The Health Service Executive (HSE) Dublin and Midlands is seeking an experienced nursing leader for the permanent position of Assistant Director of Nursing in Mental Health Services, based in Cavan Monaghan. This is a senior management role offering the opportunity to shape mental health care delivery across the region.
About the Role
The Assistant Director of Nursing, Mental Health Services provides strategic and operational leadership for nursing teams delivering mental health care in Cavan and Monaghan. This Grade 2542 permanent wholetime position requires a senior nursing professional to work collaboratively with the Director of Nursing and multidisciplinary teams to ensure the highest standards of person-centered mental health care. Reporting to the Director of Nursing, Mental Health Services, you will play a pivotal role in service development, staff management, and quality improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage nursing teams across mental health services in Cavan Monaghan, ensuring delivery of evidence-based, recovery-oriented care
- Develop and implement strategic plans for mental health nursing services in collaboration with the Director of Nursing and senior management team
- Oversee clinical governance, quality assurance, and risk management processes specific to mental health care settings
- Provide professional leadership, mentorship, and support to nursing staff, fostering a culture of continuous professional development and clinical excellence
- Manage budgets, resources, and staffing levels to ensure efficient and effective service delivery within mental health units
- Ensure compliance with HSE policies, mental health legislation, and regulatory standards including Mental Health Commission requirements
- Lead service improvement initiatives and support the implementation of best practice in mental health nursing care delivery
Required Qualifications
Essential Requirements
- Registration as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) with current active registration
- Minimum 7 years post-registration experience in mental health nursing, with at least 3 years in a senior management or leadership role
- Evidence of relevant postgraduate qualification in nursing, management, or mental health at NFQ Level 8 or higher
- Comprehensive knowledge of mental health legislation, Mental Health Commission standards, and contemporary mental health service delivery models
- Demonstrated leadership and people management skills including experience in strategic planning, change management, and staff development within mental health services
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities with proven capacity to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Nursing, Mental Health, Healthcare Management, or related discipline
- Experience working at Assistant Director or Director level in mental health nursing services
- Specialized training in mental health areas such as recovery-focused practice, trauma-informed care, or suicide prevention
- Track record of leading quality improvement initiatives and service development projects in mental health settings
What We Offer
- Competitive HSE salary on Grade 2542 scale: €67,501 – €80,566 per annum (as per HSE consolidated salary scales effective March 2025, with incremental progression)
- Comprehensive HSE employment benefits including pension scheme, annual leave entitlement, and occupational health supports
- Excellent career development and progression opportunities within the HSE mental health service structure, including access to continuing professional development and leadership training programs
- Supportive working environment with access to clinical supervision and professional development resources specific to mental health nursing leadership
- Opportunity to make a significant impact on mental health service delivery and patient outcomes in the Cavan Monaghan community
- Permanent, wholetime contract providing long-term career stability within Ireland’s largest healthcare employer
Additional Resources
Salary Scale Document: The HSE Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales (March 2025) provides detailed information on the Grade 2542 salary structure and progression for this position.
Ready to Apply?
If you are a passionate mental health nursing leader ready to take the next step in your career and make a meaningful difference to mental health services in Cavan Monaghan, we want to hear from you. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional mental health care.
Application Deadline: 14 October 2025 at 5:00 PM
For informal enquiries about this role, please contact: Ms Emma McKeown, Acting Director of Nursing, Mental Health Services Email: emma.mckeown@hse.ie Phone: 047 95357
