Director of Addiction Services - Residential & Community

As Bushypark Addiction Treatment Services continue to expand, we are delighted to invite applications for the exciting new role of:

Director of Addiction Services – Residential & Community

This is a unique opportunity to lead the strategic, operational, and clinical direction of Clarecare’s Addiction Services across both residential and community programmes.

Full-time, Permanent Position

Clarecare is a professionally accredited social enterprise with charitable status, providing a range of person-centred services to individuals and families in Co. Clare for over 58 years. Current services include Family Support Services, Older Person Services, and Bushypark Treatment Centre. Clarcare’s headquarters are based in Ennis, with local offices in Bushypark, Shannon, Kilrush, Killaloe, and Ennistymon. Further information is available at clarecare.ie and bushypark.ie

Our Vision: 

To be the trusted quality care provider within our communities by supporting individuals and families to reach their full potential.

Our Mission:

To provide person-centred services to individuals and families within our communities.

Our Core Values;

Collaborate • Accountability • Respect • Empathy • Trust

Director of Addiction Services - Residential & Community

Role Details:

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Direct Reports: Residential Services Manager; Community Services Manager

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Bushypark Treatment Centre, Bushypark, Ennis, Co. Clare

Bushypark Treatment Centre provides residential and community-based addiction services for people affected by alcohol, drug, or gambling problems. Services include a 28-days residential treatment programme, community counselling, aftercare, a cocaine harm reduction project, recovery support groups, family support, and dual diagnosis services.

Hours of Work: 9.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, with flexibility required in line with operational requirements of the service, which may include some evening/weekend work. Remote/Hybrid working does not apply – this is an on-site role.

Annual Leave: 26 days annual leave per full leave year, excluding public holidays entitlement.

Salary & Benefits: Salary commensurate with qualifications and relevant senior management and clinical supervision experience.

Benefits:

· Enhanced Annual Leave Entitlement of 26 days per leave year.

· Defined Contribution Pension Scheme – on successful completion of probation (6 months).

· Sick Pay Scheme – on successful completion of probation.

· Ongoing continuous professional development (CPD).

· Supervision and ongoing training & development.

· Wellness Programmes.

· Free Employee Assistance Programme (via VHI)

· Cycle to Work Scheme

JOB PURPOSE

The Director of Addiction Services has overall responsibility for the strategic, operational, and clinical leadership of Clarecare’s Addiction Services, both residential and community-based programmes.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Addiction Services will ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, effective, and evidence-based addiction treatment services, underpinned by strong clinical governance and recovery-oriented, trauma-informed practice.

Bushypark has a staff complement of approximately 30, with the Residential Services Manager and Community Services Manager reporting directly to this role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic & Operational Leadership

· Provide senior leadership, direction, and oversight across all addiction services.

· Work closely with the CEO in relation to strategic planning, service development, and the delivery of organisational priorities.

· Support the ongoing development of responsive, high-quality services in line with identified need, best practice, and organisational objectives.

· Promote integrated and consistent care pathways across residential and community-based services.

· Contribute to budget planning, resource allocation, and service sustainability in collaboration with the CEO.

· Lead and support the implementation of service developments and organisational change initiatives.

Line Management & Workforce Leadership

· Provide line management and support to the Residential Services Manager and Community Services Manager.

· Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture across the service.

· Support staff recruitment, induction, probation, performance management, and ongoing learning and development.

· Work in partnership with HR in addressing employee relations matters and supporting good people management practice.

· Encourage reflective practice, staff wellbeing, and professional development across teams.

Clinical Leadership & Clinical Supervision

· Provide clinical leadership across addiction services, supporting the delivery of safe, effective, and person-centred care.

· Provide group clinical supervision to relevant clinical staff, and support the development of strong clinical practice.

· Attend and contribute to clinical meetings, case reviews, and multidisciplinary discussions as required.

· Support staff in managing complex presentations, including dual diagnosis and other high-support client needs.

· Promote evidence-informed, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed approaches to care.

Clinical Governance & Quality Assurance

· Maintain and strengthen effective clinical governance structures and systems across the service.

· Ensure compliance with relevant national standards, regulatory requirements (CHKS), organisational policies, and professional guidelines.

· Lead the development, review, and implementation of policies, procedures, protocols, and care pathways.

· Support a culture of quality, safety, accountability, and continuous learning.

· Oversee incident reporting, risk management, safeguarding, and clinical audit processes as appropriate. Support organisational learning through review of incidents, audits, complaints, and service feedback.

· Ensure compliance with relevant legal, ethical, data protection, and health and safety requirements.

Service Delivery & Continuous Improvement

· Monitor service activity, KPIs, audits, and outcomes to support effective and efficient service delivery.

· Lead and support quality improvement initiatives across residential and community services.

· Use data, feedback, and service evaluation findings to inform service planning and future development.

· Promote innovation and continuous improvement in response to emerging needs and best practice developments.

· Help ensure services remain accessible, responsive, and aligned with the needs of individuals and families.

Organisational Contribution

• Contribute to the wider strategic and organisational development of Clarecare as a member of the senior leadership team.
• Prepare reports and briefings for the CEO, Board, senior management, and other governance or funding bodies as required.
• Uphold and promote Clarcare’s vision, mission, and core values in all aspects of the role.

Stakeholder Engagement

· Represent Clarecare externally, working in collaboration with the Residential Services Manager and Community Services Manager, in engagement with funders, statutory agencies, community partners, and other relevant stakeholders.

· Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners to support integrated and high-quality service delivery.

· Foster collaborative working across agencies, in conjunction with service managers, to strengthen referral pathways and continuity of care.

· Contribute to reporting requirements, service updates, and stakeholder communications in partnership with relevant managers, senior management, funders, and other relevant bodies as required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Requirements:

· Educated to a Degree Level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or equivalent, in Counselling, Psychotherapy, Psychology or other related

discipline AND Hold full professional accreditation in a relevant discipline (see above) AND qualified and accredited to provide clinical supervision.

· Minimum 3-5 years relevant post-qualification senior leadership or service management experience ideally gained in Addiction Treatment Services or other related psychotherapy/psychology or health related services.

· Experience of facilitating group clinical supervision.

· Demonstrate a proven track record in successfully leading development and delivery of services, interventions and/or projects designed to achieve defined outcomes.

· Have experience in strategic planning, service development, risk management, and innovation.

· Have significant experience in leading, supporting, and developing staff and in building high-performing teams.

· Demonstrate strong knowledge of clinical governance, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

· Strong understanding of person-centred service delivery and quality standards in a regulated or supported care environment.

· Experience of creative approaches to working with staff, clients/families/stakeholders.

· Good knowledge of the legislative and policy context governing statutory and voluntary service delivery.

· Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills with service users, team members and other statutory and voluntary agencies.

· Demonstrate excellent organisational skills as the role requires the capacity to work in a demanding post; managing time, commitments and priorities effectively.

· Experience of effective report writing and well-developed knowledge and use of Microsoft Office and data management systems.

· Ability to work as part of a team and to use one’s own initiative when required.

· Ability to maintain the principles of confidentiality in all areas of work.

· Ability to foster positive working relationships with internal staff/external agencies and other entities.

· Ability to always maintain professional and personal boundaries.

· A positive ‘fit to work’ employment medical through Clarecare.

· A positive Garda Vetting Disclosure through Clarecare.

· Two positive employment references from current/most recent employer(s).

· Full clean driving licence with insurance indemnity to Clarecare.

Desirable

· Postgraduate qualification in leadership, management, or addiction studies.

· Experience managing complex service structures.

· Experience working across both residential and community-based service settings.

Closing date:  Monday, 18th May 2026 @ 5pm.

Note:

This job description sets out the principal duties and responsibilities associated with the role; however, it is not intended to be exhaustive. The post holder will be expected to undertake such additional duties as may reasonably be required from time to time, including those arising from changes in legislation affecting the charities sector. A flexible approach to the performance of duties is therefore essential.