You won't just manage a team here. You'll be part of shaping how services are built around the people we support.
Positive Futures supports people with a learning disability, acquired brain injury and autism across Ireland and Northern Ireland, working together to achieve dreams and transform lives. As Deputy Service Manager, you're not on the sidelines of that mission, you're one of the people making sure it actually happens, day in and day out, in the houses and services where people live their lives.
This role is about helping run a Service that people can rely on. You'll support your Service Manager to keep things resourced, staffed and running to a high standard, and you'll deputise for them when they're away, which means the buck genuinely stops with you sometimes. You'll lead a team, not just manage a rota: setting people up to do their jobs well, coaching them through the tricky bits, and making sure quality and safety checks aren't just paperwork but a real reflection of the support people are getting. It's hands-on, it's varied, and no two weeks look the same.
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Real responsibility: you'll deputise for the Service Manager and take charge of day-to-day decisions in their absence, not just cover the phones.
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People leadership: you'll recruit, induct, coach and performance manage your team, helping them grow into their roles rather than just fill them.
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Genuine impact: the quality checks, the risk management, the person-centred thinking you bring all translate directly into a better, fuller life for the people you support.
If you've got management experience and you're ready to put it to work somewhere it genuinely matters, we'd love to hear from you.
About The Role
Good leadership here isn't about targets or deadlines. It's about the life someone gets to live because you got it right.
As Deputy Service Manager, a large part of the role is leadership: acting as a role model for staff, keeping communication flowing between your team, the wider organisation and management meetings, and championing person-centred thinking so the people we support experience full, valued lives. You'll help make sure the Service is properly resourced and that budgets, staffing and the on-call rota are managed so people get the care and support they need, whenever they need it, including actively involving volunteers in the work of the Service.
Supporting the Service Manager, quality and compliance sit at the heart of the job too. You'll help work within HIQA, HSE and relevant health and safety legislation, help build and run the systems that monitor quality, complete regular audits, and flag and help manage risk as it comes up. On the people side, you'll ensure staff and volunteers are inducted, trained, coached, supervised and performance managed properly, in line with Positive Futures' policies and the CORU Code of Practice, and that they're supported to gain the qualifications relevant to their roles.
You'll also help coordinate a Support Planner to keep staff cover on track, which includes working shifts and sleepovers yourself when needed, alongside your share of the on-call rota.
The values on our wall only mean something if someone lives them out in the office and the on-call phone. If that's you, we'd encourage you to apply.
Required Criteria
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Relevant FETAC Level 7 qualification or Psychology or other relevant Higher Degree and 2 years’ experience in a Health and Social Care Setting - OR - 4 years’ experience in a Health and Social Care setting. - OR - A recognised Level 6 award in Social Care and at least 4 years’ experience in a Health and Social Care setting.
- 2 years management experience which includes supervision of staff
Full, valid EEA/EU driving licence to meet the requirements of the post.
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Skills Needed
About The Company
Founded in 1995 (initially under the name United Response NI), we now operate across the island of Ireland offering a wide range of services tailored to individuals with learning disabilities, acquired brain injury or autism and the families who support them. Our services include supported living, peripatetic housing support, shared-lives schemes, residential short breaks and family support. We focus on enabling people to live as equal citizens, develop independence and realise their hopes and dreams. With offices and services located in Dublin, Dundalk, Wicklow, Manorhamilton and beyond, we’re committed to making a meaningful difference in local communities.
Company Culture
At Positive Futures, we foster a culture of respect, innovation and empowerment. We believe in putting people first—both those we support and our staff. We create environments where colleagues feel valued, where ideas for improvement are welcomed, and where continuous learning is encouraged. We support staff to grow professionally and personally, and we emphasise collaboration, listening and trust. Working with us means being part of a team that genuinely cares, is proactive in shaping futures and embraces the possibility in every situation.
Company Benefits
Vacation, Paid time off, Paid sick days, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee development programs, Competitive salary, Employee Assistance Scheme, Wellbeing Scheme, Annual performance review, Culture of recognition, On the job learning, Progression opportunities, Staff celebration events
Salary
€51,206.00 - €61,253.00 per year
