Ardcora Supported Living Registered Manager

Welcome to Mainstay DRP

Mainstay was formed in 1990 when a group of parents and carers of adults with learning disabilities and autism came together to create a local service to provide high quality care and support for their loved ones. We started as Down Residential Project, a small residential home for 9 service users in one location, and weve expanded and developed over the years, continuously adapting what we do to meet the changing needs of our service users.

Today, we are a dynamic, multi-service organisation, supporting over 300 service users and clients across Residential, Supported Living, Short Breaks, and Day Opportunities services in multiple locations in Downpatrick.

Mainstay DRP is a values- driven organisation with a clear purpose: to enrich lives and enable people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful, fulfilling, and connected lives in their communities. Founded on values of Empowerment, Compassion, Community, Championing Ability, and Promoting Purpose, we deliver services that place people at the centre of everything we do.

Across our Residential Living, Supported Living, Short Breaks, Day Opportunities, and Social Enterprise services, we are committed to providing safe, high-quality, person-led support. We are currently in an exciting period of organisational development shaped by our new strategy, regional policy reform, a renewed commitment to co-production, and strengthening our safeguarding and governance foundations.

About us

Vision: To enrich lives.

Purpose: We believe support is not just about meeting needs its about unlocking potential. We empower each person to discover their strengths, pursue their interests, and build a life of meaning and connection. We also walk alongside families and carers with encouragement, guidance, and reassurance.

Our Values:

• Empowerment giving people control over their choices and future.
• Community building connection and belonging.
• Promote Purpose supporting people to find meaning in daily life.
• Champion Ability focusing on what people can do.
• Compassionate leading with kindness and respect.

Our Strategic Priorities include supporting our clients and families to live their best lives, growing and transforming our services, engaging more strongly with the community, developing as a learning organisation, and ensuring good governance. Every role in Mainstay, including this one, contributes directly to these priorities.

Ardcora Supported Living Registered Manager Mainstay DRP

Are you a confident leader, used to working in an environment and culture where adults with different abilities are supported to live their best life and to enrich their lives through empowerment, community, purpose, ability, and compassion?

Mainstay is looking for an experienced and motivated person to lead and manage the Ardcora Supported Living Service. You will need to be dynamic and forward thinking, with exceptional leadership skills, have experience of managing staff teams and working towards outcomes and targets that align with Mainstays strategic priorities and values.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Ardcora Supported Living Registered Manager

Location: Mainstay, Downpatrick

Reports to: Head of Service Delivery

Hours of work: 40 Hours per week

Salary and package: £20.56 per hour

On Call Enhancement:

• Monday to Friday: £35 per day
• Saturday & Sunday: £55 per day

Comprehensive training and development

Health Cash Plan

Company pension

Free on-site parking

Annual Leave: 25 days per annum (plus an additional 3 days per annum following 5 years service)

8 Bank Holidays per year

Role Purpose

The Registered Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, operational management, and regulatory compliance of the Ardcora Supported Living Service. The post holder will ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, person-centred support to adults with learning disabilities and autism.

The role includes managing staff teams, maintaining regulatory standards, building partnerships with families and professionals, managing service resources, and contributing to the ongoing development and growth of supported living services within the organisation.

The Registered Manager will be supported by four Assistant Managers, providing operational support and oversight across the service.

The Registered Manager will also be responsible for fulfilling the duties of a Registered Person in accordance with the requirements of the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA). and contribute to the ongoing development of supported living services within Mainstay DRP.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Head of Service Delivery

Direct Reports: 4 Assistant Managers

Key Responsibilities

Service Leadership and Operations

• Provide effective leadership and management of the Ardcora Supported Living Service.
• Ensure the service delivers safe, high-quality, person-centred care and support.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels, skill mix, and deployment to meet service user needs.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and values-based culture within the service.
• Ensure the service operates within its registered capacity and scope.

Regulatory Compliance and Governance

• Act as the Registered Manager for the service in line with RQIA regulatory requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation, standards, and organisational policies.
• Lead the service through internal and external inspections.
• Maintain accurate and compliant care documentation and reporting systems.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are effectively implemented and understood by staff.
• Ensure robust safeguarding systems are in place and that all safeguarding concerns are reported and managed in accordance with organisational policy and statutory guidance.

Person-Centred Care and Support

• Ensure each individual has a comprehensive care and support plan reflecting their needs, preferences, and aspirations.
• Ensure care plans are regularly reviewed and updated.
• Promote independence, community inclusion, and meaningful activity for service users.
• Support individuals with complex needs, including behaviours that may challenge.
• Ensure health needs are identified and staff are competent to provide appropriate support.

Staff Leadership and Workforce Development

• Recruit, manage, and develop a skilled and motivated staff team.
• Provide supervision, appraisal, and performance management.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate induction, training, and professional development.
• Promote a culture of learning, accountability, and reflective practice.
• Ensure staff understand and implement organisational policies and procedures.

Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong and positive relationships with families, carers, and external professionals.
• Work collaboratively with social workers, healthcare professionals, and partner agencies.
• Represent the service at multi-disciplinary meetings and reviews.

Financial and Resource Management

• Manage the service budget effectively and responsibly.
• Monitor expenditure and staffing costs in line with organisational policies.
• Ensure resources are used efficiently to deliver high-quality support.

Service Development and Strategic Contribution

• Deliver the service business plan and agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Support continuous improvement and innovation within the service.
• Contribute to the development and expansion of supported living services across Northern Ireland.
• Work with the leadership team to support delivery of organisational strategy.

On-Call Responsibilities

• Participate in the organisational on-call rota, providing management support outside normal working hours.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Applicants must meet one of the following qualification pathways:

(a) a professional social work qualification and registered on the appropriate part of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) register, without condition; or

(b) a first level registered nurse on the appropriate part of the Nursing and Midwifery Council register; or

(c) allied health professions registered with the Health Professions Council.

and

2. a minimum of four years work experience in any health or social care setting with one or more of the service user groups supported by the agency. At least two years of this experience must be in a relevant operational management capacity in a health and social care setting.

OR

3. Applicants must hold or be able to demonstrate that they will hold on commencement of the post one of the following qualifications:

1 QCF Level 5 Diploma Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care (Adult Management) Northern Ireland and Wales

2 Level 5 Diploma Leadership and Management in Health and Social care (Adult Management) Northern Ireland and Wales

3 Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care Northern Ireland(Adult Management)

and

4. a minimum of five years practice experience in any health and social care setting with one or more of the service user groups supported by the agency which must include at least two years relevant experience in an operational management capacity in a health and social care setting

Essential

• Experience supporting adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.
• Experience managing staff teams in a care environment.
• Experience ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Experience in care planning and person-centred support.
• Full UK driving licence with access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for business purposes), or access to another suitable form of transport that enables the successful candidate to meet the requirements of the role
• Must be registered, or eligible for registration, with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC)

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Effective organisational and time management skills
• Ability to motivate, inspire, and develop staff teams
• Strong IT, reporting, and documentation skills
• Ability to manage complex situations and make informed decisions

Desirable Criteria

• Experience managing a supported living or domiciliary care service
• Experience preparing services for regulatory inspection
• Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
• Experience in service development or improvement projects

Additional Requirements

• Must be deemed a fit person to act as a Registered Manager by the RQIA.
• Must be willing to participate in the organisational on-call rota.
• This post is subject to an Enhanced Access NI check.

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