Quality & Compliance Officer (Hiqa Regulated Setting)

Purpose

The purpose of the Quality & Compliance role is to ensure the organisation delivers high-quality, person-centred services in line with all regulatory, legislative, and organisational requirements. The role supports the implementation and monitoring of quality assurance systems across residential and day services, ensuring compliance with HIQA standards, safeguarding, health and safety, and organisational policies. The post holder will coordinate audits, manage compliance documentation, support continuous quality improvement initiatives, facilitate training, and promote best practice to enhance outcomes for the people we support.

Dept / Location

Quality Department at SOS Kilkenny Admin & Training Centre, Kells Road, Kilkenny

Hours / Contract

35 hours per week / Specified Purpose (minimum 7 months)

Salary Scale:

Linked to HSE Consolidated Pay Scale: Grade IV (Clerical) (February 2026)

€36,107.00 - €55,463.14

What We Offer:

• A rewarding and meaningful career where you can make a real difference.
• Permanent, full-time and part-time positions.
• Competitive salary aligned with HSE Consolidated Pay Scales.
• Pension Scheme and Death in Service benefit.
• Generous Annual Leave Entitlements.
• Sick Pay Scheme.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Educational Assistance Scheme.
• Bike to Work Scheme.
• Employee Discounts.
• Savings Scheme.
• Award winning Health & Wellbeing Programmes.
• Award winning Company Training.
• A supportive, values-driven multidisciplinary team.
• Positive and supportive work environments.

The primary function of this role is:

• To access compliance according to HIQA regulations and National Standards within HIQA regulated residential locations.
• To offer guidance on reviewing each regulation and applicable standard.
• To guide quality improvement and ongoing development of person centred services.
• To ensure the service provides a rights-based approach.

Role:

• Ensure the delivery of quality services for the people we support.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory bodies, in line with legislative requirements and the organisation's policies and procedures.
• Develop templates, to support continuous service improvement and best quality of care.
• Work to meet objectives and organisational goals within identified timeframes.
• Complete provider audits, track implementation of actions within identified timeframes and seek verification of closed out action.
• Support continuous quality improvement within the organisation, in line with regulatory, legislative and practice requirements.
• Support staff to ensure quality brief is being adhered to.
• Promote and participate in the implementation of change.

HIQA Duties:

• Registration/Re-registration of Designated Centres.
• Applications to vary or remove conditions as outlined by HIQA requirements.
• Registration of Persons in Charge and Persons Participating in the Management of the designated centres.
• Management & oversight of the HIQA Portal.
• Registration of the Board of Directors.
• Ensure all designated centres documentation is present and in line with regulations.

Policy Management:

• Work in conjunction with the line Manager to ensure that all relevant compliance policies and procedures are in place and reviewed within timeframes.
• Update and amend service provision policies when organisational procedures or legislation changes.
• Develop and update policies in an accessible format for the people we support

New Directions

• Work with Day Service managers to roll out and ensure compliance with new Directions regulations and any other regulatory Authority.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Relevant third level qualification in Social Care or working towards
• High proficiency in the use of MS Office suite

Experience

• Minimum three years' experience working in the disability sector
• Experience in a HIQA regulated setting desirable but not essential
• Experience of working within and implementing change programmes
• Working collaboratively with multiple areas and teams
• Knowledge and understanding of the Health Act, 2007 Regulations and any standards or government publications on the provision of services for day and residential services in the Disability sector
• Knowledge of quality management systems and procedures
• Hold a core belief and passion for the sustainable delivery of high quality people we support focused services
• Demonstrates ability to plan, organise and prioritise
• Ability to source and interpret both theoretical and technical information
• Strong research skills and the ability to think strategically
• Excellent communications skills, including strong report writing skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Flexibility

Duties and responsibilities of any post are likely to change with the ongoing needs and developments of the Services. You will therefore be required to carry out any such other duties appropriate to your employment as may be assigned from time to time.

Confidentiality

In the course of your employment you may have access to, or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of each person who uses the services and/or staff, or other health service business. Such records and information are strictly confidential and unless acting on the instructions of an authorised officer, on no account must information concerning individuals supported by the Services, staff, or other health service business be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty. In addition records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required.

Reporting To: Support Services Manager

Diversity & Inclusion

SOS Kilkenny is an equal opportunities employer committed to an inclusive, diverse and respectful workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Safeguarding

All offers of employment are subject to Garda Vetting and reference checks.

Application

Please submit your CV, including explanations for any gaps in employment. Shortlisting will apply.