CoAction West Cork provides quality services to support children and adults with an intellectual disability, and children with autism.

Assistant Director of Services

Permanent - 35 hpw

Bantry

Closing date for applications

Friday 16th October 2026 at 4 pm

For details on submitting an application please visit our website www.coaction.ie or you can email HRgen@coaction.ie

CoAction West Cork is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Description

Assistant Director of Services

Reporting to: Director of Services

Base: West Cork

This job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post and is subject to review and amendment in light of changing circumstances and may include other duties and responsibilities as may be determined from time to time by the Director of Services/CEO or designated Line Manager. You will be given as much notice of such changes as possible. It is CoAction’s policy to review job descriptions on a regular basis.

Overall Purpose of the Position

The Assistant Director of Services (Adult Services) will provide strategic, operational and developmental leadership across CoAction’s Adult Services, with a particular focus on the continued development and delivery of high-quality Day Services in accordance with the principles of New Directions, person-centred practice and CoAction’s strategic objectives.

Working closely with the Director of Services, Service Managers, staff teams, people supported, families, multidisciplinary colleagues and external stakeholders, the Assistant Director will lead and support the development of innovative, responsive and sustainable services that promote choice, inclusion, independence, community participation and meaningful outcomes for the people who use CoAction services.

The post holder will play a key role in identifying and progressing new directions, new initiatives and opportunities for service development, ensuring that Adult Services evolve in response to the aspirations and needs of people supported, their families, communities, national policy and emerging best practice.

The Assistant Director will also contribute to organisational leadership and representation, ensuring that CoAction is positively represented with the HSE, regulatory bodies, statutory and voluntary agencies, community partners and other relevant stakeholders.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Collate, verify, analyse and interpret data from a variety of sources and mediums and develop reports and returns as required by the Director of Services (Adults & Children) including but not limited to: HSE Complaints returns, KPI returns, Data Returns, Quality & Risk Reports, Audits, Results of surveys/ questionnaires.
Oversee the Provision of Adult Day Services in line with New Directions and best practice.
Lead out on the development, implementation and review of QPI’s and KPI’s in line with regulatory compliance, such as Easi-Tool.
Develop and grow person centred services as directed, such as supported living.
Attend and/or chair meetings/committees/working groups etc. as directed by the Director of Services.
Responsible for the development of the operational aspects for the successful implementation of the strategic plan.
Manage complex cases as directed by the Director of Services.
Manage complaints as directed by the Director of Services.
Undertake projects as determined by the Director of Services.
Work across a variety of different areas with a variety of personnel, including the Multi-Disciplinary Team.
Comply with the policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
Maintain a feedback mechanism and report to line manager where appropriate.

Essential Qualifications

Person who may have or are willing to work towards achieving the following levels of professional development & training

3rd Level Qualification in a relevant area i.e. Healthcare, Social Care, Health Economics, Business Management or other relevant qualification

Desirable Qualifications

Management qualification

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

Demonstrate a high degree of commitment, professionalism and dedication.
Demonstrate evidence of ability to review and develop policies and the ability to ensure policies are translated into practice.
Demonstrate knowledge and experience of quality audit/assurance systems.
Demonstrate planning and prioritising the development of resources to ensure safe practice and maximise effectiveness to the service.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively and efficiently collect data and verify same collected through a variety of sources and mediums
Demonstrate the ability to interpret and analyse data and identify themes
Demonstrate strong report writing capabilities and the ability to present information in a comprehensive, structured and impactful manner
Demonstrates strong communication and interpersonal skills
Presents compelling arguments by understanding and anticipating the agendas of others. Uses information and facts to build an effective case;
will involve and consult with key stakeholders tactfully and listen to their views.
Ability to work in partnership with a wide variety of stakeholders.
Demonstrate an ability to build and maintain relationships.
Demonstrates conflict management skills, with the ability to manage conflicting opinions and positions in a diplomatic manner.
Balances diplomacy with assertiveness.
Demonstrate the ability to negotiate effectively.
Demonstrate evidence of influencing skills in a complex work environment.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex matters in a simplified format.
IT skills comparative to the role including Word, Excel, Databases, Report Writing and presentation of statistical data.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills & Attributes.
Knowledge of financial/ budgetary management.

Essential Experience

Experience of working in a regulatory environment and of regulatory compliance
Experience of working in Management for (3+ years)
Relevant people management experience

Desirable Experience

Previous experience within the Disability Sector
Previous experience of Person-In-Charge
Experience of working to HIQA standards
Project management experience
Service management experience
Experience of working on committees/ working groups
Experience of chairing meetings
Experience of drafting and developing policies
Budgetary and resource management experience
Experience with databases/ systems i.e. Salesforce
Experience of data collection and analysis
Experience of working with KPIs
Safety Officer Experience Desirable

Planning and Development: The manager is responsible for planning, developing, managing, and reviewing adult services in alignment with strategic goals and national policies.

Team Management: They line manage service managers and other staff, ensuring a team approach involving service owners, parents, staff, and the wider community.

Operational Management: The manager oversees the day-to day operational management of buildings providing services, working closely with regional management teams.

Policy Compliance: They ensure compliance with HIQA monitored regulations and standards in designated residential centres.

Community Engagement: The manager fosters positive relationships within the community and assists with the oversight of district projects, programs, and committees.

Budget Management: They develop, maintain, and monitor annual service or program budgets to achieve established goals.

Grant Oversight: They assist with the oversight of grant funded programs, activities, and staff, identifying and recommending sources for grant funding. These responsibilities highlight the importance of the Assistant Director of Services in ensuring that adult services are well-planned, managed, and compliant with relevant regulations and community needs.

The duties and responsibilities of the role may evolve overtime and are by no means intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. This job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post and is subject to review and amendment in light of changing circumstances and may include other duties and responsibilities as may be determined from time to time by the Director of Services/CEO or designated Line Manager. You will be given as much notice of such changes as possible. It is CoAction’s policy to review job descriptions on a regular basis.

Salary:As Per Grade VII CoAction 2026 Pay scales €59,316.00 to €77,781.00 pa depending on experience.

Benefits:

25 Days Annual Leave per Year
Sick Pay
Enhanced Maternity, Parents, Paternity Pay.
Pension Scheme

All of the above are in line with Organisational Policy

CoAction West Cork is an equal opportunity employer

Assistant Director of Services - Bantry - Permanent 35 hpw - Ref D064