Social Care Leader, Children's Residential Respite

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 shortlisting based on the information provided on the application form.

Position: Person in Charge

Grade: Social Care Leader

Location: Montenotte, Cork. The initial assignment will be within Children’s Respite Services. Location may be subject to change in line with organisational needs.

Employment type: Full Time Permanent

Hours: 39 hours per week (flexibility required – some evenings and weekend work may be involved as part of the role)

Social Care Leader : The 7-point salary scale for the post as of 01/02/2026:

€56,915, €58,145, €59,374, €62,652, €63,924, €65,185, €66,465

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.

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 will be to create an environment where children thrive, families feel supported, and staff are empowered to deliver exceptional services.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the 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 will need to 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 in managing budgets and schedules.
• A deep understanding of child protection, safeguarding and relevant regulations including HIQA.
• A 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)

Essential Requirements:

Applicants on the closing date for the competition 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 list of recognised Social Care qualifications at:

https://coru.ie/health-and-social-care-professionals/education/approved-qualifications/social-care-workers/(see note 2 below*)

OR

Have a schedule 3 qualification

See list of recognised Schedule 3 qualifications at:

https://coru.ie/health-and-social-care-professionals/registration/registration-requirements/approved-qualifications/schedule-3-qualifications/schedule-3-qualifications.html(see note 1 & 2 below*)

OR

Have a comparable qualification recognised by Social Care Workers Registration Board at CORU.

OR

Applicants who satisfy the conditions set out in Section 91of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 must submit proof of application for registration with the Social Care Workers Registration Board at CORU. The acceptable proof is correspondence from the Social Care Workers Registration Board at CORU confirming their application for registration as a Section 91 applicant was received by 30th November 2025.

OR

Provide Proof of Statutory Registration on the Social Care Workers Register maintained by the Social Care Workers Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued.

AND

b) Candidates must have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and management ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

• A Level 7 qualification in Social Care, Early Childhood Education, Disability Studies or a related field and have an appropriate qualification in health or social care management at an appropriate level.
• Not less than five years post qualification experience to include a minimum of three years’ experience in a management role in the area of health or social care.
• Have up to date permission to work and reside in Ireland on application.
• Have a management qualification or be willing to undertake an appropriate course on commencement of employment.
• A 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. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Office, Excel, Teams, Forms etc.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, including Child Protection and Safeguarding policies.
• A creative and child-centred approach to programme planning and delivery.
• A Full Clean Driver's License is essential.

Informal enquiries may be made to Leanne Moloney, Regional Manager (086 6063302).

Completed application forms must be submitted by 5.00pm Friday 19th June 2025.

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 30th June 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 full time permanent or temporary Social Care Leader positions that may arise in Childrens Respite Services within Horizons.

Visit our website: www.horizonscork.ie