Social Care Leader

Horizons Cork; Cork; On-site; EUR 57,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive leadership structures

Professional development

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous leave entitlements

Service culture - innovation and rapid

Job summary

Horizons Cork in Cork City and County is seeking experienced Social Care Leaders to guide residential and community-based services, ensuring safe, rights-based, person-centred care aligned with HIQA standards. The role may involve acting as a Person in Charge under HIQA regulations and requires strong governance oversight.

The successful candidate will lead teams, manage governance, and drive professional development within a supportive leadership structure.

Qualifications

• Recognised Level 8 qualification in Social Care, or equivalent.
• CORU registration or in the process; CORU registered on appointment.
• Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience in health and social care.
• Minimum 3 years’ supervisory/management experience in health or social care setting.
• Appropriate qualification in health or social care management per HIQA.
• Right to work in Ireland with up-to-date employment permissions.
• Thorough understanding of HIQA regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational and decision-making skills.
• Strong commitment to inclusion, advocacy, person-centred planning and rights-based approach.
• Proficient in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Full clean manual driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the service in accordance with the Health Act 2007 and HIQA regulations.
• Ensure the delivery of safe, respectful, person centred and rights-based supports to adults in our service.
• Support and manage governance, staffing, scheduling, risk management and service planning.
• Foster a positive team culture, supporting professional development and reflective practice.
• Maintain high standards of record keeping, safeguarding and quality assurance.
• Liaise with families, multidisciplinary teams, other managers / coordinators and external stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to care and supports.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Decision-making

Inclusion advocacy

Right to work in Ireland

Education

Level 8 Social Care qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Driver's license

Job description

Person Centred Residential Services & Supports

Full Time

We are currently recruiting a Social Care Leaders (SCL) for our Person Centred Residential and Community-Based Services and supports.

This is an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to lead dedicated teams in delivering meaningful experiences that align with HIQA standards and our organisational values.

The successful candidates may be required to assume the responsibilities of a Person in Charge in accordance with HIQA regulations.

Position & Grade

Social Care Leader

Location

Cork City & County

Employment type and Hours

Full Time Permanent 39 hours per week

Salary

HSE Consolidated pay scales apply.

Social Care Leader : The 7-point salary scale for the post as of 01/06/2026: €57,484, €58,726, €59,968, €63,279, €64,563, €65,837, €67,130

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the service in accordance with the Health Act 2007 and HIQA regulations.
• Ensure the delivery of safe, respectful, person centred and rights-based supports to adults in our service.
• Support and manage governance, staffing, scheduling, risk management and service planning.
• Foster a positive team culture, supporting professional development and reflective practice.
• Maintain high standards of record keeping, safeguarding and quality assurance.
• Liaise with families, multidisciplinary teams, other managers / coordinators and external stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to care and supports.

Essential Criteria

• Recognised level 8 qualification in Social Care, or equivalent.
• Registration with CORU / in the process of registering with CORU (for social care professionals, successful candidate will need to be CORU registered ).
• Minimum of 5 years’ post qualification experience in health and social care sector.
• Minimum of 3 years’ supervisory or management experience in health or social care setting.
• Candidates must hold an appropriate qualification in health or social care management at an appropriate level in line with HIQA regulations.
• Applicants must have the right to work in Ireland and hold up to date, valid employment permissions.
• Thorough understanding of HIQA regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal, organisationa and decision-making skills.
• A strong commitment to inclusion, advocacy, person centred planning and rights-based approach.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• A full clean manual driver’s license is essential for the role.

Desirable

• Experience of working in residential disability services.
• Experience in managing challenging behaviour using positive behaviour support frameworks.

We Offer

• Supportive leadership structures and a collaborative management team.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme and generous leave entitlements.
• A service culture that values innovation, respect and continuous improvement.

Completed application forms must be submitted by Wednesday 25th November 2026.

Applicants may be short listed on the basis of their application.

A panel may be formed for a 12-month period to fill any future permanent or temporary, fulltime, or part time Social Care Leader roles that may arise across Horizons.

Visit our website at www.horizonscork.ie