Programme Aim

This programme is offered by North Connaught College of Further Education, Tubbercurry, Sligo to allow for progression in the Healthcare Sector. The aim of Health Services Supervisory Management Skills course in is to provide the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to work in supervisory roles within Healthcare settings.

The programme is offered on a full-time basis, however, as a level six course there is less contact time, with more time allowed for self-directed learning. This allows students who are already working in Healthcare sector to continue on a part-time basis whilst working towards a qualification that can enhance their promotion opportunities.

All modules are relevant to a senior carer/supervisor role within healthcare services including supervising staff and managing workplace conflict. The student will gain a deeper understanding of how to assess patient/resident needs and promote their health and well-being following a person-centred approach. The student will also learn valuable ITC skills relevant to their future role, for example staff rotas.

Students will gain practical knowledge in the areas of:

  • Team Leadership
  • Supervisory Management
  • Conflict Management
  • Person Centred Planning 
  • Work Experience/Personal Professional Development
  • Health Promotion
  • Disability Awareness.

Students may also avail of further training in:

  • First Aid Responder
  • Manual and Patient Handling
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults. 
Apply Now

 Programme Progression

This course prepares students for employment in the role of Senior Carer and Supervisor. These positions may be in the following services: HSE or Private Hospitals, Care Homes, Nursing Homes, Day Centres, Centres for people with specific physical and/or intellectual needs. There are also positions in a wide range of Social Care setting providing services to people across all ages.

Following this course students are also in the position to apply to third level for a wide range course in health, social care and other diverse areas. For example, Social Care Practice, Social Sciences, Leadership and Management, Counselling, Human Nutrition, Health and Exercise Science and many more.

Entry Requirements

Education: No formal education or qualifications are required although applicants may have participated in primary and secondary education. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a standard of knowledge, skill and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 5 when accessing a Level 6 programme.

Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.

Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a broad range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course and be able to exercise initiative and independence when carrying out course activities

Course Content

Title Award Awarding Body
Team Leadership  (6N1948) QQI
Supervisory Management  (6N4329) QQI
Conflict Management (6N2775) QQI
Person Centered Planning (6N2206) QQI
Disability Awareness (6N1975) QQI
Health Promotion  (6N2214) QQI
Work Experience (6N1946) QQI

Further Details  

Below is a more detailed description of each of the Components

 The following components complement the knowledge gained from Health Supervisory Skills Level 5. They each provide an opportunity for the student to develop his/her interpersonal, team working, learning to learn, time keeping and time management skills. This in turn will enable the student to take responsibility for his/her learning and to support them towards taking part in employment and/or higher education.

Team Leadership

This component is essential to understand the dynamics of the people working on your team. Throughout it you will gain a knowledge and understanding of:

  • The stages of team development, for example, the different kinds of teams, a multi-team environment, the characteristics of an effective team and the need for different roles for individuals within the team
  • Understand the different types of leadership and management styles
  • Explore organisational strategy, objectives and goals
  • Evaluate a range of current motivation theories and practical strategies to enhance motivation in teams.

Supervisory Management

This component will allow the students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the role, duties and responsibility of a supervisory manager.  Learners will be able to facilitate a training session, write a job description, create rosters and budgets.  They will also develop the understanding of the theory underpinning supervision in a business setting.

Conflict Management

This component will allow the learner an understanding of the role of conflict in group and organisational life and how to manage the conflict. To achieve this, first the learner needs to be aware of their own approach to conflict and how they manage conflict situations. Once the learner has this awareness and understanding they are then able to develop conflict management skills to use in their personal and work life.

Person Centered Planning

This component will equip the student with the knowledge, skill and competence relevant to the theory and practice of Person Centered Planning. Person Centered Planning (PCP) is a powerful tool for visioning, future planning and team building. It gets everyone on the same page and creates a progressive, constructive atmosphere so it is especially useful for people who are supported in health and social care settings.  Learners will develop a comprehensive knowledge of the different approaches to person centered planning in Ireland and internationally.

Disability Awareness

Disability Awareness provides the student with an opportunity to explore the world of disability, viewing through the eyes of the individual and their families who are each impacted in different ways. The learner will use research and a reflective journal entries discuss person-centred planning and other concepts including individuality, dignity and autonomy. The journal also allows for the student to demonstrate an awareness of the legislation and best practice when providing care.

Health Promotion

This component focuses on the impact of Health promotion programmes on communities. This will lead to an understanding of health promotion and strategies for developing community health programmes. This will involve exploring the concept of holistic health and using this knowledge to evaluate health promotion programmes.

Work Experience

Students will find work placement in a suitable Health and Social Care settings where they will apply their skills including demonstrating the ability to work in a supervisory capacity.  Work-experience classes will  prepare the student to apply for this work placement, and future work, by focusing on interview preparation.  Students will assess their skills and qualities to produce a CV and cover letter.  They will investigate their employment sector and identify job openings and future training opportunities.  The placement reinforces the skills learned at North Connaught College and aids the development of employability/transferable skills.