Registered Nurse Manager - Mental Health & Enhanced Dementia

Macklin Group; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Belfast seeks a Registered Nurse Manager to oversee their Mental Health and Enhanced Dementia unit. This role requires strong clinical and leadership skills to ensure high standards of patient care and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will manage nursing and support teams, collaborate with healthcare professionals, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. A compassionate nurse with NMC registration and experience in a similar environment is desired.

Benefits

Flexible shifts

Comprehensive paid induction

Career development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experienced Registered Nurse (Adult, Mental Health, or General Nursing).
• Knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act (NI 2016).
• Ability to manage stressful situations positively.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high standards of clinical care and compliance.
• Oversee and coordinate nursing and ancillary teams.
• Conduct regular audits for quality assurance.

Skills

Leadership in dementia care

Clinical supervision

Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

IT skills (Microsoft Office, care planning)

Communication in English

Education

Current NMC registration

Experience managing complex dementia care

Job description

Registered Nurse Manager - Mental Health & Enhanced Dementia

Can you make a real difference in the lives of others?

At Macklin Care Homes, you will work as part of an award-winning team valued for their contribution, with opportunities for career development, and a friendly and rewarding working environment. If you are a compassionate person who cares with heart, we would love to hear from you.

Macklin Care Homes is offering an excellent opportunity for an experienced Registered Manager to oversee and manage our Mental Health and enhanced Dementia unit at Our Lady’s Care Home, based in Belfast. The successful candidate will use their compassion and clinical experience to help deliver the exceptional levels of patient care we are known for. Our Galway unit aims to provide mental health residential services, including mental health assessment, treatment, and therapeutic work. You will also manage our enhanced unit with the support of a Unit Manager in each area.

About the role

Purpose of the Role

The Nurse Manager plays a pivotal leadership role within the Care Home, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This position provides professional leadership and day-to-day management across nursing and ancillary teams — including housekeeping, activities, and kitchen — to ensure an exceptional, person-centred experience for every resident.

Key Responsibilities

Professional Responsibilities

• Serve as an integral member of the Management Team, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the Care Home.
• Practice in full accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, maintaining compliance with all legal and statutory requirements.
• Continuously review nursing practices, identifying areas for improvement and presenting evidence-based recommendations to the Home Manager or Senior Management.
• Ensure full adherence to the Controlled Drugs Actand the company policy on the Custody, Storage, and Administration of Medicines, ensuring compliance among all staff.
• Foster collaborative working relationships with GPs, pharmacists, external healthcare professionals, residents’ families, religious representatives, the community, relevant trusts and the RQIA Inspection Team.
• Maintain professional competence through continuous professional development, engaging in training, reading, and external courses as appropriate.
• Uphold confidentiality at all times and ensure staff compliance with data protection requirements.
• Promote and enforce Health & Safetyand Fire Safetyprocedures, ensuring all incidents, accidents, and near misses are investigated and reported in accordance with company policy.
• Respond promptly to emergencies, untoward incidents, and complaints, ensuring all are managed and recorded in line with company and RQIA requirements.
• Undertake Staff Nurseduties as required, including participation in the on-call rota on a rotational basis with the Nurse Manager.
• Support other homes during times of need, i.e long term sick, vacancies, etc

Operational Oversight

• Oversee the effective management and coordination of all care andancillary departments— including Housekeeping, Activities, and Kitchen— to ensure seamless service delivery and high-quality resident experiences.
• Collaborate with the Head Housekeeper, Head Chef, Deputy/Charge Nurseand Activities Coordinatorto maintain standards of cleanliness, food quality, safety, and engagement in line with company expectations and RQIA standards.
• Ensure all departments work cohesively to support resident well-being, dignity, and quality of life.
• Monitor departmental budgets, staffing levels, and supplies to ensure cost-effective and efficient operations.
• Lead or contribute to internal audits and service reviews for ancillary departments, ensuring continuous improvement and compliance with all relevant policies and procedures.

Resident Care Responsibilities

• Ensure all care and support delivered meets or exceeds RQIA standardsand provides an exceptional, person-centred experience.
• Conduct pre-admission assessments for potential residents, ensuring suitability within the Home’s capabilities and budget.
• Oversee the admission, ongoing care, and discharge process in collaboration with nursing and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ensure individualised care plans are accurate, reviewed bi-monthly, and implemented to the highest professional standard.
• Monitor residents’ nutritional and hydration needs, working closely with the Head Chef and nursing staff to ensure meal quality and presentation meet individual requirements.
• Promote meaningful activities, rehabilitation, and social engagement in partnership with the Activities Team.
• Safeguard the welfare of vulnerable adults, reporting any concerns immediately to Senior Management.
• Ensure residents’ belongings and valuables are safeguarded in line with company policy.

Audit Responsibilities

• Ensure all admission documentation, risk assessments, care plans, and medication records are accurate and up to date.
• Conduct and record regular medication audits alongside the Nurse Manager, including checks on controlled drugs and storage.
• Verify that monthly weight monitoring, emergency equipment checks, and first-aid stock checks are completed and documented.

Resource & Supply Responsibilities

• Ensure adequate clinical and non-clinical supplies are maintained in line with budgetary controls.
• Promote the economic use of all resources while maintaining quality standards.
• Report any faults, maintenance needs, or equipment issues promptly to ensure a safe working environment.
• Participate in the review and trial of new equipment as required.

Infection Prevention & Control Responsibilities

• Ensure robust infection prevention and control measures are implemented and consistently followed throughout the Care Home.
• Liaise with the Head Housekeeperto maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and waste management.
• Ensure all clinical equipment, treatment areas, and resident environments are kept clean, safe, and compliant with infection control regulations.

Staff Management & Development Responsibilities

• Provide visible, supportive leadership to the nursing and care teams, ensuring high morale, professional standards, and effective teamwork.
• Oversee the daily performance of ancillary departments (housekeeping, kitchen, activities) to ensure alignment with care standards and resident needs.
• Participate in the recruitment, induction, and ongoing professional development of nursing and ancillary staff.
• Manage rotas, absences, and holiday schedules to ensure safe staffing levels across all departments.
• Conduct quarterly supervisions and annual performance reviews with nursing and care staff.
• Lead and participate in investigations, return-to-work meetings, and disciplinary procedures as required.
• Identify training needs and ensure staff receive appropriate education and mentorship, particularly around clinical and care competencies.
• Lead quarterly staff meetings in conjunction with Senior Management, ensuring open communication and compliance with RQIA guidance.
• Promote a positive and respectful working environment, encouraging collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Notify Senior Management of any concerns regarding staff health, well-being, or performance.
• Ensure all information and documentation required for inspections are accurate, up to date, and readily available.
• Uphold the Company’s Equal Opportunities, Dignity at Work, and HR policies.

At Macklin Care Homes, our values of Trust, Dedication, Treating People Really Well, and Continuous Developmentguide everything we do. As a Nurse Manager, you will be expected to demonstrate the following core competencies:

1. Clinical Leadership & Quality of Care (Dedication / Continuous Development)

• Provides strong clinical leadership in dementia care, ensuring safe, person-centred, and evidence-based practice.
• Monitors, evaluates, and continuously improves care delivery.
• Leads by example, modelling best practice in nursing standards.

2. People Management & Development (Treating People Really Well)

• Inspires, motivates, and supports staff to provide compassionate care.
• Conducts supervision, coaching, and training to build team capability.
• Addresses performance issues constructively and fairly.

3. Person-Centred Care (Treating People Really Well / Trust)

• Champions dignity, respect, and independence in every aspect of care.
• Tailors care plans to residents’ individual needs, preferences, and histories.
• Advocates for residents’ rights and well-being at all times.

4. Quality & Regulatory Compliance (Trust)

• Ensures adherence to RQIA standards, dementia care legislation, and company policies.
• Conducts audits and implements corrective actions promptly.
• Maintains accurate, transparent, and timely records.

5. Communication & Relationship Building (Trust / Treating People Really Well)

• Communicates effectively with residents, families, staff, and external partners.
• Builds positive and trusting relationships, especially in challenging situations.
• Listens actively and responds with empathy and professionalism.

6. Problem-Solving & Decision-Making (Dedication)

• Makes sound clinical and operational decisions under pressure.
• Uses evidence, professional judgement, and consultation to resolve issues.
• Balances competing demands to deliver the best outcomes for residents.

7. Resource & Operational Management (Dedication / Continuous Development)

• Manages budgets, staffing, and resources efficiently.
• Works collaboratively with Deputy Nurse Managers and other departments.
• Ensures smooth day-to-day running of the dementia care unit.

8. Continuous Learning & Improvement (Continuous Development)

Stays up to date with dementia care research, practice, and legislation.

Encourages innovation and new approaches in care delivery.

Promotes reflective practice and a learning culture within the team.

Company benefits:

At Macklin Care Homes, we understand the hard work and dedication that our colleagues bring to their roles, and we are committed to rewarding their efforts with a comprehensive benefits package:

• Award-winning team with family values.
• A comprehensive paid induction programme.
• A wide variety of training is provided.
• Career development opportunities.
• Flexibility of shifts.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discounted rates at Malone Hotel, Belfast.
• Health and well-being initiatives, including team-building initiatives.
• Free car parking and uniform
• Incentives for employee referrals

Ensure your CV is up to date, as this is required for the interview process.

Sponsorship for this role is not offered. Applications requiring sponsorship will not be considered.

Interviews may take place before the job advertisement closes. Submit your application promptly as the role may close early if a suitable candidate is appointed. In addition, we also reserve the right to enhance the criteria at the shortlisting stage.

An Enhanced Access NI Check will be required for this post. If successful, please be aware that we do have a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders. As per the Access NI Code of Practice, Macklin Care Homes also has a policy on the secure handling, use, storage, and retention of disclosure information. Copies of these documents, along with the Access NI Code of Practice, are available upon request by contacting the HR Department.

It is Macklin Care Homes' Policy that any existence of a criminal conviction will not necessarily lead to the withdrawal of a job offer, but the failure to disclose all criminal convictions fully and accurately will lead to the withdrawal of a job offer.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve.

Macklin Care Homes is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

About the company

At Macklin Care Homes, our mission is to be a forward-thinking provider dedicated to looking after people extremely well. We believe in offering more than just care; we have a genuine warmth and put compassion into everything we do. Every day, we go above and beyond to create a supportive, caring environment where people feel truly valued. Above all, we are driven by a simple but powerful truth: We really do care.

Required Criteria

• Experienced Registered Nurse (Adult, Mental Health, or General Nursing) with a current NMC registration.
• Experience in a similar setting, managing complex dementia care needs.
• Strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act (NI 2016) and other relevant dementia care legislation and best practice guidance.
• Ability to collaborate with a challenging resident group in a positive manner, including identifying and managing stressful situations.
• Experience in delivering clinical supervision and leadership, supporting, and developing staff teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively with residents, families, and multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring holistic and person-centred care.
• Skilled in developing and reviewing comprehensive care plans, ensuring they are personalised, effective, and clearly communicated.
• Proficient in IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Office Suite and electronic care planning systems.
• Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the business and willingness to undertake additional duties dependent upon the needs of the role.
• Demonstrate a good command of written and spoken English.
• Right to work and live in the UK.

Desired Criteria

• Additional training in dementia care, leadership, or healthcare management.

Skills you\'ll need