Head Driver

 Leopardstown Park Hospital is a registered centre for the provision of services to older people, it provides Respite, Rehabilitation, Day services and Long-Term Care, situated in South Co. Dublin. It was established in 1917 and continues to provide interdisciplinary services on a seven-day, twenty-four-hour basis.It is currently registered for 120 long stay beds and 7 Sub-acute Rehab beds   Reporting Relationship   Resident Services Manager  Purpose of the Post    The Head Driver plays a key leadership role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the hospital’s transport service. This includes line management of drivers, oversight of vehicle maintenance, responsibility for transport scheduling, and ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations and hospital policies. The role supports resident care and hospital operations by providing a responsive, person-centred, and dignified transport service.   Service and Development The Head Driver plays a pivotal role in the ongoing development and enhancement of the hospital’s transport services. In addition to managing daily operations, the post holder will be expected to contribute to service improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities for increased efficiency, accessibility, sustainability, and resident satisfaction. The role requires active participation in strategic planning and departmental reviews to ensure transport services remain responsive to the evolving needs of residents, day service attendees, and the wider hospital community. The Head Driver will:Contribute to continuous quality improvement and the development of transport-related policies and procedures.Work collaboratively with the Resident Services Manager and other departments to support service audits, innovation projects, and sustainability goals.Monitor and recommend upgrades in transport technology and systems to improve service delivery and reporting.Actively support the training and development of the Driver team in line with hospital strategic goals.Represent the transport function during internal reviews, service user feedback discussions, and multidisciplinary planning where relevant.  Principal Duties and Responsibilities Leadership and CoordinationLead and support the Driver Team, including roster planning, supervision, and induction of new team members.Hold regular team meetings and report outcomes to the Resident Services Manager.Ensure appropriate driver coverage for day centre, appointments, discharges, off-site events, and internal resident movement.Compliance & Operational OversightOversee the maintenance, MOT, insurance, and licensing of all hospital vehicles.Ensure use and training of digital tachographs, wheelchair lifts, and safety equipment.Maintain compliance with hospital and national safety protocols (HIQA, RSA).Monitor use of the Velocity system and maintain digital oversight records.Driving & Administrative DutiesDrive hospital vehicles as required.Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly vehicle checks are carried out and recorded accurately.Coordinate repairs and liaise with garage providers and the Materials Manager.Maintain clear records of vehicle faults, service intervals, and incident reports.Training & DevelopmentOrganise refresher training for all drivers (e.g. Manual Handling, Infection Control, Safeguarding).Support onboarding and mentoring of new team members.Ensure drivers are trained on use of all transport-related technology.Resident Interaction & PresentationCollect and return Day Centre clients from their homes with dignity and empathy.Represent the hospital positively at all times.Ensure that all staff are in uniform and uphold hospital values in the community.Participate in events, outings, and interdepartmental activities as required.General DutiesReport all incidents, near-misses, and vehicle issues immediately.Maintain hygiene and cleanliness of all vehicles at all times.Follow confidentiality protocols and safeguarding standards strictly.Adhere to the hospital’s policies on infection control, attire, and use of PPE.Be available in emergency situations and for additional duties as required.Governance, Compliance & PoliciesAdhere to the Leopardstown Park Hospital policies (e.g. Dignity at Work, Trust in Care, ICT Acceptable Use).Stay informed on hospital updates and participate in performance reviews and audits.Monitor and report on key performance indicators including driver punctuality, complaints, and maintenance compliance.  Eligibility Criteria Qualifications and/ or experience    Essential:Full, clean D-Class Driver’s Licence3+ years’ professional driving experience2+ years’ experience in a supervisory or lead role (formal or informal)Demonstrated knowledge of vehicle maintenance, tachographs, and transport safetyStrong communication, organisational, and interpersonal skillsProficient in spoken and written EnglishFlexibility and a solutions-focused approachWillingness to undertake relevant training and developmentDesirable:Prior experience in healthcare, community, or residential transportCompetence in MS Office or transport scheduling systems (e.g. Velocity)Knowledge of HIQA and health & safety compliance in care settings  Skills, competencies and/or knowledge   Skills:Leadership: Team supervision, rota management, and issue resolutionDriving: Proficient in large passenger vehiclesCommunication: Calm, respectful, and clear with all stakeholdersOrganisation: Time management and journey planningTechnical: Tachograph, lift systems, and minor vehicle checksCompassionate Service: Person-centred care and support Competencies:Safety: Strict adherence to transport and road safetyTeamwork: Supervises and supports team cohesionAdaptability: Responds to changes and emergencies effectivelyAttention to Detail: Maintains high-quality records and checksEmpathy: Respects dignity and individuality of residents. Knowledge:Regulations: Road safety laws, tachograph usage, and passenger safety compliance.Health & Safety: Manual handling, infection control, and emergency procedures.Vehicle Maintenance: Routine checks and proper use of accessibility equipment.Hospital Procedures: Transport schedules, resident care, and confidentiality standards.Sustainability: Awareness of eco-friendly driving and hospital green initiatives.      Terms and Conditions of Employment   Tenure  The current vacancy is permanent and Full time. The post is pensionable. A panel maybe created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration will be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.  Remuneration    The Salary scale for the post is in accordance with Health Sector Consolidated 7 point Salary Scales ranging from point 1 40,710 to point 7 47,588  Working Week   39 hours per week, rostered over 5 days out of 7 as required by LPH  Annual Leave  23 days per annum (pro-rata for part-time employment), subject to management approval and hospital service needs.   Superannuation    Provision is made for pensions, and where applicable is in accordance with either the Local Government (Superannuation) Act 1956, & Superannuation (Revision) Scheme, 1977 and 1998 or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme Act 2012.        A full detailed Job Specification is available on requestLeopardstown Park Hospital is an equal opportunities employer   Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 11th July 2025