How do I become a Social Care Worker?

Social Care workers help and support people who, perhaps because of their age, a physical or mental health problem or a severe learning difficulty, need support with day-to-day tasks on their own in residential & community settings.

There are multiple entry routes to the Social Care Worker profession:

  • NFQ Level 7 BA in Social Care
  • NFQ Level 7 BA in Applied Social Care
  • NFQ Level 8 BA in Social Care Practice
  • NFQ Level 8 BA in Social Care
  • NFQ Level 8 BA in Applied Social Care

CORU the regulatory body will provide you with information on approved qualifications. Additional information on courses can be found on the Careers Portal Website.

If you have qualified outside of Ireland, you will find further information here.

Your role with the HSE

Once qualified you will need to register with CORU, the regulatory body for Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCP) including Social Care Workers. Find out more on the CORU Website.

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.

Social Care Workers plan and provide professional care to vulnerable individuals and groups of all ages who experience marginalisation, disadvantage or special needs. As well as protecting and advocating for such individuals and groups, Social Care Workers professionally guide, challenge and support those entrusted to their care toward achieving their fullest potential.

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.

Career Progression

Social Care Work is a rewarding profession, where you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives by providing professional care to vulnerable individuals and groups of all ages who experience marginalisation, disadvantage or special needs.

There are many ways for you to progress in your career:

  • Become a Social Care Leader
  • Social Care Manager.

Career Progression Pathways:

Clinical Pathway

  • Social Care Worker
  • Social Care Leader

Management Pathway

  • Social Care Manager 1
  • Social Care Manager 2
  • Social Care Manager 3

Education Pathway

There are also opportunities available for education roles across the Health and Social Care Professions.

Further training and development

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of HSCPs working in the HSE

HSeLanD is the HSE portal which offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on www.hseland.ie.

Other examples of professional development activities include access to excellent HSE library services, further training and educational opportunities, attendance at conferences, webinars and workshops, engaging in mentoring and supervision, keeping up with the latest information about the profession through specialised newsletters, blogs, and podcasts.

For more information please visit Social Care Ireland where you can see examples of what the they offer its members for Professional Development.

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Staff Testimonials coming soon.