How do I become a Social Worker?

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 Careers Portal.

If you have qualified or plan on qualifying outside of Ireland and would like further information, please click 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)

Social 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 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 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 even be providing support, information and advice to a person with ongoing difficulties or those suffering from a 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 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.

There are many ways of further developing the skills pertinent to your role as a Social Worker within a specific setting. This can be achieved through postgraduate training or clinical courses.

CORU offers guidance and support to Social Worker’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

For more information please visit the Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW) website.

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