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 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

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

There are many ways for you to progress in your career such as: become a Social Care Leader or a Social Care Manager. These are some of the 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

Further training and development

There are many ways of deepening your skills pertinent to your role as an Social Care Worker within a specific setting. This can be achieved, for example, through postgraduate training or clinical courses. Social Care Workers are encouraged to discuss with their manager their interest in specific clinical courses which are delivered by different bodies and are free, fully or partially funded by the organisation they work for, Social Care Ireland or the HSE HSCP office. Visit Social Care Ireland where you can see examples of what the they offer its members for Professional Development.

CORU offers guidance and support to Social Care Workers Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on HSELanD , the HSE’s training portal.

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.