How do I get into Social Work?

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.

There are multiple entry routes to becoming a social worker, including an undergraduate degree, master’s degree, Tertiary degree and the HSE Social Work Apprenticeship program.

CORU, the regulatory body will provide you information on approved qualifications. Additional information on the profession can be found on the Irish Association of Social Workers website or visit the Careers Portal.

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

Your role with the HSE

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.

Their work is mainly concerned with problem-solving, with supporting service users, and working with service users and allied professionals to find solutions and to effect change. The problems and challenges span the life cycle. The issue might be a crisis or emergency or it could be providing support, information and advice to a person to cope with ongoing difficulties or loss.

Social workers rarely work alone, often based in a social work or multidisciplinary team.

Career progression

Social work is a challenging but rewarding career. It requires a unique set of skills, compassion, and dedication.

There are many different ways for you to progress in your career. You can specialise in a specific area, like mental health, working with children or move into research or training.

The current Career progression pathway within the HSE is as follows: Social Worker; Social Work Practitioner, Senior; Social Worker, Team Leader; Social Worker, Principal; Social Worker, Chief.

Further training and development

The education and skills development of social workers is an ongoing process through Continuing Professional Development (CPD), professional supervision as well as further study, teaching and research.

Your learning needs should form part of regular supervision where you can seek support from your organisation to pursue further training. Some of the courses are free or subsidised and some are fully or partially funded by the organisation you work for or the HSCP office. Visit the IASW website where you can see examples of what they offer to its members for Professional Development.

CORUhttps://www.iasw.ie/ offers guidance and support to social worker’s Continuing Professional Development.

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

Please click on the below links to find out more about different Social Worker roles:

Nisarg Nagwadia – Social Worker Mental Health