Social Care Leader

Horizons; Cork; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous leave

Career progression

Job summary

Horizons is recruiting a Social Care Leader to oversee Person Centred Residential and Community-Based Services in Cork City & County. The role involves leading dedicated teams to deliver meaningful experiences aligned with HIQA standards and organizational values.

The successful candidate will be responsible for day-to-day operations, governance, staffing, and ensuring safe, rights-based supports while maintaining documentation and stakeholder communication.

Qualifications

• CORU registration or in-progress CORU registration.
• Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience in health and social care.
• Minimum 3 years’ supervisory or management experience.
• Applicants must have the right to work in Ireland with valid employment permissions.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations in line with the Health Act 2007 and HIQA regulations.
• Ensure delivery of safe, person-centred and rights-based supports.
• Support governance, staffing, scheduling, risk management and service planning.
• Foster a positive team culture, supporting professional development.
• Maintain high standards of record keeping, safeguarding and quality assurance.
• Liaise with families, multidisciplinary teams, managers and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• A full clean manual driver’s license is essential for the role.

Skills

Excellent communication & interper

Education

Level 8 qualification in Social Care

Job description

Who We Are

Horizons - Cope Foundation in Cork Communities is one of the top 150 Employers in Ireland.Our organisation is deeply embedded in communities and we are one of the largest not-for-profit organisations in Munster.MissionHorizons supports people with an intellectual disability and additional needs such as autism or physical and medical conditions.We empower people to live a life of their choosing, connected and participating in their communities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights

Horizons - Cope Foundation in Cork Communities is one of the top 150 Employers in Ireland.Our organisation is deeply embedded in communities and we are one of the largest not-for-profit organisations in Munster.MissionHorizons supports people with an intellectual disability and additional needs such as autism or physical and medical conditions.We empower people to live a life of their choosing, connected and participating in their communities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights Show more

Skills and attributes

• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills

Description

Social Care Leader

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:

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 include:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Horizons is an Equal Opportunity Employer