Job Title: Deputy Head of Operations Service Delivery (Regions)

Location: Flexible

Reporting to: Head of Operations Service Delivery

Direct Reports: 3 direct reports (Service Managers)

Indirect Reports: Circa 30

Summary

MQI are seeking a dynamic and capable individual to fulfil the role of Deputy Head of Operations (Regions).  Reporting to the Head of Operations the successful candidate will be accountable for leading MQI’s existing regional services as well as the development of new innovative and sustainable services that meet the needs of clients and align with MQI’s delivery model.  

This operational leadership position plays a key role in governance and risk management and contributes to the development and implementation of organisational strategies, policies, and practices, especially the alignment of operations towards the purpose of MQI.

Current Services include:

Funded by the HSE and the relevant Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, MQI Regional Services provide a wide range of service across counties Wicklow, Louth, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Offaly, Laois, Longford and Westmeath.

Cavan & Monaghan Drug & Alcohol Supports (CAMDAS)

Incorporating MQI’s Louth & Meath Family Support Service, CAMDAS provides a range of individual and group addiction supports to adults over 18 and their families. The service also operates a Rehabilitation Community Employment Scheme.

MQI Drug and Alcohol Treatment Supports (DATS), Midlands Region

Covering the Counties of Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford the Midlands DATS service provides a range of services including Addiction Supports, Mobile Needle Exchange, Family Support and Rehabilitation and Aftercare.

MQI Community Recovery and Integration Supports (CRIS), East Coast Region

The MQI CRIS services operate across Wicklow providing community-based drug and alcohol supports to drug users and their families. Clients are supported through one-to-one and group interventions, family support and stabilisation programmes and addiction Counselling.

Principal Responsibilities

Service Delivery

• Implement effective structures, systems, and internal processes to integrate service pathways to reflect the full cycle of the client’s journey.

• Manage all operations and functions to maximise their performance overseeing the delivery of high-quality and trauma informed services in line with all compliant legislation and work practices.

• Drive change initiatives in the management team and organisationally, that contribute to long-term operational excellence and ensure services reach the people in need of support.

• Work with Service Managers to ensure that the voice of clients is central to the delivery and development of the services that they receive and support the development of meaningful processes to promote client voice, choice and empowerment 

Service Development

• Working in partnership with internal and external stakeholders lead the sustainable growth of MQI’s service offering within the regions.

• Identify and assess funding opportunities and lead the drafting and development of strong evidence-based business cases for new service developments.

• Lead the tender process for new and existing service contracts that may be advertised in the regions.

• Build strong collaborative relationships with relevant agencies to support the building of new strategic funding and service delivery partnerships across the regions.

Governance

• Actively manage and monitor budgets and contribute to the production and delivery of the operations budget.

• Update and maintain management and information systems to enable enhanced forecasting, impact assessment and decision making for operations.

• Liaise directly with key funders to negotiate and manage Service Level Agreements and Contracts.

•  Production of all relevant risk and assurance data and analysis related to the activities of operations and flagging positive performance as well as areas of risk.

• Work closely with members of MQI Leadership Team to ensure full compliance with all relevant reporting requirements and ensure necessary processes and procedures are in place.

Management

• Provide operational service delivery leadership and management of the regional services in line with MQIs Performance Management Framework

•  Drive performance and accountability of the operations team enabling succession planning and effective career development.

•  Ensure local service managers are supported in their service management and people management responsibilities.

•  Ensure fair and consistent application of all MQI policies and procedures, leading a culture of compliance and excellence.

•  Develop professional competence, skills, and confidence of the team.

Leadership

• Lead and model an equality based, client focused and trauma informed culture across operations and the wider organisation.

• Motivate and empower all team members to perform to the best of their ability through the MQI values.

• Ensure that MQI is an employer of choice, actively implementing processes to engage and retain talent.

• Drive transformational change by taking up the vision and direction and holding the function through periods of ambiguity and uncertainty.

•  Work directly with the income generation team to ensure well-resourced fundraising plans, donor reports and contributing to Fundraising’s ability to deliver to fundraising targets.

The postholder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post, which may be assigned to them from time to time. This briefing prospectus will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances. It is not intended to be exhaustive but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the appointee will work.

Person Specification

Education

• Educated to a Level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or equivalent, in relevant disciplines (e.g., Social Care, Addiction or Health).

• Qualification in leadership, management, or project management desirable.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Management Information Systems

Experience

•  A minimum of 5 years at management level with significant experience of implementing and delivering successful operational goals in similar or relevant organisations.

•  Experience of delivery and development of evidence based and trauma informed addiction and recovery services in a community setting

•  A proven track record in delivering complex, transformational change.

•  A passion for, and record of, working to create equal inclusive and diverse services. 

•   Financial acumen, budgeting experience, and a working financial knowledge.

•   Excellent strategic and analytical skills with the ability to combine long-term planning and short-term reactive work.

•   Personal credibility in developing and managing relationships with partner organisations, key stakeholders, and external contacts.

•   Evidence of successful delivery of KPI’s through effective leadership and management.

•   Full Clean Driving Licence