Care Home Manager

As a Care Home Manager you are responsible for the day-to-day running of a HIQA-registered residential care facility for older adults in Ireland. You oversee all aspects of care delivery, ensuring that residents receive high-quality, person-centred support in a safe and dignified environment. Your role involves managing a multidisciplinary team of nurses, healthcare assistants, and ancillary staff, as well as liaising with residents' families, GPs, and HSE personnel. You are accountable for compliance with HIQA regulations and standards, and you must prepare for and respond to inspection processes. Budget management, staff rostering, recruitment, and the ongoing development of care policies all fall within your remit.

A relevant NFQ Level 8 Honours Bachelor degree is typically required to work as a Care Home Manager in Ireland; common disciplines include nursing (with NMBI registration), social care, or healthcare management. Many managers enter through nursing, completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing followed by years of clinical experience before moving into management. CORU-registered social care professionals with significant practice experience and a Level 8 qualification in social care or a related field may also pursue this role. A postgraduate qualification such as an NFQ Level 9 Masters in Healthcare Management or a Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management (available at institutions such as UCD, UCC, UL, and TU Dublin) is increasingly expected at senior level. Regulatory requirements under the Health Act 2007 and HIQA's National Standards for Residential Care Settings specify that the 'Person in Charge' must hold a relevant healthcare qualification and demonstrate evidence of management competence. Continuing professional development is essential, as HIQA inspectors assess the qualifications and ongoing learning of the person in charge.