social work & social care

SOCIAL WORK & SOCIAL CARE

Social Work & Social Care

• opportunities in Ireland, north and south

• useful contacts

• graduate profiles

• how to make the most of yourwork experience placement

Your career in the social care sector

Introducing your career in thesocial care sector ......................................2

Getting a job ................................................4

Areas of work

Social work....................................................7

Social care......................................................8

Early childhood care and education ....................................................10

Rehabilitation work ................................11

Youth and community work ..............12

Other areas of work................................13

Related therapies and specialisms ................................................14

People at work

My career in social work ......................15

Professional development

Training and career development ....17

Postgraduate study

Postgraduate study ................................19

Further information

Further information ..............................20

CONTENTS

gradireland Social Work & Social Care is published by theAssociation of Higher Education Careers Services and GTIMedia Ltd (Ireland)

Project managed by the Association of Higher EducationCareers Services Information Committee: Paul Murphy,Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology(chair); Kendra Cassidy, NUI Galway (secretary); ColetteAungier, Trinity College Dublin; Cora Cregan, St Patrick’sCollege, Drumcondra; Angela Hamilton, University ofUlster; Catherine Lyster, Letterkenny Institute ofTechnology; Eanan Strain, NUI Maynooth. Thanks also tothe National Social Work Qualifications Board (NSWQB)and the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC)

Editor Susannah WoolmerSeries editor Penny KileyDesign & production Vicky HarperProofreader Andie WarrenPublishing director Chris Phillips

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gradireland Social Work & Social CareWritten by Jill Barrett, Personal Development and Careers Adviser at Dublin Institute of Technology.

gradireland.com/social Social Work & Social Care | 1

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Introducing your career in the social care sector

In ROI, state provision of social care services falls within the remit of theDepartment of Health and Children (www.dohc.ie) and the Department ofJustice, Equality and Law Reform (www.justice.ie). The Irish Association ofSocial Workers (IASW; www.iasw.ie) is the professional body for the industry. Itprovides a national leadership role in advancing and strengthening the socialwork professional in the Republic.

The National Social Work Qualifications Board (NSWQB; www.nswqb.ie) isthe designated authority for professional social work qualifications in Ireland.Its role is to develop social work education and training and it grants theNational Qualification in Social Work (NQSW) to people who have successfullycompleted recognised courses. The NQSW is the professional social workqualification required to practice as a social worker in the ROI and the NSWQBalso validates social work qualifications gained outside of the Republic.

The Irish Association of Social Care Workers (IASCW; www.iascw.ie) and theResidential Managers Association (RMA; www.rma.ie) are the professionalrepresentative bodies for social care workers and managers. Their role is toestablish and maintain principles of best practice to enable members todeliver the highest standard of care to service users. There is no onerepresentative body for childcare workers in ROI but the sector is overseen bythe Department of Health and Children.

The social care sector in the Republic of Ireland

The range of career opportunitiesand job titles within social care isvast. As a graduate, the professionswithin this area your career couldlead you to include social work,social care, early childhood careand education, rehabilitation,youth and community work orcounselling. Clients of socialservices include ethnic groups,young and adult offenders,children, families, travellers, olderpeople, people experiencingmental, physical and sensoryillness and disability, the homeless,the unemployed, those withalcohol and drug-related problems,those with HIV and Aids or issuesaround sexual identity, asylumseekers and men and womenexperiencing domestic abuse.

Where support cannot beprovided at home, graduates maywork in a variety of settingsincluding statutory, voluntary andcommunity social services. In yourcareer you will frequently work aspart of a multi-disciplinary team ofother professionals includingdoctors, nurses, therapists, solicitorsand the police.

The options

Professions in the social care sector aim to improve the quality of life ofindividuals, children, young people, families and groups from all backgroundswho need extra help to cope with everyday living. This could be for a variety ofreasons such as the impact of a personal crisis, disability, illness or ageing. Acareer in this area involves providing support, facilitating change and helpingpeople to make informed decisions and take positive action to improve their lives.

What is the social care sector?

2 | Social Work & Social Care gradireland.com/social

In Northern Ireland the sector falls within the remit of the Department ofHealth, Social Services and Public Safety for Northern Ireland (DHSSPSNI;www.dhsspsni.gov.uk). The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC;www.niscc.info) is the regulatory body for the social care workforce. NISCChelps to raise standards in social care through registration of the social careworkforce. It does this by promoting high standards of conduct, training andpractice for all social care workers in NI. The NISCC is a partner in the SectorSkills Council: Skills for Care and Development (SfCD), which is responsible forand supports training and development in social care, child care and earlyyears services across the UK and NI. As in the Republic, opportunities exist forgraduates in the public sector and with non-governmental organisations suchas community projects and charities.

The social care sector in Northern Ireland

A career in the social care sector offers graduates an opportunity to make areal difference in people’s lives and thus to enrich the community in which welive. Challenging economic circumstances exert huge pressures on individuals,couples and families resulting in financial and social or relationshipdifficulties. In times of recession the need for support services and resourcesincreases. Where resources are available and/or there is a legal obligation toprovide such services, career opportunities continually arise. In addition topermanent posts there are many opportunities for flexible working within thisfield. Huge numbers of employment opportunities also exist overseas.

Social work pay follows a nationally agreed grade system. Salaries for socialworkers are significantly higher than for those delivering care services at the frontline and salary levels tend to be higher in the Republic than in Northern Ireland.

Why a career in this sector is a good choice for graduates

Social workers are professionally-qualified workers who assess theneeds of their clients and plan andimplement the individual packagesof care best suited to them. Thisrequires building relationships andsupporting people to enable themto realise their potential, takecontrol of their lives and live asindependently and safely aspossible. Typically, cases arereferred by another professionalsuch as a doctor, school principal,healthcare worker or by a memberof the general public.

Social care workers areemployed to help social workersimplement care packages byproviding the practical andemotional support recommendedby the care plan. This can involveworking in a person’s home, in aday-care centre, community centreor residential or nursing home. Itcan involve responsibilities fromproviding personal care such aswashing, dressing, feeding andtoileting to assisting with deliveryof activity programmes in day-carecentres or nursing homes, tomanaging a team of social careworkers in any of these settings.

DID YOU KNOW?




Getting a jobHow to get started in the social care arena,and the skills you’ll need to be a success.

Routes inMany entrants to the social care sector come from a range ofother backgrounds and begin as mature students. Prior totheir professional training, most graduates will have alreadygained some work experience and for entry to social workthis is considered essential. In addition, the placements thatyou complete during your time in college will provide youwith a network of contacts that can be invaluable in helpingyou to find work when you graduate.

If you cannot secure a full-time post, consider taking up acontract or part-time job, or a number of these. This type ofwork is commonly available, and indeed many working inthe social care field may never have just one full-time post,but will instead enjoy a ‘portfolio’ career throughout theirworking life.



Key competencesPersonal qualities essential for a career in this sector includepatience, common sense, integrity, discretion, persistence,maturity, sensitivity, tolerance, a sense of humour, a highlevel of emotional intelligence and the ability to observesituations impartially and respect the client’s right of choice.

The skills you will need to be successful in social workinclude the ability to cope with stress, excellentinterpersonal communication skills – including exceptionallistening and negotiation skills – and the ability to presentoften complex information in a clear and understandableway. Your ability to analyse situations and make soundjudgements will also be crucial, along with an aptitude forplanning, organising, report writing and time management,often with limited resources available to you.

A career in this area is especially suited to those who canremain calm under pressure. You will be expected toestablish relationships with a wide range of people of allages and backgrounds; engage people in solving their ownproblems and empower them to build on their ownstrengths; address problems by taking all factors intoaccount to set and achieve goals; work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and with people from other professions;adapt to a variable and often unpredictable workenvironment; and be capable of imparting feelings ofempathy towards clients of every age and background.

Where to find vacanciesGraduates from professions in the social care sector areemployed in the statutory, voluntary and independent/private sectors. In ROI the Health Services Executive (HSE;www.hse.ie) is a major employer along with the probationservice, voluntary/community organisations and privatepractices. In NI significant numbers of social and care workersare employed through the National Health Service (NHS;www.nhs.uk) by the Health and Social Care Trusts – the mainstatutory employers for social workers. There are also jobopportunities available in criminal justice and the educationsector in areas such as probation, youth justice and educationwelfare, as well as in specialist settings such as addiction,fostering and adoption services.

Public bodies are required to advertise in the nationalnewspapers and on their websites when recruiting for full-time and some contract posts. In ROI, the HSE is one of thelargest employers of social workers and advertises onwww.hse.ie under ‘allied health and social care jobs’. Publicbody employers also work with agencies and advertiseinternally to source recruits for locum or part-time positions.To maximise your employment prospects you should registerwith reputable agencies that specialise in recruitment forthe healthcare or social care work fields, either duringcollege or when you finish your studies. Outside of the publicsector, word of mouth, intra-organisation contacts, the

internet and college contacts are the usual methods bywhich those working in the social care sector are recruited.

Voluntary and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)also provide a consistent source of opportunity. As these maybe privately or only partially publicly funded they may recruitthrough any medium they choose and they always welcomespeculative applications. Senior positions are more likely tobe advertised in the national press, but it is wise to searchfor vacancies regularly on the organisation’s website, withrecruitment agencies and on relevant recruitment websites.

International opportunities are always available with aidagencies working overseas and may be fully paid, partiallypaid or voluntary (unpaid) with all your travel andsubsistence needs met by the agency.

The current requirement for professional qualificationsvaries depending on your choice of career within the field ofsocial care. However, in all cases, full-time and senior postsare only given to those who hold such qualifications.

The value of networkingThe social work community within the Republic andNorthern Ireland is small. Where multi-disciplinary teamswork on individual cases, there is constant communicationbetween all levels of staff across numerous organisations. Assuch, the value of networking and making a positiveimpression on everyone you meet cannot beunderestimated. As well as making contacts through college,placements and paid work there are numerous no-cost orlow-cost conferences and seminars that you can attend as astudent or graduate. Such events provide excellentopportunities to get your name and reputation known.

How work and life experience can helpParticipating in voluntary work signals to potentialemployers that you are interested in and committed toworking in this area. Where paid work is unavailable,voluntary opportunities help build your skills and increaseyour network of contacts. Combined with your collegeplacements these will serve as a valuable means of helpingyou to decide if it is the career for you.

Having personal experience of the type of issues that youwill encounter in your career in social work can be of benefitto you in your applications. However this is only the case ifyou can demonstrate that you have tackled themsuccessfully. It’s important that you objectively assess yourmotivation to work in the field. If you have not fully dealtwith your own problems you may bring your own issues tobear on those of others, or even compound your owndifficulties. Supervision by senior professionals is activelyencouraged and indeed required for many social workprofessions. If it is not provided by your employer you shouldbe proactive in arranging your own.


Areas of workThe social care sector is dedicated to improving the quality of life of vulnerable individualsacross every section of society. It is not for the faint-hearted and involves a great deal ofpaperwork, but the rewards can be profound.

Social work ..........................................7

Social care ............................................8

Early childhood care and education............................................10

Rehabilitation work ........................11

Youth and community work ......12

Other areas of work........................13

Related therapies and specialisms ........................................14

IN THIS SECTION

Areas of work


Areas of work

Social workers are employed by both state and non-governmental organisations. Working in the publicsector involves working in one of three broad areas:

• general/community and health • local authorities • probation services.

General or community social workerGeneral or community social workers are employed by stateprovided social services and by non-governmental servicesincluding charities and community organisations. Somesocial workers gain employment with private companies in awelfare capacity.

In social and community services you will work withindividuals and families within a multi-disciplinary team toassess each case and design, implement and evaluate a careplan specific to the client’s need. Your responsibilities mayinclude:• employing a range of supports for clients as needed, egcounselling and primary healthcare

• intervening in crisis situations such as cases of abuse orneglect

• identifying clients’ entitlements to welfare and benefitsand facilitating them in accessing these

• protecting and removing children deemed to be ‘at risk’ • assessing potential foster and adoptive parents andsupervising children in care placements

• working with solicitors and attending court to act as awitness in clients’ cases

• training of, and presentations to, others in your own andrelated professions

• research and policy work, particularly in more senior roles. In Northern Ireland social work assistants are sometimes

recruited to help social workers. The role is open to thoseworking towards a social work qualification and to thosewho have qualified in a related area such as social care.

Medical and psychiatric social workerMedical and psychiatric social workers have similarresponsibilities to general social workers but in a healthcaresetting. Medical social workers work with patients and theirfamilies or carers in a hospital or specialised care unit.Casework might include working with a patient and theirfamily during and after surgery to ensure properrehabilitation and a supported return to their home. Inpalliative care the work could involve facilitating care andsupport for the client and family both at home and inhospital or care units during their illness, and to the family

after their loved one has died. Psychiatric social workers aregenerally attached to mental health hospitals or to unitssupporting those with mental health issues living in thecommunity.

A new role of research social worker is emerging asmedical institutions begin to partner with academia toestablish action research projects that examine and improvecombined health and social care work practices.

Housing and welfareOpportunities exist with local authorities and housingassociations, voluntary organisations, housing trusts, privatelandlords and property companies. Work with localauthorities tends to be in housing or welfare services. Inwelfare you will work with individuals, couples or families toassess their need for services and to facilitate them insecuring the support they require. This could be inhealthcare, education and employment.

In housing, your client groups may include those inrented accommodation who are on local authority housinglists, travellers who wish to become settled or those who arecurrently in state care awaiting the granting of an asylumrequest. You may also manage all aspects of the tenancyfrom the initial assessment to monitoring andrecommending termination of the tenancy if necessary.Additionally you may act as a liaison between tenant groupsand your employer.

From an entry-level housing or welfare officer positionyou can progress upwards into a senior or chief housing orwelfare officer role.

Social work


Areas of work

Social care describes the range of services delivered toindividuals or groups needing social support. Generallysocial care workers are concerned with the physical

and personal care of clients, as well as providing socialsupport. This care is usually provided in the client’s residenceand in residential and/or day-care centres.

Social care workers may be employed either by stateagencies, by non-governmental bodies and charities such asBarnardos or Women’s Aid, and by community-basedorganisations.

Home careJob title and responsibilities vary, but social care workers,home care workers, domiciliary care workers and careassistants provide care and support for people living in theirown homes. Typically clients include older people and peopleexperiencing serious physical or mental illness or otherforms of disability.

As a home care worker you will provide the range ofservices that the social worker has recommended. Thismight include helping the individual with toileting, to washand dress, to eat and drink, to take prescribed medicationand to exercise. In addition you will assist the family in theirrole in providing care and liaise regularly with the socialworker and other professionals.

Social care

ProbationProbation services exist only in the public sector. They carefor those from minor first-time offenders to serious violentor sexual offenders. Their main aim is to prevent re-offending by assessing offenders, challenging their attitudesand trying to change their behaviours, thereby protectingthe public. Probation and welfare officers supervise criminaloffenders before trial, during a prison or communitysentence and after their release.

As a graduate officer you might be assigned probationand welfare duties in courts, hostels, workshops, prisons,places of detention or other centres. You may assist the courtin its sentencing decisions by supplying reports on thosewho have committed offences. The reports outline the

health, social, educational and vocational circumstances ofthe offender as well as his or her attitude to the crime. Itmust cite the likelihood of re-offending and/or the risk ofserious harm. Probation officers may recommendattendance at counselling, an addiction support programmeor an anger management course.

In addition you will work with voluntary organisationsand statutory bodies to secure suitable placements foroffenders on probation. You will also try to help those incustody to cope with their imprisonment and to rehabilitateand re-integrate into the community. You may also berequired to provide liaison services with the families ofoffenders serving a custodial sentence.


Areas of work

Residential, day or project careCare assistant, care worker, key worker, support worker andproject worker are just some of the job titles that graduatesassume in day, residential and supported care settings. Keyworkers are assigned specific responsibilities for anindividual client in addition to other duties.

The majority of residential and supported care centres areprovided for the elderly, the homeless, those experiencingdomestic abuse and those of all ages who have intellectual orlearning disabilities. Such centres either provide fully for all theneeds of their clients in every aspect of their care, or supportthem in independent living units within a ‘group home’.

There are also numerous residential units for children oryoung people. These exist for those experiencingabandonment, neglect or abuse issues with their families orcarers. Additionally there are units for those withbehavioural difficulties, a history of offending, or who aretoo young for prison but must serve a custodial sentence.

Day-care centres provide shorter-term supports for thosewho remain living in their normal place of residence. Thesesupports might include recreational services, skillsdevelopment and personal development courses, as well ascounselling services or other therapies.

Project care centres are similar to day-care centres interms of the clients that are recommended to them and inthe services they provide. What differentiates them is thattheir programmes run intensively for a fixed number ofweeks with a small group. Care workers in this setting focuson building self-esteem, resilience and life skills. They workto socialise the group in a positive way so that they can buildrelationships, have fun and make healthy life choices. Thiswork also involves organising day and residential trips.

Family supportSocial care workers may also work as family support or familyaid workers with parents and children in their own homes.Such families may be experiencing or have experienced somepersonal crisis such as a sudden death, long-term or chronicillness; alcohol or drugs problems or have a family memberwho is serving a custodial sentence. In these settingsresponsibilities can be as simple as providing a listening ear,developing the family members’ caring skills or practicaladvice on managing time and finances.

Social care work also involves a huge administrativeworkload. Report writing, attending meetings and constantcommunication with other professionals are coreresponsibilities.


Childcare and early years workers provide support,education and care for all types of children at variousstages from birth to adulthood across a diverse range

of employment settings. The variation of career opportunities is wide. Centre-based

childcare is provided in locations such as nurseries andcrèches attached to community centres that cater for childrenfrom 2-3 months to school age. Pre-schools and playgroupsprovide sessional services for children aged 3-5 years, whileMontessori and Naonraí (Irish language) pre-schools cater for3-6 year olds. Early years education specialists may care forchildren in special needs facilities, for those in pre-schoolprogrammes and those in pre-schools for traveller children. An example would be the Republic’s ‘Early Start’ programmewhich caters for pre-school children in disadvantaged areasaged 3-4 years. Older children from diverse backgroundsneeding care are educated through mainstream and specialschool educational programmes. Special schools cater forchildren with physical, sensory and/or learning disabilities.

Employment exists in different settings, includingschools, community projects, hospitals, prisons, after-schoolcentres, playgroups, crèches, Montessori, nursery and pre-

schools, or in the child’s own home. Alternative career pathsinclude development officer, school completion officer, policyadviser and training course co-ordinator.

Childcare or early years workerJob titles include day or childcare worker, play worker, crèche,nursery and playschool or pre-school assistant. In caresettings clients may come from a challenging homebackground or may be experiencing long-term illness ordisability.

Responsibilities involve providing physical and social careand educational support for each child through:• planning and implementing structured developmentalprogrammes

• monitoring and recording children’s behaviour anddevelopment

• preparing play and learning materials• helping children with daily routines• maintaining a safe, clean and stimulating learningenvironment. As with all roles in social work you will work alongside a

team of other professionals who share an interest in eachchild’s care, including teachers, social workers and healthvisitors. You will have regular contact with each child’sfamily, guardians or carers.

Early childhood care and education

While childcare facilities are regulated in both NorthernIreland and the Republic, there is currently noregistration for childcare and early years workers.However, all those working with children are subject topolice or Garda vetting and are expected to be workingtowards a qualification in a relevant discipline.

REGULATION

Areas of work


Areas of workSpecial needs assistant (SNA)

SNAs support children with a wide range of severe learning,physical or behavioural difficulties to help them achievetheir learning goals. They may work in mainstream or specialschools, or in a home education setting, either with anindividual pupil or a small group of pupils.

SNAs also have a role in facilitating the social integrationof fully able children. The role extends beyond the classroominto play and activity rooms, using recreational activities toenhance social skills and learning capability. Assistance mayalso need to be provided for pupils in clothing, feeding,toileting and general hygiene. SNAs may also be expected togive general assistance to the class teacher. Those working inthis area are expected to have a formal special needsqualification.

Special educational needs teacher (SEN)If you hold an honours degree in childcare or a relatedsubject you may be eligible to pursue a postgraduatediploma in primary school teaching and progress to becomean SEN. These teachers help young people to cope with andovercome problems that arise because of sensoryimpairments, limited physical mobility and behavioural,emotional or learning difficulties.

Job opportunities exist in special schools, youth custodycentres and hospitals as well as mainstream primary orsecond-level schools.

This career area encompasses roles for both social workand social care graduates. A client may needrehabilitation support due to physical or sensory

impairment, injury, acquiring a disability or after a surgicalprocedure. Other rehabilitation work involves helping thosewith mental and emotional issues. Clients may be recoveringfrom drugs or alcohol dependency; from eating disorders; becoping with HIV/Aids, or rehabilitating after offending.

Medical rehabilitation Graduates working in this role support clients who havebecome physically or sensory impaired. You will help themadapt to their new situation and assist them in gettingpractical support by identifying professionals to help them,securing funding and finding an appropriate care setting.Key responsibilities include listening to the client, assessingtheir situation and setting up a care plan involving theirfamily and other professionals, such as occupational andspeech and language therapists.

Drug and alcohol dependencyThis area of service involves offering support to people whouse drugs or alcohol problematically, or who have addiction-related needs. Issues service users face include loss ofemployment, marriage or family breakdown, poor health,social isolation, poor or insecure accommodation and crime.

A social worker’s role involves carrying out needsassessments following referrals in order to identify serviceusers’ needs and to establish motivations for becomingabstinent from drugs or alcohol. The aim is to help theservice user move on to treatment in residential

rehabilitation. Individuals’ needs are reviewed throughouttheir treatment programmes and aftercare support is set upto help them in recovery.

HIV/Aids workIn this area your role will be to provide emotional support,information and services to those affected by HIV/Aids. Therole mostly involves working with people who have recentlybeen diagnosed and providing long-term support to thosewith more complex health and social concerns. Cases arereferred from treatment centres, voluntary organisations orlocal genito-urinary infection clinics. Rehabilitation workhelps the client to understand and come to terms with theillness from a physical and emotional perspective.

Rehabilitation work


Areas of work

Social work and social care graduates may also pursueroles as youth or community workers. These roles canexist separately or be combined into one post. Job

titles include community, youth, project or support workerand can be found in local authorities, voluntaryorganisations and in community-based day or residentialcentres established for a particular target group. Suchgroups may include the elderly, the homeless, asylumseekers, youths on probation or those with issues concerningsexual identity. Work with the homeless involves a lot of‘street work’: befriending, doing food runs and providingtemporary shelter.

Community work focuses on groups that areexperiencing disadvantage or difficulty, helping them tomake positive change to improve their lives.

Typically the job involves establishing and running arange of services for the target group. For the community in

general this may include providing advocacy to individualsand groups, writing reports, fundraising, managing budgets,recruiting and training staff, public relations, liaising withexternal bodies and organising or running group workshopson topics relevant to their needs.

Youth work focuses on encouraging the personal andsocial development of children and teenagers, helping themfulfil their potential both as individuals and as responsiblemembers of the community. Youth workers provide adviceand counselling, and promote personal developmentthrough planning and delivering social and recreationalactivities.

This is a popular career area for graduates and as a resultcompetition is high. Social work and care graduates willbenefit from the completion of postgraduate studies incommunity or youth work.

Youth and community work


Areas of work

CounsellingMany social workers and social care workers are practisingcounsellors. Employers include schools and colleges,healthcare facilities, community and care centres, prisonsand private practices.

Counsellors work with individuals on a one-to-one basisor in a group, listening and supporting the client in dealingwith challenging life circumstances. Client issues can includebereavement, depression, domestic violence, alcoholdependency, chronic illness or any combination of these. Arange of counselling techniques is employed to facilitate theclient in examining the situation objectively; exploring theemotions and behaviours connected with it; and developinga plan for personal change and growth.

Those graduating with a social work qualification areequipped to work in a therapeutic capacity in this field.Graduates of social and childcare programmes are likely tobe required to undertake additional counselling training toenable them to practise as counsellors. Most counsellorsenjoy part-time or portfolio careers and are usually self-employed.

Counselling training is open to mature applicants whohave a significant interest in and experience of theemotional difficulties that people face. As with all careersrelated to social work, you should ensure that yourmotivation to work in this area is to help and support othersand not to work through your own issues.

Psychology Psychologists work as part of inter-disciplinary social servicesteams to provide support to those clients experiencingemotional and mental health difficulties. They may alsooperate in a consultancy, research or educational capacity fororganisations providing social services. Types of psychologyspecialisms frequently employed in the social work arenainclude clinical, counselling, educational, forensic andhealth.

Guidance counsellingGuidance counsellors are employed by schools, centres ofhigher or further education and community schemes tosupport individuals in making decisions and taking action intheir personal life and career. Counsellors work with clientson a one-to-one basis and in groups to help them makeinformed decisions and to identify the path that is best forthem.

Responsibilities central to this role include collating andproviding useful careers information resources;administering psychometric and other assessments such ascareer interest, personality indicators and aptitude tests;coaching clients in personal development; and otherpractical skills such as CV preparation, interviewperformance and effective job hunting.

Other areas of work


Areas of work

Arange of therapists and specialists provide physical,mental and emotional support to those requiringsocial care. These include occupational, speech and

language, play and creative arts therapists and healthpromotion workers.

Occupational therapist (OT)A graduate career in occupational therapy involves workingwith people experiencing physical, psychological or socialdifficulties. They facilitate people in coming to terms withand overcoming illness, injury and disability and in achievingthe things they want to do in their lives. OTs work withpeople of all ages and in a variety of workplaces such as aperson’s home, hospitals, day centres or schools. They areprincipally employed by health services but also work insocial services, private practice and voluntary organisations.

Speech and language therapist In this role the therapist helps clients to overcome or managedifficulties with communication, speech and language, andeating, drinking and swallowing. Therapists may specialise inearly years, childhood or adult disorders and work closelywith other healthcare professionals to develop individualisedcare programmes. They may work with clients individually orin small groups and also assist parents, families and carers tocare and support the individual in their place of residence.Work settings can include clinics, health centres, hospitals,day centres, schools, nurseries and homes.

Play, drama, art, music or dance movement therapistPlay therapists work with children, while all other artstherapists work with clients of all ages. Clients include thosewho are experiencing the consequences of learning or otherdisabilities, and mental health difficulties or personal crises.Pathologies include a range of learning disabilities, autism,behavioural problems, mental health problems anddementia. Using their specialism, such therapists help theirclients to understand the issues that are preventing themfrom experiencing joy and support them in decreasinginternal conflict and increase coping strategies.

Health promotion Health promotion or health education specialists proactivelyhelp people to improve their health and increase theircontrol over it. They may design and implement local policiesand strategies to promote health and may work on afreelance basis or in specific settings such as communitycentres, schools, or prisons. They may also provide trainingand education programmes or seminars on general health oron specific issues such as sexual health, alcohol and drugdependency, healthy eating or mental health. Apostgraduate qualification will improve your job prospects.

There are many other career roles related to the social carework arena that you may wish to investigate further. Theseinclude disability support adviser, equality officer, fundraiser,international aid worker, adult literacy worker, citizens adviceworker, nurse and primary teacher.

Related therapies and specialisms


Sabrina Laverty

Peripatetic SupportWorker

Causeway Women’sAid

BSc Social Work,University of Ulster (2010) EDUCATION

EMPLOYER

JOB

NAME

A passion for peopleI chose this career as I have a passion for working withpeople. Being a support worker gives you a uniqueopportunity to work with individuals who are vulnerableand experiencing oppression in their lives.

I got my current job through a college internship Ihad done with Women’s Aid. Women’s Aid works toaddress domestic violence in society. It provides aquality-based holistic service to women and childrenaffected by all forms of domestic violence. Providing practical and emotional supportIn my role I support those who have experienced abuseto lead an independent life, free from that abuse. Mydaily activities include meeting women in their homes ora place of their choosing to provide practical andemotional support. This could involve advice withbudgeting, legal issues, safety planning, crisisintervention, advocacy and encouraging thedevelopment of self-esteem. Regular communicationwith the agencies and various professionals involved –such as the social services, the Police Service of NorthernIreland (PSNI) and the Probation Service of NorthernIreland (PBNI) – is crucial.

The project I work on offers women group workprogrammes to help them build their self-esteem andovercome the effects of violence. It’s a great feeling to beable to offer help and support. It can be very difficulthowever to hear the circumstances in which somewomen and children are living on a daily basis.Top tipMake sure you make the most of your collegeplacements. If you make a good impression and lots ofcontacts, you’ll find it much easier to find a job when yougraduate.

‘I SUPPORT VICTIMS OF ABUSE’

My career in social workSocial work offers a broad range of interesting career opportunities. Four graduates share their experiences.

Eoghan McDonald

Occupational Therapist

Unilink Service, TCD

BSc OccupationalTherapy, Trinity College Dublin(2009)

EDUCATION

EMPLOYER

JOB

NAME

I did some work shadowing with a qualified occupationaltherapist (OT) while I was studying; the experienceconfirmed my belief that this would be a great careerchoice for me. When I finished my degree I emailed mylecturers to tell them that I was job-hunting, and theytold me about this post.

My current roleThe Unilink service provides one-to-one occupationaltherapy to students experiencing disability or seriousillness. One strand of the service supports those withmental health issues and a second supports those withphysical and sensory disabilities. I work in the latter,helping clients with the practicalities of student life, forexample attending lectures, getting assessments done,managing their workloads and completing exams.

Each student is encouraged to manage the effects oftheir illness or disability using a range of techniques,from relaxation techniques to pacing strategies, whichhelp them to prioritise, plan and balance work andleisure effectively. A typical working day is spentresponding to students’ texts and emails, meeting all thestudents with whom I’ve made appointments, and doingadministrative work.

Making a differenceBeing based in one location can be challenging and thework is very intensive, but the great thing about my job isseeing the difference you can make in students’ lives andwatching their transformation during their time with us.Top tipsNetworking is the key to getting an OT job in Ireland. Ifyou can’t secure a job immediately, be patient. Whileyou’re searching, try and get experience in acomplementary career, such as a social care assistant;this will enhance your skills even further.

‘NETWORKING IS THE KEY TO GETTING A JOB’

People at work


Sarah Donnelly

Research Social Worker

Trinity CollegeDublin

NationalQualification in Social Work,Bachelor of Social Sciences,Trinity College Dublin (1998); PhD Social Work, TCD (2011)

EDUCATION

EMPLOYER

JOB

NAME

Starting outMy mother was a social worker, and so from a young ageI had a valuable insight into what the job entailed. Aftermy degree I started working as a Residential SocialWorker and then as a Re-settlement Officer with theSimon Community. My next role was that of MedicalSocial Worker in the Adelaide & Meath NationalChildren’s Hospital (AMNCH) firstly working in TraumaOrthopaedics and then in Neurology.

Caring for the elderlyAt the moment I’m working on a joint project betweenTrinity College Dublin (TCD) and AMNCH called ‘Care &Connect’, which is a practice research partnership. Halfmy role is devoted to being a case worker to olderpatients and the other half to undertaking PhD researchexamining how the multidisciplinary teamcommunicates with older people and their families incare planning meetings. My casework in the hospitalincludes meeting patients and families; psycho-socialassessment; offering support and help and organisingcare packages. I also take on a team leader role in thehospital as required. This involves assessing dutyreferrals and delegating cases to an appropriate socialworker.

The second half of my working week is spent inTrinity, analysing and interpreting the data from my fieldresearch. I also give guest lectures and supervisepostgraduate theses. The outcome of my research will bethe production of a training manual and implementationof an education programme to improve practices withincare planning meetings in the hospital.

Highs and lowsWorking within a large multi-disciplinary team isinteresting and enjoyable, and working with families isalso immensely satisfying. However the increasing levelof bureaucracy and the time pressures involved in thework can be frustrating.

Top tipsKeep an open mind about every opportunity that comesyour way. You never really know what a job involves orwhere it will lead you until you are in it. Get as muchvoluntary experience as you can – it will help you find thecareer area that is most satisfying to you.

‘GET LOTS OF VOLUNTARY EXPERIENCE’

People at work

Jana Wagner

Project Worker

Youth SupportProgramme, Dublin

BA Social Care,Dublin Institute of Technology,(2010)

EDUCATION

EMPLOYER

JOB

NAME

I’d been involved in working with young peoplethroughout my life so I thought ‘I’m good at this; I shouldmake a career out of it’. I found my current job viacontacts I made during a college placement I did with theYouth Support Programme. Having to do a placement ineach year of college allows you to build up yourknowledge of the sector and helps you decide what areato specialise in.

Supporting at-risk young peopleThe aim of the programme is to support young people atrisk and to build their resilience. They are usually referredby a social worker and may have been involved in crimeor come from a family where addictions are a problem. Iwork as part of a team which co-ordinates and runs aseries of activities for each group. This includes groupsessions on topics such as communication, relationships,alcohol and suicide; special interest sessions to build upskills; and fun activities including day- and residentialtrips within Ireland.

Forging a bondResidential trips allow us to forge a real bond with groupmembers and help them to bring positive change to their lives.

My role also involves working with the multi-disciplinary team managing each individual’s case,attending review meetings and constant report-writing.Good communication, time management andorganisation skills are crucial to this job.

Highs and lowsIt’s great to work in a job where you are constantlyhaving fun and sharing very meaningful experienceswith young people. It can be difficult when people dropout as you can get very emotionally attached toindividuals and the group dynamic changes when newmembers replace them, but seeing a person’s self-esteem and trust in others grow is tremendouslyrewarding.

Top tipsApply yourself fully during each placement and at alltimes in the workplace. The sector is small and makinggood contacts and a good impression is essential tocareer success. Completing the Therapeutic CrisisIntervention (TCI) course in managing challengingbehaviours will make you more attractive to employers.

‘BRINGING ABOUT POSITIVE CHANGE’


Training and careerdevelopmentThe social care arena offers multifaceted, richly rewardingprofessions, with plenty of career progression.

A career in the social care sector can be incrediblyrewarding and is always interesting. Your work willmake a significant and positive difference to the lives

of individuals and to the community as a whole.Employment opportunities are continually in supply, nomatter what the economic climate, although you should beprepared for a career in which you may not always be in onefull-time job or hugely well paid. That said, the non-monetary rewards in terms of job satisfaction can besignificant. State employment tends to provide the bestsalaries and benefits but may not always be widely available.

Working conditions vary greatly. You might be based inone place working 9.00 am–5.00 pm, or in multiple centreswith irregular hours where shift and night work is common.

Be prepared to encounter difficult situations that you mayfind distressing, particularly with clients who are very ill orwho have experienced abuse or neglect. Remember that self-care is hugely important. If you are not achieving a healthywork/life balance and getting the support that you need, youwill not be in a position to effectively care for others.

How your career might progressWithin pure social work, in structured work settingsprogression is generally to qualified, senior or specialistsocial work practitioner, team leader and principal oradvanced social worker.

As a probation officer promotion is typically into theposition of senior, assistant principal and principal probationofficer. In social care and child care/early years, advancement isgenerally into team leader or management roles and upwardsinto local, regional or national co-ordinator of services. Further

“Employment opportunities arecontinually in supply, no matterwhat the economic climate.




study and training to top up your undergraduate qualificationwill benefit you in applying for senior posts across the sector.

Professional qualificationsThe need for a professional qualification to enter a career inthis area varies according to the post. In the Republic andNorthern Ireland all those wishing to work as a social worker,probation officer and education welfare officer must havecompleted a relevant and recognised social workqualification. In ROI you must have completed anundergraduate or postgraduate degree which has awardedthe National Qualification in Social Work (NQSW; ROI) or thedegree in Social Work (NI/UK) or equivalent. Social workersin Northern Ireland must have at least 200 days experiencein practice settings. All newly qualified social workers in NImust complete an Assessed Year in Employment (AYE) tocomply with registration requirements. During this year youare supervised by a registered social worker.

Social care workers in the Republic are expected to havecompleted at least an undergraduate degree in the subject.This is not the case in Northern Ireland until you occupy asupervisory role or higher, but you must hold an NVQ orequivalent which is at the level required to practise in yourchosen role.

Professional qualifications are not required for entry-levelchildcare positions in either jurisdiction and childcare

workers are not yet a registered workforce. That said,applicants are expected to be working towards aqualification. In NI, childcare and early years childcarefacilities are regulated by the local Health and Social CareTrusts (by their Early Years teams) or by the Department forEducation. Senior care staff in childcare and educationsettings are expected to have a minimum of a two-yearcertificate in childcare. Heads of pre-schools are expected tohave a primary school teaching qualification.

Registration of all those working in the social careprofessions is getting underway across the island of Irelandwith the aim of professionalising the entire sector. As agraduate, remember that registration is not just aboutmeeting a legal requirement. It shows that you’re qualifiedand committed to high standards, boosts your employability,increases service users’ confidence in you and raises yourprofessional status. In the UK and Northern Ireland, theCriminal Records Bureau (CRB; www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk)Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) introduced in October 2009,will also ensure that every person working with vulnerablepeople is background checked. In the Republic, information onStatutory Registration can be found on www.coru.ie.

North and south of the border, social work, social care andchildcare employers expect that you will engage in continuingprofessional development (CPD) throughout your career.


Postgraduate studyFourth-level study in social work demonstrates commitment, ability and expertise.

In the Republic, entry to postgraduate programmesawarding a professional qualification in social workrequires a three-year social science degree or equivalent

and relevant work experience. Further information isavailable on postgradireland.com or from the followingschools:• University College Cork, School of Applied Social Studies www.ucc.ie/en/appsoc/

• University College Dublin, School of Applied Social Science www.ucd.ie/appsocsc/

• National University Ireland, Galway: School of PoliticalScience and Sociology www.nuigalway.ie/soc/

• Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, School ofSocial Work and Social Policy www.socialwork-socialpolicy.tcd.ieIn Northern Ireland, the undergraduate degree in social

work is the qualification which allows social workers topractise in NI. There are no postgraduate routes at qualifyinglevel. The degree is available as a three-year full-time course,a two-year undergraduate accelerated Relevant GraduateRoute (RGR), or via a five-year part-time route. Those with arelevant degree and experience can apply to undertake theRGR. It is offered by Queen’s University Belfastwww.qub.ac.uk and the University of Ulster at Mageewww.ulster.ac.uk/campus/magee/.

Many graduates have opted to top up their undergraduatedegree or alter their career direction by pursuingeducational programmes in the following fields:• Counselling and Psychology – To work in this area youshould have completed a course acknowledged foraccreditation by the Irish Association for Counsellingand Psychotherapy (www.irish-counselling.ie).

• Occupational Therapy – Postgraduate programmes areavailable to those with an undergraduate degree in arelevant subject, preferably in health, psychology,sociology, anatomy or human biology. Seepostgradireland.com for more information.

• Speech and Language Therapy – Two-year postgraduatequalifications exist for those with relevantundergraduate degrees. Places are limited. Seepostgradireland.com for more details.

• Art, play, music, and drama therapy – The number ofcourses is limited and exist mostly at postgraduate level.All arts therapy practitioners in Northern Ireland mustbe registered and are regulated by the HealthProfessions Council (HPC). Music therapists must beskilled musicians. The Irish Association of Creative ArtTherapists (www.iacat.ie) maintains a list of allapproved training courses in Ireland.

• Career Guidance – Access to this career area in theRepublic is via postgraduate study such as a masters orpostgraduate diploma in Guidance. If you wish to workin a school you will be expected to have a second-level

teaching qualification as well and be an accreditedmember of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors(www.igc.ie).

• Northern Ireland has similar requirements andpractitioners must attain the professional Qualificationin Career Guidance (QCG) awarded by the Institute ofCareer Guidance (www.icg-uk.org).

• Primary School Teaching – In ROI, a full-time GraduateDiploma in Education (Primary Teaching) runsperiodically when the demand for teachers exceedssupply. To be eligible to apply you must have a relevantdegree and the required minimum grades in yoursecondary level qualification.

• The Northern Ireland equivalent is the PostgraduateCertificate in Education (PGCE). To become a SpecialEducational Needs Teacher (SEN) you are expected tohave a teacher training qualification, a relevantpostgraduate qualification and at least two years’experience. See postgradireland.com.

• Other programmes – Many graduates pursue furtherstudy in Child, Family and Community Studies;Rehabilitation Studies; Peace Studies; Addiction Studies;Health Promotion; Gerontology; Gender; DevelopmentStudies; Bereavement Studies; Nursing and LearningSupport. Those working with children in care areencouraged to undertake the Therapeutic CrisisIntervention Course (TCI).

AVAILABLE POSTGRADUATE OPTIONS

Postgraduate study


Further information

Further informationProfessional bodies• Department of Health & Children, RoIwww.dohc.ie

• Health Service Executive, ROIwww.hse.ie

• Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, NIwww.dhsspsni.gov.uk

• Northern Ireland Social Care Councilwww.niscc.info

• Social Care Skills Resource NI/UK www.skillsforcare.org.uk

• International Federation of Social Workerswww.ifsw.org

• Irish Association of Social Workerswww.iasw.ie

• National Social Work Qualifications Boardwww.nswqb.ie

• Irish Association of Social Care Workerswww.iascw.ie

• Social Care Institute for Excellence www.scie.org.uk

• Resident Managers’ Associationwww.rma.ie

• Youth Federation of Ireland www.youthworkireland.ie

• National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Educationwww.siolta.ie

• Centre for Early Childhood Development and Educationwww.cecde.ie

• The National Children’s Nurseries Associationwww.ncna.ie

• Northern Childcare Partnershipwww.northernchildcare.com

• Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC)www.cwdcouncil.org.uk

• Irish Association of Counselling Practitionerswww.irish-counselling.ie

• National Counselling and Psychotherapy Institute of Ireland www.ncpii.ie

• British Psychological Society www.bps.org.uk

• Psychological Society of Ireland www.psihq.ie

• Play Therapy Irelandwww.playtherapy.ie

• British Association of Play Therapistswww.bapt.info

• Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists www.iacat.ie

• British Association of Art Therapists www.baat.org

• Association of Professional Music Therapists www.apmt.org

• British Association of Drama Therapists www.badth.org.uk

• Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapistswww.iaslt.ie

• Association of Occupational Therapists of Irelandwww.aoti.ie

• Community Organisations in Northern Ireland www.communityni.org

• Community Care UKwww.communitycare.co.uk

• Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Associations www.nicva.org

• Comhairle/Citizens’ Information Board www.citizensinformationboard.ie

• Directory of voluntary and community organisations,agencies and bodies, UKwww.ncvo-vol.org.uk

• National Council for Special Educationwww.ncse.ie

• Social justice, human rights and global development issues.www.comhlamh.org

Recruitment resources• Online network for the non-profit sectorwww.activelink.ie

• Volunteer Development Agencywww.volunteering-ni.org


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