Head of Practice Development, National

Contract: Fixed Term contract until the 31st of August 2027

Location: National

The purpose of this role is to work as part of Focus Ireland’s Senior Management Team in making the maximum contribution to the work of Focus Ireland’s Services by ensuring that the Practice of Focus Ireland Services is of a high quality for Customers across all Focus Ireland Services.

What you will do:

The Head of Practice Development is a senior leadership role within Focus Ireland, responsible for ensuring the highest standards of practice across all services. As part of the Senior Management Team and one of seven Heads of Department, the postholder plays a pivotal role in supporting and influencing the organisation's strategic direction. The role leads a team of managers and works collaboratively across departments to embed Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE) and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) person-centred and evidence-informed practices that align with Focus Ireland’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.

Leadership & Strategic Development

Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Practice Development function and its managers.
Contribute to the overall strategic planning and implementation of Focus Ireland’s organisational goals.
Actively support and influence the work of other Heads of Department to ensure integrated, high-quality service delivery.
Lead the development and implementation of best practice models, policies, and procedures across all service areas.

Practice Quality & Innovation
Oversee the development, implementation, and review of consistent practice standards, guidelines, and frameworks.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, reflective practice, and learning across all services.
Ensure the integration of PIE and TIC, and where appropriate, customer participation in all aspects of service delivery.
Lead and support service-related research and the implementation of evidence-informed innovations.
Support the strategic development and implementation of Housing First principles across Focus Ireland services. This includes ensuring fidelity to the Housing First model, supporting staff training and development, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders

Governance, Compliance & Safeguarding

Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory standards, and internal policies, including child safeguarding, health and safety, and GDPR.
Oversee internal audits, practice reviews, and quality assurance processes.
Monitor and respond to emerging service issues, risks, and trends.
Ensure that all practice within Focus Ireland aligns with CORU's Standards of Proficiency for Social Care Workers.

People Management & Staff Development

Line manage Two Managers and a Team Leader, ensuring effective supervision, performance management, and professional development.
Foster a positive and supportive team culture that promotes staff wellbeing, morale, and motivation.
Collaborate with HR and Learning & Development to identify training needs and implement a strategic training plan across services.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
Work closely with other departments, including Services, Property & Housing, HR, Finance, and Advocacy, to ensure cohesive and effective service delivery.
Represent Focus Ireland at external forums, conferences, and with statutory and voluntary partners.
Advocate for the needs and rights of customers and tenants in all areas of practice development.

Operational & Financial Oversight

Manage the Practice Development budget, ensuring effective use of resources and alignment with strategic priorities.
Support fundraising and reporting efforts by providing relevant data, insights, and impact narratives.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting on KPIs, KRIs, and service outcomes.

What you will need:

Relevant third-level degree in the area of social care, e.g. youth work, social studies, addiction etc.
At least 5 years’ management experience in the social care field working with disadvantaged Customers.
Experience in leading and developing teams to ensure the highest quality of service delivery
Have an in-depth knowledge of issues affecting Customers out-of-home and their impact on Customers and their physical, emotional and psychological development/status.
Have a proven ability to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards of service delivery
Demonstrate outstanding critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to lead change processes
Demonstrate an in-depth experience of developing and implementing service policies and procedures.
Have a clear understanding of national policy, all statutory regulations and guidelines in the provision of housing support services and their impact on the provision of Practice Development
Experience of working with local authorities and other statutory bodies on the issues affecting Customers is desirable
Be able to work on own initiative and in a team environment.
Have a proven ability to communicate clearly in difficult and complex situations.
Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proven advocacy skills.
Experience of dealing with safeguarding/ child protection and welfare responsibilities and responding appropriately to any concerns.
Proven ability to display flexibility.

Focus Ireland is an equal opportunity employer

Head of Practice Development, National

Job Description