Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Mary Ita Heffernan, Social Worker
Mary Ita Heffernan is a Social Worker who works for the HSE in Kilkenny. After completing her Leaving Certificate she did a degree in Social Science and a Masters in Social Work. This led to a National Qualification in Social Work which is the only recognised qualification to be a practitioner in this field.
Videos on the Web
- Social Worker- from: Youtube Search
- Social Care Workers- from: YouTube Video
Working Life
Social work is a practice-based profession that promotes social change and development, supports human rights, and aims to empower individuals, groups and communities to take charge of their own lives within their own environment and social context.
In the HSE Social Care Workers are part of a clinical workforce called Health & Social Care Professionals, who work together with medical and nursing colleagues as a team in the delivery of clinical, therapeutic and social care.
Their work is mainly concerned with problem solving, with supporting and working with service users and HSCPs to find solutions to effect meaningful change. The problems and challenges faced can vary and present at any stage through an individual's life. Issues may be a crisis/emergency or it could be even providing support, information and advice to a person with ongoing difficulties or those suffering from a loss.
Social workers work with individuals and groups that are referred to as clients. They rarely work alone, often based in a social work or multidisciplinary team covering a geographical area.
Clients that a social worker may work with include: ethnic groups, young and adult offenders, children, families, travellers, older people, homeless people, unemployed people, those with drug and alcohol problems.
Some social workers specialise in specific areas dealing with individuals suffering from HIV/Aids, or those suffering mental health problems or a disability.
Some of the activities social workers engage in on a daily basis could include some or all of the following:
- Using a range of skills with clients e.g. counselling
- Using a range of preventative supports to help clients e.g. family support services, family centres and neighbourhood youth projects
- Intervening in crisis situations e.g. neglect, abuse
- Protecting children in "at-risk" situations
- Helping clients deal with practical issues e.g. investigating entitlements regarding housing
- Working with other professionals, such as psychologists, doctors, childcare workers, gardai
- Helping to facilitate support groups and working within the community e.g. drop-in centres
- Talking to solicitors, preparing evidence and attending court, in relation to clients
- Providing training to social work students and other professionals
- Researching into social work and social policy
Client groups are varied and include children and adolescents in residential care; young people in detention schools; people with intellectual or physical disabilities; people who are homeless; people with alcohol/drug dependency; families in the community; or older people.
Where Will I Work
Social workers work in a variety of settings. These settings are diverse and include hospitals, community care settings, mental health services, child and adolescent services, child protection and welfare settings.
The HSE is the biggest employer in Ireland for this occupation. Further information from the HSE on the duties and skills for this occupation can be found here.
Apart from the HSE you may work with Tusla (the Child & Family Agency), local authorities, NGO's and private organisations, private nursing home and care facilities, universities and colleges.
Further Information
- Clinical Support Worker- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Community welfare officer- from: GradIreland
- Family Support Worker- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Social Work Assistant- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Social Worker- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Social Worker- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Social Worker
As a social worker, you must be committed to working with people and helping them to solve their problems. You must have a sympathetic and caring nature, as well as the ability to empathise with clients and to win the trust of people from all kinds of backgrounds.
Good communication skills are very important. You should be able to listen carefully, and ask the right questions to find out more about the client's needs. Report writing is an essential skill; you are also quite likely to need some basic IT skills to produce your reports.
Social workers must be observant, able to read situations and identify problems. Although you should try to be non-judgemental and avoid imposing solutions, you must also be able to make difficult decisions and enforce the law. You must be firm, and able to act quickly and calmly, for example, if you think a child is at risk from abuse or neglect.
You will also need strong negotiating skills, not just when you work with clients but also to arrange support services from other local authority departments or private agencies.
This career can be emotionally and intellectually demanding. People may be hostile, and see you as an interfering 'do-gooder' with no right to get involved in their lives. You must be resilient and not become burdened by the problems you encounter. You must also be able to defuse potential confrontations, using a calm, firm professional manner.
You must be able to manage and prioritise your own workload. You should have good team skills, to work closely with other professionals.
Many social workers are part of a team, depending on their employer and the area of social work they are employed in. For example, you may work with doctors, nurses, psychologists, probation officers, residential care assistants and the police.
Travel throughout the local area is usual, therefore a full driving licence can be a requirement of the job.
Interests - Social Worker
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Social Worker
CORU Requirements
There are a variety of study routes for students wishing to pursue a career in the health and social care professions. However, not all courses lead to the direct path of being able to practise in Ireland once qualified. In Ireland, if you want to practise as a Social Worker, you must be registered with CORU, - Ireland's regulator of health and social care professionals.
One of the functions of the Registration Boards at CORU is to approve and monitor education and training programmes. The purpose of regulating education and training programmes is to ensure that all graduates entering the Register meet the necessary standards and have the knowledge and skills required for public protection. This ensures the delivery of safe and effective practise to the benefit of the service user.
What does this mean when selecting a course to study in Ireland?
This is the current list of Approved Qualifications to work as a Social Worker. If you achieve one of these qualifications, you are eligible to apply for CORU registration.
What about studying abroad, and practising in Ireland once qualified?
If your professional qualification is awarded outside of Ireland and you want to register and work in Ireland, the process is a little more complex. You must first apply to have that qualification recognised by the Registration Board for your profession.
To be eligible to apply for recognition of your international qualification, you must have completed professional training, which gives you eligibility to practise your profession in the country where you were awarded the qualification.
The Registration Board will assess your qualification as well as any other relevant qualifications and work experience for compliance with the standards required for practising in Ireland.
If you are unsure about health and social care regulation, CORU is happy to help with any questions. You can contact CORU at [email protected]
There are multiple entry routes to becoming a social worker:
- Undergraduate BA in Social Work or Social Studies
- NFQ Level 8 course plus Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies or Social Work
- NFQ Level 8 course plus MA in Social Work
- Tertiary degree
- HSE Social Work Apprenticeship programme
Social Workers are required to be registered with CORU, the regulatory body for Health and Social Care Professionals.
Click here for Information on Approved Qualifications and Registration with CORU.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: social care, youth work, special needs with intellectual studies, health service skills, social and community care.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: social studies, applied social studies, psychology, arts and social science, pre university, criminology and social studies, health and social studies, psychology and social studies, psychology with social care, psychosocial awareness and training, applied psychology, community care.
Search for PLC Courses
If you are in a PLC course or considering taking one, you can check to see if there is a progression pathway to courses in the CAO system. The following link will list all PLC courses that are related to the Psychology & Social Care sector in Ireland. Use the filters on that page to narrow your search as required.
Search Progression Routes
Note: Courses completed at PLC/FET level may require specific FETAC awards and modules to meet minimum entry requirements to apply via CAO for a place under the HELS Higher Education Links Scheme.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Example: HSE Social Work Apprenticeship program.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: social care work, social science, youth and community work, social work mature, social studies, social work, community and addiction studies.
Search for CAO Courses
There are 2 programmes available which combine a degree with professional social work training :
- Bachelor of Social Studies (BSS), at TCD
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), at UCC
Tertiary Education Programmes
Tertiary Education Programmes are a new pathway to a bachelor's degree. Students spend the first year in the College of Further Education, Morrison's Island Campus in Cork City as well as taking weekly lectures in University College Cork (UCC) then progress to UCC for years 2 - 4 of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Graduates will be eligible to apply to be registered as a social worker with regulatory bodies in Ireland and internationally.
Further information on Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) tertiary degree.
Search Tertiary Education Programmes
Mature Entry
All candidates are required to apply through CAO. Mature Entry is for those that are 23 years of age or older by 1st January in the year of entry. Mature entry route is based on applying for a course via www.cao.ie by 1st February. Applicants may be required to sit an assessment test or attend an interview.
Places are limited and mature applicants must satisfy the minimum entry requirements for the programme and will also be assessed based on each Colleges [RPL] Recognition of prior learning.
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: social work, social work studies.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
- Master of Arts in Social Work, Atlantic Technological University
- Masters of Social Work, University College Cork
- Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies, University College Cork
- Masters of Social Science (Social Work), University College Dublin
- Graduate Diploma in Social Work, University College Dublin
- Masters in Social Work, University of Dublin, Trinity College
- Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, University of Dublin, Trinity College
- Masters in Social Work, National University of Ireland Galway
- Bachelor of Social Work, University College Cork
- Bachelor in Social Studies, University of Dublin, Trinity College
- Master of Arts in Social Work, Institute of Technology Sligo
- Masters in Science (Social Work), National University of Ireland, University College Dublin
- Professional Master of Social Work, National University of Ireland, University College Dublin
- Master of Social Science (Social Work), National University of Ireland, Maynooth
- Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, National University of Ireland, Maynooth
Career/ Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
In the HSE you could progress your career as a Social Work Practitioner, Senior or as a Team Leader, Principal or Chief. You may choose to specialise in a specific area such as mental health, working with children or you could move into research or training.
Further information on clinical, management and educational pathways for career progression in the HSE is available here.
The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of HSCPs working the HSE. There are many ways of deepening your skills pertinent to your role as a Social Worker within a specific setting. This can be achieved, for example, through postgraduate training or clinical courses.
HSeLanD the Irish Health Services's online learning and development portal offers an array of training and development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom setting.
Apart from the HSE you may work in senior and managerial roles in community and social care settings. You may progress to careers in education, non governmental and community organisations, probation & criminal justice, humanitarian work, social policy, advocacy, research, psychology and counselling.
Further information available from Irish Association of Social Workers.
Pay & Salary - Social Worker
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €76k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
HSE.ie/ Gov.ie/ PAS
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Social Worker
This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Social workers, Probation officers, Clergy, Welfare professionals n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).
The strong employment growth rate for this occupation masks a fall in employment levels in 2021 and 2022; employment grew in 2023, returning to 2021 levels. A small number of employment permits were issued for social workers in 2023. Issues with recruitment and retention of social workers have been identified, particularly in key areas such as child protection and adult safeguarding but the data does not currently point to a shortage. The embargo on recruitment in the HSE until mid-2024 is likely to have subdued recruitment of these occupations.
There were over 1,400 awards made in 2022 at level 8 or higher in the broad social work field and it is expected that in the medium term two new pathways to careers in social work, launched in summer 2024 (new apprenticeship leading to a level 9 qualification and a tertiary degree (Bachelor of Social Work)) will alleviate some of the current difficulties in recruiting social workers.
Useful Contacts - Social Worker
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Health Service Executive (HSE)
- Dr Steevens' Hospital, Steevens Lane, Dublin, 8
- 041 685 0300
- Click Here
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Public Appointments Service
- Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
- (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Irish Association of Social Workers
- 114-116 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
- (01) 677 4838
- Click Here
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CORU - Regulating Health & Social Care Professionals
