Person In Charge

THE ORGANISATION Rowan (Child and Parent Services) was established in established in 2019 and to date, on behalf of Tusla, HSE and the Court Service, has provided specialised and responsive community based services to all types of families and the children they care for. Rowan CPS is now providing community based childrens residential services for younger children as part of the range of services currently provided, and in response to a need for highly informed and outcome focused services for children and families. OVERVIEW OF ROLE In developing this Job Description, we are cognisant of National Standards for Residential Children's Centres 2018, our need to comply with these standards and the need to focus the role of the Centre Manager on ensuring our compliance with the said standards. The role of the Person In Charge is to ensure the day-to-day management of the residential centre. The role will encompass administrative duties as well as responsibilities pertaining to the progression and practice of the staff team and the implementation of Placement Plan objectives for young people; ensuring that they are receiving the agreed quality and quantity services. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES The duties and responsibilities of the Person In Charge (PIC) are outlined below and have been identified based on the National Standards for Childrens Residential Centres (2018), through which all residential centres are regulated. The post holder will also be required to undertake other duties as determined by the Service Manager. CHILD CENTERED CARE AND SUPPORT Consultation ThePICwillberesponsibleforqualityassuringandensuringthatYoungPeoplesHouseMeetings are being completed. The PIC must ensure that the agenda for such meetings isrelevant, creative and responsive to young people and centre current needs. Minutes will bepromptlyrecorded,andthePICwillbeaccountableforsigningoffanddealingwithanyrelevant issuesfromthesemeetings. ThePICwillberesponsibleforappointingkeyworkersandensuringthatthekeyworkprocessfor young people is proactive, meaningful and in line with young peoples assessed needs. ThePICwilloverseeall keyworkrecords. The PIC will ensure that the Shift Team Manager (STM) / Social Care Leader (SCL) ensures full implementation of the keywork policy. They will also be responsible for monitoring the implementation of this policy in relation to all keyworkers and co-keyworkers. Access to Records ThePICwillberesponsible forensuringthatyoungpeoplesrighttoaccesstheirinformationispromoted and facilitatedbythestaffteam,withinthepermittedboundaries. Where young people have concerns surrounding their records the PIC can liaise with the young people to support them. Complaints ThePICwillbeaccountableforensuringthatallcomplaintsmadearedealtwithinlinewithbothPolicies andProcedures andcurrentlegislation. ThePICshouldensurethatallSTMs / SCLsandSCWsareknowledgeableregardingtheTuslaTellUssystemandmustbesurethis isutilisedwhenrequired. Allcomplaintsmustbe reportedtotheSocialWorkDepartmentby thePIC. The PIC will be responsible for advocating for young people. This may entail attending professionals meetings with or on their behalf, contacting external agencies such as EPIC or communicating grievances or complaints to relevant persons. Contact with Families The PIC will be responsible for ensuring that young peoples families receive the agreed quality and quantity inputs. They will maintain suitable contact with families and ensure that this is adequately recorded. Supervision and Visiting of Young People ThePICwillberesponsibleforensuringthatallvisitstoyoungpeoplearescheduledappropriately andrecordedaccuratelywithinthecarefolder. Where young people are not happy with their access arrangements the PIC should advocate on their behalf if this is appropriate. EFFECTIVE CARE AND SUPPORT Suitable Placement and Admissions The PIC will be responsible for overseeing the setting up of young peoples care folders prior totheir admission and ensuring that they have knowledge of the referral information. The PIC willparticipate intheorganisationofanacceptabletransitionplanasinlinewithlegislation. The PIC must ensure that each young person admitted to the centre has been risk assessed and is compatible with the other young people in situ. Statutory Care Plans / Care Plan Reviews / Placement Plans The PIC will quality assess or complete where needed relevant reports for Child in Care Reviews and attend such meetings. The PIC will be accountable for ensuring minutes are recorded by the SCL or SCW and Support Workers The PIC will contribute to the development of a comprehensive and achievable Placement PlaninconjunctionwiththeSocial WorkDepartment. The PIC will be accountable for the ensuring the daily implementation of the Placement PlanthroughmonitoringWeeklyPlansandIndividual WorkSchedules. The PIC will assess the ongoing implementation of the Placement Plan; through quality assuring Weekly Reports, through the monthly Supervision process and also at the end of the six-month period in preparing for the next Child in Care Review. Race, Culture, Religion, Gender and Disability The PIC will be responsible for ensuring that a creative and proactive approach is taken to addressing these key areas of young peoples Placement Plans. Accommodation ThePIC willberesponsibleforensuringthata safe,caringenvironmentwithinawarm,homelyatmosphereiscreatedforyoungpeople.Wherehouseholditemsarerequired,the PIC must ensure that the appropriate requisition process is adhered to and that items areefficiently purchasedanddisplayed. The PIC will ensure the high presentation of the centre at all times through checking that thefull implementation of the centre cleaning schedule is being adhered too. Ensuring that thegrounds are maintained at all times and the overall presentation of the centre is to a very highstandard. The PIC will ensure the full implementation of the organisational hospitality policy within the centre at all times. Fire Safety The PIC will be responsible for ensuring that Fire Drills take place in accordance withorganisational policyandthatall staffarecompetentindeliveringthistask. ThePICisresponsibletoensurethatallstaffreceiveadequatetrainingintheseprocedures. The PIC will ensure that all fire safety equipment maintained and active throughout thecentre. The PIC holds full responsibility in having equipment replaced (fire extinguishers) where theyhave beenletoff. The PIC should be checking the fire register weekly to ensure the staff are completing all tasks in line with health & safety. Childrens Case and Care Records The PIC will be accountable for the day-to-day quality assurance of care records and carefolders. This will entail ensuring records are completed, printed and signed and the PIC willcountersignallrecords. The PIC must provide feedback to staff on the quality and presentation of records and providedirectioninrelationtoPlacementPlanrelevance. The PIC will be accountable for the sending of Weekly Reports for all young people within thecentre.Thesemustbecollatedattheendofeveryweek bythestaffteam. The PIC will ensure that the centres Daily Update is forwarded to all relevant persons and that he/she receives this regularly. Preparation for Leaving Care The PIC will be responsible for ensuring that young people are educated on independent livingskills in order to prepare them for turning eighteen. They will ensure that where the youngperson is over 16 years, that the Placement Plan objectives relating to their independent livingskills arefullyreflected in dailypracticeviatheIndividual WorkScheduleandWeeklyPlan. The PIC must ensure that each young person has an after-care worker and evidence that they have sought this must be on file. Discharges ThePICwillengagethestaffteaminreflectivepracticefollowingthedischargeofallyoungpeoplefromthecentreinordertodeterminethelearningdistilledfromtheplacementoverall. Where there is an unplanned discharge, the PIC must take the lead in liaising with the relevant professionals so a smooth outcome can be achieved. Aftercare The PIC will advocate for young people in relation to their aftercare process and will contributetothis processwhereappropriate. The PIC must ensure that the staff team are completing all tasks in supporting the aftercareprocess. SAFE CARE AND SUPPORT ThePICwillberesponsibleforadherencetoChildProtectionPolicyandforthepromptnotificationof ChildProtectionConcerns AllPICsareDeputyLiaisonPersonsasinlinewithRowan CPSPoliciesandProcedures. ThePICholdsresponsibilitytoensurethatallChildProtectionandWelfareReportingForms(CPWRF) aresentoutthrough the portalinaneffective andappropriatetimeframe. The PIC must ensure that all information on the CPWRF is factually accurate. Managing Behaviour The PIC will be responsible for ensuring that Placement Support Plans are reviewed at all TeamMeetings, understood, verified and implemented by staff. All practice which is in breach of thePlacementSupportPlancontent shouldbe identifiedby thePICandimmediatelyaddressed. ThePICwillapproveallrewardsandsanctionsforyoungpeopleensuringthattheseareadequatelycommunicatedandrecorded. The PIC is responsible to ensure that all staff are trained in the agreed behavioural model of care: Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. Restraint ThePICwillberesponsibleforensuringthatPhysicalInterventionReportsareefficientlyrecorded,accurateindetailandpresentedtoahighstandard.TheywillberesponsibleforforwardingallPhysicalInterventionReportstotheSocialWorkDepartmentandanyotherprofessionals. The PIC will be responsible for engaging the staff in SEN reviews where required and where need provide debriefing for staff after any incidents. Absence without Authority The PIC will be accountable for ensuring that all policy relating to Absence without Authority is adhered to in all circumstances and that the young peoples Absent Management Plans are implemented. Notification of Significant Events The PIC will ensure that Significant Event Reports (SEN) are efficiently recorded, accurate indetail and presented to a high standard. They will be responsible for forwarding these to theSocialWork Department.The PICscommentsattheendare anintegralpartofthisprocess. The PIC will ensure the filing of Significant Event Reports, the associated correspondence andquality surroundingthesedocuments isupheldintheCentre. The PIC will contribute to the centres monthly databases which encompasses the SEN Analysis,Complaints and Centre Register data. The PIC is responsible to ensure that this is sent to therelevant departments atthebeginningofeverymonth. HEALTH, WELLBEING AND DEVELOPMENT Provision of Food and Cooking Facilities The PIC will be responsible for overseeing that the staff are creating a centre Weekly Meal Planner and ensuring that there is a suitable balance of health and nutrition. Medical Care The PIC will be responsible for ensuring that young people are encouraged and facilitated toattend relevant medical appointments and that such visits are clearly evidenced within the carerecords. The PIC will be responsible for ensuring that there is sufficient supply of medication for youngpeople and that this is securely stored within the centre. They will also be responsible forensuring that medication is dispensed appropriately and that this is clearly recorded within thecare records. The PIC will be accountable for ensuring that the First Aid box is adequately equipped at alltimes and thatsupplies areefficientlyrequestedfromtheHealthandSafetyCommittee. Where necessary the PIC may need to advocate for any young person where they are not receiving the correct medical or specialist care afforded to them. Education ThePICwillapproveeducationalactivitiesandopportunitiesforyoungpeople. ThePICwillensurethatallyoungpeopleareaffordedthesameEducationalstandardsasallyoungpeopleinIreland. ThePICwillassisttheyoungpeople,staffteamandsocialworkdepartmentinfindingthebesteducationalfacilitytomeetthedesiredneeds. LEADERSHIP GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Legislation Adherence ThePICwillkeepabreastoftheNationalStandardsforChildrensResidentialCentres(2018),the concomitant organisational Policies and Procedures and all associated national policy andlegislation ensuring that they are competent and confident in adhering to this in daily practice.Supportingliteraturewill beregularlyreviewedviatheSupervisionandTeamMeetingprocess. The PIC will develop staff knowledge on the above organisational and national policies and implementation in order to promote best practice and contribute to the continuous qualityimprovementoftheorganisation.ThiswillbefacilitatedformallythroughfortnightlySupervision,TeamMeetings andSTM / SCL / DPICmeetings. The PIC will monitor and assess staff implementation of the above organisational and nationalpolicies and will address deficits, complacency or negligence with the employee or will reportthis to Person In Chargeforremedy,dependentontheseverityof suchlapses inpractice. The PIC will ensure that the centres Statement of Purpose and Function is actualised in dailypracticeandthatstaff havea full workingknowledgeof theexpectations ofthisstatement. The PIC will present themselves as a role model and mentor to staff at all times in reflecting the implementation of the Purpose and Function. Risk Assessing The PIC will be responsible for the Risk Assessment process on a daily basis, ensuring that therelevant RiskAssessmentsare completed,whereappropriate. The PIC will be responsible for ensuring the adequate supervision of all young people whoreside intheir centre. The PIC will be responsible for ensuring that Accident Reports are promptly completed and notified where an accident has occurred. They are also responsible for ensuring that the Health & Safety Department are informed of all Accidents. Individual Care in Group Living / Model of Care The PIC will provide ongoing direction to staff in the development of their relationships with young people. Management In the absence of the Person In Charge the PIC will ensure that they have delegated their tasksto an appropriate senior member of the staff team. The PIC is expected to liaise with theRegionalManagertodecidewhomthis shouldbe. ThePICmustattendmonthlySeniorManagementMeetingsareholdaccountabilitytocomplete all actionsfromthesemeetings. The PICmustchairall Team meetingsonafortnightlybasis. The PIC is expected to attend Regional Manager Meetings and Significant Events reviews each quarter. Quality The PIC will be responsible for the completion of the Centres Self-Audit tool, which will bereviewed every six months. The completed Self-Audit will be submitted to the Regional ManagerandQualityManager. The PIC will be responsible for chairing review meetings following receipt of all internal Quality Audit reports and External Monitoring and Inspection Reports. This will entail a critical reviewof the report feedback and of the associated deficits / recommendations and a formal response will be expected where any reports have highlighted areas as negligent. RESPONSIVE WORKFORCE Staffing The PIC will facilitate the staff centre specific induction process. This will entail introducing newemployees to the centres recording systems, infrastructures and provision of an opportunity toshadow staffpractice.ThePIC willrecordtheminutesofthis inductionaccordingly. The PIC holds responsibility to ensure all new staff receive an adequate induction as in line with Solis Policies and Procedures. Supervision and Support The PIC will participate in monthly supervision with their Regional Manager which will bepractice and learning based. The recording of supervision minutes will be a joint responsibilitybetweenthePICandtheRegionalManager. The PIC will chair fortnightly SCL meetings. The SCLs will record the minutes of these meetings. ThePICwillensuretheirSCLs undertakefortnightlyPolicyandProcedurefocusedsupervision with all new employees during their initial three-month employment period. Thiswillentailreviewingpolicies,assessingtheemployeesunderstandingandadequatelyrecording these minutes for the Supervision Folder. The STL will report the progress of thissupervisiontothePIC.ThePIC canthenprovidefeedbackwhere required. The PIC will monitor the practice and development of all employees. The PIC holds an overallresponsibility toensure thatallstaffreceivemonthly Supervision. The PIC will chair Team Meetings fortnightly and will have designated accountability ensuringthat the minutes are filed and signed by the staff team. In the PICs absences, the DPIC willchairTeamMeetings. ThePICwillberesponsibleforchairingSCL meetings,ensuringthatallinformationisappropriatelyandfullycommunicatedandthattherelevanthandoverproformaisfullycomplete. USE OF RESOURCES ThePICwillberesponsibleforthecentresPettyCashsystem.Thiswillentaileffectivelybudgeting per shift, authorising all Petty Cash transactions, compiling the Petty Cash report andsubmitting this to Head Office. The PIC will be accountable for any deficits in Petty Cash whichoccurredthroughoutwithinthecentre. Theywillberequiredtorespondtoqueriesfrom HeadOfficeinrelationtoPettyCash. The PIC will be responsible for ensuring that the Stationary Inventory is undertaken monthly and that the stationary order is compiled and submitted to Head Office. Maintenance and Repairs The PIC will be responsible for ensuring that all maintenance work is undertaken promptly; thisrequires a solution focused response whereby maintenance responses are identified on thesameshift. The PIC will be accountable for ensuring the appropriate upkeep and maintenance of all centrevehicles.Anyrepair workwillbepromptlyidentifiedby thePIC. ThePICistheonlyauthoritytoapprovemaintenancewithintheCentreandonlyatthediscretionoftheRegionalManager. USE OF INFORMATION The PIC will be responsible to ensure that all records kept on the young people are up to date,relevant,accurateandofahighquality atalltimes. The PIC will ensure that the Centre Register is updated upon the admission and discharge of allyoungpeople,ensuringthat all pertinent informationisconciselyrecorded. ThePICmustensurethateachyoungpersons informationisprotected,andallpersonalinformationis treatedwithrespectandconfidential. The PIC will be responsible for all young peoples information is shared and transferred in an efficient and timely manner to support decision-making. The above Job Description is non-exhaustive and where necessary and by appointment of the Regional Manager or Director the PIC may be expected to take up other relevant duties and tasks. Essential Criteria Upon application for this post the applicant must have a minimum of a Level 7 qualification in social care andhold or be enrolled in a program leading to a management qualification suitable for a health or social care setting and4 years full time work experience in a social care setting post qualification. Alternatively, the applicant may hold a QQI level 8 qualification in Social Care with 4 years post qualification work experience in a social care setting. A professional qualification in Social Work is also considered, for a centre manager with the mandatory 4 years post qualification practice experience and hold or been rolled in a programme leading to a management qualification suitable for a health or social care setting. Candidates who do not hold a Social Care qualification but have within the 3 years prior to the issuing of this notice been a manager of a registered centre for a period of 2 of the preceding 3 years, are required to hold minimum of a level 7 in a related field and hold or be enrolled in a management qualification suitable for a health care or social care setting. A recognised qualification in social care will include equivalent social care qualifications from other jurisdictions. NOTE:NOOTHERQUALIFICATIONSWILLBEACCEPTED