up of every Conference within the Society. It is normal practice within the Society that prayers are said at the beginning and end of Conference meetings or at other meetings where members are in attendance as this underpins the ethos of the Society. You are not required to take part.

Purpose of the Role

The Day Care Centre Manager leads and manages the delivery and development of a community-based day care service in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, working closely with SVP members and volunteers. The role oversees a range of services for adults and older persons, including meals on wheels, in-house meals, transport, and day activities designed to support clients’ social, physical, and educational needs.

The Manager ensures compliance with HSE and HIQA standards, upholds SVP’s ethos and safeguarding policies, manages staff and volunteers, and fosters strong community links with statutory and voluntary agencies. This position also involves governance responsibilities, budget management, health and safety oversight, and the creation of a welcoming and supportive environment that promotes dignity, independence, and well-being for all service users.

Guidance and Authority

The post holder is expected to operate with considerable autonomy, referring matters to their line manager when significant resistance is encountered in implementing good practices or policies, when actions may place stakeholders such as children, vulnerable adults, scheme participants, volunteers, or the Society's reputation at risk, or when decisions could substantially impact the workload of others.

Principle Accountabilities

The role holder will be responsible for:

Service Delivery & Development

• Manage the day-to-day running of the Newbridge Day Care Centre, ensuring the provision of high-quality, person-centred services.

• Oversee and develop a range of services, including meals on wheels, in-house meals, transport, and day activities for adults and older persons.

• Ensure compliance with HSE, HIQA, and other relevant quality standards.

Staff & Volunteer Management

• Recruit, supervise, and support staff and volunteers to deliver effective and professional services.

• Provide training, performance management, and ongoing development opportunities.

• Foster a positive, collaborative, and respectful working environment.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with SVP policies, safeguarding protocols, and statutory requirements.

• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and reporting in line with governance standards.

• Liaise with the SVP Area President, relevant committees, and external bodies on service operations.

Financial Management

• Manage the centre’s budget, including cost control, income generation, and financial reporting.

• Oversee fundraising activities and grant applications to support service sustainability.

Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Implement and monitor health and safety policies and procedures.

• Conduct regular risk assessments to ensure a safe environment for service users, staff, and volunteers.

Community Engagement & Partnership

• Build and maintain relationships with statutory, voluntary, and community organisations.

• Promote the centre’s services and activities within the local community.

• Seek opportunities for collaboration to enhance service provision.

Service User Experience

• Ensure all service users are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

• Support the independence and well-being of service users through meaningful activities and social engagement.

• Gather feedback and respond to concerns to continuously improve services.

Challenges

There are a number of challenges in this role, largely determined by the scale, complexity, voluntary nature and high levels of local autonomy with the Society.

• Ensuring confidentiality at all times

• Ensuring a friendly and supportive atmosphere at all times.

Other Information

In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed above, the job holder may be required from time to time to perform other duties as deemed reasonable and necessary by the employer. The job holder may also be required from time to time to work or attend training/meetings at another location. As much notice as is reasonably practicable will be given of any such requirement/change.

Employees are responsible for notifying their manager in writing of any statutory rest period or break to which they are entitled to and were not able to avail of on a particular occasion and the reason for not availing of such rest period or break within one week.

Education, Experience, Knowledge and Skills Required

Qualifications

• A third level qualification at Level 7 NQF or Higher in one or more of the following disciplines - Social Care, Social Studies, Community Studies, Community Development, Nursing, or other relevant discipline, with at least 3 years’ post-qualification experience working in a leadership/management role in services for older persons

• Experience in a leadership/management role in services for older persons for a minimum of 6 years is essential.

Experience

• Experience working directly with older persons or this age group in general

• Experience of programme development

• Experience of programme or group coordination focusing on the personal and/or educational and/or emotional and social development of the individual

Knowledge

• A knowledge and appreciation of the Society, its ethos, mission and values.

• A knowledge of relevant policy and best practice issues pertaining to older persons and of the key agencies who work on behalf of older persons.

• Understanding of health and safety requirements in this area.

• Understanding of HSE and HIQA standards for Adult Community Care Services

Skills

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills

• Excellent organisational skills and administration skills

• Ability to build and maintain relationships including the ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team

• Ability to empathise with and treat clients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect

• Ability to foster a sense of independence for all clients.

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries

• Ability to prioritise work

• Analytical, problem solving and decision making skills

• Initiative and innovation, identifying areas for improvement, implementing and managing change

The person must also demonstrate the following personal attributes:

• Be honest and trustworthy

• Be respectful

• Be flexible

• Demonstrate sound work ethics

• Confidentiality

• Other

Salary: €49,667.54 per annum