Person In Charge – Designated Centre

Harbour Care; Portarlington; On-site; EUR 57,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Harbour Care in Portarlington, Ireland, is seeking a committed and compassionate Person in Charge (Residential Manager) to lead a HIQA-registered designated centre for adults with disabilities. You will be the key accountable leader, ensuring safe, person‑centred, compliant operation with opportunities to shape the service delivery model.

This role requires strong health and social care management experience, knowledge of HIQA regulations, and a passion for rights‑based practice.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a management or supervisory role in health or social care.
• Experience managing large, multi-disciplinary teams and directing them toward shared goals.
• Experience managing a designated centre through HIQA's regulatory cycle (registration, inspection, re-registration) is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of HIQA Regulations, National Standards, relevant legislation, and associated policy frameworks.
• Demonstrated understanding of positive behaviour support and rights-based practice.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the designated centre, including staffing, budgets, and care planning.
• Lead multidisciplinary team meetings and ensure highest standards of care planning and governance.
• Drive service improvement, implement innovative ideas, and empower residents with autonomy and dignity.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

People management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Third-level qualification in Social Care, Nursing, Health & Social Care Management, or equivalent

Job description

Harbour Care, a new and ambitious rights-based organisation, is seeking a committed and compassionate Person in Charge (Residential Manager) to join their team in Portarlington. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the vision, values, and delivery of high-quality residential services for adults with disabilities.

As the key accountable leader for a HIQA-registered designated centre, you will be responsible for its safe, person-centred, and compliant operation. The core of this role is to ensure residents experience autonomy, dignity, and meaningful connection in their daily lives, all while upholding full regulatory compliance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

We are looking for a leader with a strong background in health or social care management, who is knowledgeable about HIQA regulations and passionate about rights-based practice. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team, manage day-to-day operations, and play a pivotal role in the initial registration and ongoing success of new residential services. If you are an inspiring leader dedicated to empowering others and creating a joyful, supportive environment, we encourage you to apply.

About The Role

In this dynamic role, your day-to-day will involve a blend of strategic leadership and hands‑on operational management. You will oversee all aspects of the designated centre, from ensuring optimal staffing levels and managing budgets to leading multidisciplinary team meetings and ensuring the highest standards of care planning.

This is more than just a management position; it's a chance to build something from the ground up. As part of a new organisation, you will directly influence the culture, systems, and service delivery model. There is excellent potential for career progression and professional development as Harbour Care grows. You'll be empowered to implement innovative ideas, use technology to enhance governance, and truly shape a service that prioritises joy, connection, and empowerment for its residents.

Required Criteria

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a management or supervisory role in health or social care.


• Experience managing large, multi-disciplinary teams and directing them toward shared goals.


• Experience managing a designated centre through HIQA's regulatory cycle (registration, inspection, re-registration) is highly desirable.


• Strong knowledge of HIQA Regulations, National Standards, relevant legislation, and associated policy frameworks.


• Demonstrated understanding of positive behaviour support and rights-based practice.


• Strong interpersonal, communication, and people‑leadership skills.


• Ability to prioritise, problem‑solve, and lead in a complex environment.


• Appropriate third-level qualification in Social Care, Nursing, Health & Social Care Management, or equivalent.


• Full clean driving licence.


• Be willing to undertake mandatory training.


• Up-to-date CORU registration.

Desired Criteria

• Qualification in management, leadership, quality improvement, or disability practice.


• Experience in service startup, commissioning, or organisational development.


• Experience working within neurodiversity‑affirming practice models.


• Familiarity with HSE contracting, funding models, MDT arrangements, and reporting systems.


• Interest in how technology can strengthen governance, streamline processes, and enhance person‑centred outcomes.

Skills Needed

Continuous Improvement, Prioritisation, Problem Solving, Regulatory Compliance, Leadership, Communication, Nursing Qualification

About The Company

Harbour Care is a new, rights-based organisation, seeking committed, ambitious, and compassionate leaders to help shape its vision and values.

Harbour Care’s ethos is founded on four core values and guides all aspects of care and support within our services.

Company Culture

Our four core values:

• Empower: Residents are supported by making informed choices, developing independence, and directing their own lives.




• Connect: Relationships, community involvement, and a sense of belonging are actively encouraged.




• Trust: Psychological safety is built through consistency, transparency, and reliable support.




• Joy: Daily life includes creativity, fun, and opportunities for personal fulfilment.

Company Benefits

Vacation, Paid time off, Employee development programs, Free parking, Competitive salary, Long service recognition

Salary

€67,000.00 per year