Operations Manager Co. Mayo Ref 2025-068

At Western Care we aim to provide the most appropriate care, in the most appropriate setting for the people we support. And right now, we are looking to grow and support our team across County Mayo.

Why not be part of a progressive team, that's delivering for its community.

Western Care - Supporting People To Live Their Lives.

• Permanent 35 hours per week
• Reference Number 2025-068

Application Details

• Please apply using current C. V.
• Further information in relation to the role is available in the Job Description or from Anne Chambers, Head of Operations Tel: 087-2256694
• Closing date: March 24th, 2025
• a Panel may also be formed following these interviews for similar vacancies arising over the next 12 months

Job Brief

The Operations Manager plays a critical role in supporting the Head of Operations, ensuring the efficient, effective, and person-cantered delivery of services. This position provides strategic leadership in service development, oversees project management, and drives risk management initiatives while ensuring compliance with all relevant legislative and organisational standards.

The post holder will be a member of the Senior Operations team

Please see details of Key Duties & Responsibilities in Job Description below

Salary Scale

• Operations Manager Grade VIII Pay Scale (Scale Range €74,944 to €91,847 per annum)

- this is based on full time working hours i.e. 35 per week

Other duties involved - (duties included but are not limited to the following)

• Contribute to and participate in the local service planning process and the creative development and ongoing changing needs of the service.
• Provide personal care and support to persons we support where required
• Ensure a safe place of work, incorporating Western Care Association's Dignity at Work Policy and Health & Safety requirement.
• To promote safety in all environments, in line with the Association's practices.
• Use positive approaches to support people who may have behaviours that challenge in line with Organisational practice.

Qualification Details (additional Candidate Requirements detailed in Job Description below)

• A relevant third-level qualification in health and social care
• Relevant management qualification
• Minimum 7 years' experience in the Social Care Sector with at least 2 years at a senior management level

Other Requirements

• Full driver's license is essential
• All applicants will be subject to Irish Garda Vetting & Reference checks
• All applicants from Countries outside the E.U. will be required to provide relevant work authorization to take up employment in Republic of Ireland. This must be submitted along with Application
• All applicants will be required to access Overseas Police Clearance if they have lived outside of the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland more than 6 months since the age of 18 years

Employment Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Pension and Life Insurance Scheme 
• Annual leave in excess of statutory entitlement
• Dedicated learning and development
• Flexible working opportunities
• Staff initiatives e.g. Employee Assistance Programme, Bike-to-Work Scheme
• Sick pay scheme

Health

Applicants must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to this post and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service

JOB DESCRIPTION       

Job Summary

Purpose of the Role: The Operations Manager plays a critical role in supporting the Head of Operations, ensuring the efficient, effective, and person-cantered delivery of services. This position provides strategic leadership in service development, oversees project management, and drives risk management initiatives while ensuring compliance with all relevant legislative and organisational standards.

The post holder will be a member of the Senior Operations team

Reports To: The Post holder reports directly to the Head of Operations

Location: John Moore Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Hours: 35 hours per week including flexibility - Permanent role

Salary: Based on Grade VIII - WCA is part of pay restoration linked to the Department of Health and Children Consolidated Pay Scales                   

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Models of Service

• Lead the Models of Service forum under the direction of the Head of Operations.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan for Models of Service based on forum findings.

 2. Service Support & Developments

• Collaborate with the Head of Operations to ensure unregistered services meet organisational policy and regulatory standards.
• Participating in Bi-Annual Unannounced Visits, including review and sign-off.
• Lead the School Leavers Process, ensuring engagement with all relevant stakeholders.
• Take on leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Head of Operations.
• Assist in the preparation of responses to Parliamentary Questions.
• Lead and oversee identified service projects as they arise.
• Collaborate with the Head of Operations in responding to HIQA reports.
• Support Line Managers in the development and execution of action plans for HIQA compliance.
• Prepare comprehensive service provision reports for the approval of the Head of Operations.
• Act as the Operations Manager for the Personal Outcomes Measures Program.
• Advocate on behalf of Western Care and the people it supports to ensure services remain fit for purpose.
• Work with the Head of Operations to develop and agree operational financial budgets in collaboration with the Head of Finance.
• Review and assess business cases prepared by service managers for submission to the HSE via the CEO.

3. Project Management

• Lead and manage identified projects, working closely with Department Heads, Area Managers, and Front-Line Managers.
• Develop service delivery plans and business cases, addressing staffing requirements, non-pay costs, workforce planning, training, and development needs, in collaboration with the Head of Finance, Head of HR, Senior Clinical Psychologist & Head of Clinical Supports.

4. Risk Management

• Ensure the implementation and maintenance of a safe service environment through the Risk Management System and Health and Safety Strategies.
• Effectively identify, assess, report, and review risks within service delivery locations in accordance with legislative and organizational policies.
• Take responsibility for the Risk Management Framework and the Organizational Risk Register as part of the Operations Team. 

5. General Management

• Ensure services are delivered efficiently and effectively according to approved service delivery plans, optimizing resources to meet the needs of current and potential clients.
• Oversee the Community Inclusion role and ensure effective advocacy supports.
• Deputize for the Head of Operations as needed.
• Participate in the Senior Management On-Call arrangement.
• Fulfill the role of Person Participating in Management (PPIM) alongside Area Managers for HIQA registered services.
• Ensure services are person-centred, meet individual needs, and comply with National Quality Standards and best practices.
• Manage and supervise assigned staff, ensuring high standards of service provision.

Candidate Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• A relevant third-level qualification in health and social care.
• Relevant management qualification.
• Minimum 7 years' experience in the Social Care Sector with at least 2 years at a senior management level.

Person Specification: Essential Criteria

• Have excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Successful candidate must share the vision of the organisation and work towards achieving same.

Key Competencies

• Genuine respect and empathy for diversity and individuality
• Strong knowledge and competency on relevant regulations and policy including, but not limited to HIQA, New Directions, National Service Reform and current best practice in the delivery of person-centred practice.
• Ability to demonstrate strong leadership, management and improvement skills.
• Experience of direct line management with well-developed people management skills.
• Experience of service development and service improvement.

Other Requirements of Post

• Reliability and a flexible approach.
• Ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner throughout the course of ones' duties.
• Adherence to Western Care Association's policies at all times.
• Full clean driver's license and use of / access to a car.
• Willingness to work flexible hours required for the job which may include evening and weekend work.
• Working knowledge of the MS Office suite.

Working Relationships & Communication

• Develop and contribute to good working relationships in the Organisation and with all other relevant personnel.
• Report to and appraise line manager or designate of all work-related issues and difficulties.
• Maintain strict confidentiality relating to matters regarding personnel and services.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings as required.
• Actively participate in supervisory support as per Organisation Procedure.
• Be familiar with and operate within relevant local and organisational procedure, directives and general information made available through the line manager.

General

• Promote and develop good community networks which support people we support inclusion and integration.
• Promote a positive image and name of the Association in the wider community.
• Be accountable and responsible for input into service planning and delivery, together with job performance as per role within the Association.
• Promote dignity at work and show respect to people we support, colleagues and stakeholders in the course of duty. 
• Act in a confidential manner when dealing with personal information relating to people we support, families and staff.
• Attend staff training events as required and implement learning in the workplace.
• Perform any other appropriate duties as requested.

This job description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and may be reviewed and amended in the future to include any other reasonable duties, projects or tasks as may be requested by management from time to time and to reflect changing organisational requirements, changing staffing levels, etc.