Principal Social Worker

Principal Social Worker

Full Time (35 hour working week) – Permanent

Location: Cork, Montenotte

Principal Social Worker: Salary will be in line with the HSE consolidated pay scales.

Social Worker, Principal: The 6 -point salary scale for the post as of 01/06/2026:

€81,913, €84,286, €87,989, €91,691, €95,391, €100,486

New appointees to any grade will commence at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad, in line with Department of Health guidelines.

Horizons is seeking to recruit a highly motivated and experienced Principal Social Worker. The successful candidate will provide professional and managerial leadership within a complex service environment and will play a key role in safeguarding, governance, and service delivery.

This post will provide opportunities for the successful candidate to:

• Lead and develop social work services within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Contribute to strategic planning aligned with HSE reform and Sláintecare.
• Act as Safeguarding Manager, leading the organisation’s safeguarding function.
• Work collaboratively with senior management and external stakeholders.
• Drive service improvement, innovation, and evidence-based practice.

Applicants must possess the following:

• Be registered, or eligible for registration, on the Social Workers Register maintained by CORU.
• Have a minimum of 5 years relevant post-qualification experience.
• Demonstrate significant experience working within a multidisciplinary team in a complex environment.
• Demonstrate experience of engaging at senior management level.
• Possess a high level of professional knowledge, leadership, and managerial ability.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and practices.
• Have strong communication, interpersonal, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge of public sector regulatory requirements (HIQA, Mental Health Commission, etc.).
• Have up-to-date permissions to work and reside in Ireland at time of application.
• Hold a full clean driver’s licence and have access to appropriate transport.

The successful candidate must be registered with CORU prior to appointment.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working in a disability support service setting.
• Knowledge of the Decision Support Service.
• Experience in service planning, budgeting, and resource management.

Post Specific Requirements:

The post holder will actively hold the position of Safeguarding Manager, with responsibility for:

• Leading the organisation’s safeguarding approach.
• Ensuring safeguarding concerns are appropriately managed, investigated, and resolved.
• Overseeing designated officers and ensuring compliance with policy and regulatory requirements.

What we offer:

• Salary in line with the HSE consolidated pay scales.
• Opportunities for leadership development and career progression.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Membership of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
• An opportunity to make a meaningful impact on service users’ lives.

Additional Requirements:

• Candidates must maintain annual CORU registration.
• Candidates must be of good character and health, suitable for the role.

Informal enquiriescan be made to Patrick McEvoy, Director of Operations on 0868094147 or mcevoyp@horizonscork.ie .

Please see attached Job Specification for further details.

Closing date for applications: Friday 24th July 2026.

A panel may be formed for a 12-month period to fill future Principal Social Worker vacancies.

Visit our website at www.horizonscork.ie