Social Care Leader - Children's Residential Respite

Social Care Leader - Children's Residential Respite

• Cork City, County Cork, Ireland
• Full time, Permanent
• Closing date: June 19, 2026 4:00 PM

About Horizons

Horizons - Cope Foundation in Cork Communities is one of Ireland's top 150 employers and a leading not profit organisation in Munster. The organisation supports people with intellectual disability and additional needs such as autism, physical and medical conditions, empowering them to live a life of their choosing and participate in their communities.

Required Skills and Attributes

• Administration
• Team Management

Position Overview

Person in Charge / Social Care Leader - Children's Residential Respite Centre

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with disabilities and their families? Do you have the skills and experience to lead a caring and dedicated team? Join our organisation and take charge of one of our Children's Residential Respite Centres, a safe and supportive space for children with intellectual disabilities and/or autism.

Note: Applicants will be shortlisted based on the information provided on the application form.

Position: Person in Charge

Grade: Social Care Leader

Location: Montenotte, Cork (initial assignment may change as per organisational needs)

Employment type: Full Time Permanent

Hours: 39 hours per week (flexibility required - evenings and weekends may be involved)

Salary: 7 point salary scale as of 01/02/2026 (new appointees start at the minimum point of the scale; incremental credit may apply for recognised relevant service)

About the Role

As the Person in Charge of the centre, you will lead a team committed to providing high quality care and support for children with diverse needs. Your role is to create an environment where children thrive, families feel supported, and staff are empowered to deliver exceptional services.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day to day operations of the respite centre.
• Develop and implement personalised Short Breaks Passports / Support Plans tailored to each child's needs.
• Develop and implement positive behaviour support plans as required for children attending respite.
• Lead, support and manage a team of staff to ensure the highest standard of service delivery.
• Foster a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for children with intellectual disabilities and/or autism.
• Build strong relationships with families, providing clear communication and support.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and organisational standards, including safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Manage administrative tasks such as rostering, budgets, KPI reporting and scheduling.

About You

To succeed in this role you should have:

• Proven experience working with children, particularly those with autism, intellectual disabilities and other complex needs.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Strong self awareness and proven ability to negotiate difficult situations.
• Solid administration and organisational skills, including experience managing budgets and schedules.
• Deep understanding of child protection, safeguarding and relevant regulations (e.g., HIQA).
• Commitment to creating a positive impact in the lives of children and their families.
• A recognised qualification in Positive Behaviour Support or a closely related field is desirable (but not essential).

Professional Registration Requirements

Applicants on the closing date must:

• Hold professional registration, or be eligible for registration, on the Social Care Workers Register maintained by the Social Care Workers Registration Board at CORU (see Schedule 3 qualifications list).
• Have a comparable qualification recognised by the Social Care Workers Registration Board at CORU.
• Or submit proof of application for registration with the Social Care Workers Registration Board at CORU under Section 91.
• Or provide proof of statutory registration on the Social Care Workers Register before a contract of employment can be issued.
• In addition, candidates must have:
• A Level 7 qualification in Social Care, Early Childhood Education, Disability Studies or a related field, and an appropriate qualification in health or social care management.
• Not less than five years post qualification experience, including at least three years in a management role in health or social care.
• Up to date permission to work and reside in Ireland.
• A management qualification or willingness to undertake an appropriate course upon commencement.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HIQA standards and regulations.
• Excellent leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent administrative skills, including scheduling and efficient management of documentation and resources.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Office, Excel, Teams, Forms etc.
• Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding policies.
• A creative, child centred approach to programme planning and delivery.
• A full clean driver's licence is essential.

Contact & Application

Informal enquiries may be made to Leanne Moloney, Regional Manager ().

Benefits

Flexibility, Professional Development, EAP, Work/Life Balance, Pension Scheme, Bereavement, Parental and Carer Leave, Cycle to Work Scheme, Maternity and Paternity Leave.

Equal Opportunity

Horizons is an Equal Opportunity Employer.