Assistant Director of Nursing Mental Health

Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) - Mental Health Services

South Dublin | Full-Time | Permanent

Overview

We are currently seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) to join a progressive Mental Health Service in South Dublin. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior mental health nurse looking to take the next step in their leadership career within a patient-centred and recovery-focused environment.

The successful candidate will support the Director of Nursing in the operational, clinical, and strategic management of the service while ensuring the highest standards of care, governance, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Director of Nursing in the overall management of nursing services.
• Provide visible clinical leadership and promote best practice in mental health nursing.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, person-centred care.
• Lead, motivate, and support nursing teams across the service.
• Participate in workforce planning, rostering, recruitment, and retention initiatives.
• Monitor and maintain quality standards, audits, and clinical governance frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with Mental Health Commission standards, HIQA requirements where applicable, and national mental health policies.
• Investigate incidents, complaints, and clinical risks, implementing corrective actions as required.
• Promote continuous quality improvement and evidence-based practice.
• Support staff development through education, mentorship, and performance management.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery.
• Assist with budgetary management and resource allocation.

Essential Requirements

• Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) with active registration on the Psychiatric Division of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
• Minimum 5 years' post-registration experience in Mental Health Services.
• Minimum 3 years' management experience at Clinical Nurse Manager or equivalent level.
• Demonstrated leadership, people management, and service development experience.
• Strong knowledge of mental health legislation, clinical governance, risk management, and quality improvement.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to lead change and manage complex clinical environments.

Desirable Criteria

• Relevant management or leadership qualification.
• Postgraduate qualification in Mental Health Nursing or a related field.
• Experience in acute mental health services, rehabilitation, forensic, community, or specialist mental health settings.
• Experience participating in audits, accreditation processes, and quality initiatives.