Social Worker – Local Care Team

Allied Health/Nursing; Dundalk; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Allied Health/Nursing in Dundalk is seeking a Senior Social Worker to join the Local Care Team. You will promote the safety and wellbeing of children in care, assess individual needs and implement care plans with the child's rights at the centre of decisions.

The role requires working with foster carers, residential staff and multi-disciplinary colleagues to ensure effective safeguarding, regular visits, accurate records and participation in court processes when needed.

Qualifications

• Hold a recognised professional qualification in Social Work.
• Be registered, or eligible for registration, with CORU.
• 3+ years experience in social work.
• Knowledge of child protection and relevant legislation.

Responsibilities

• Manage an allocated caseload of children and young people in care.
• Develop, implement and review individual care plans in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Undertake regular visits and direct work with children and young people.
• Ensure children’s wishes, feelings and developmental needs inform care planning and decision-making.
• Monitor placement arrangements and identify risks or concerns.
• Promote permanency planning and meaningful family contact.
• Maintain accurate case records, assessments and reports.
• Prepare reports and participate in court proceedings when required.

Skills

Caseload management

Care planning

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Advocacy

Communication skills

Education

Social Work degree

CORU registration eligibility

Job description

Senior Social Worker – Local Care Team

The Social Worker will work as part of the Local Care Team to promote the safety, welfare, development and wellbeing of children and young people in the care of Tusla.

The role involves supporting children and young people who are in foster care, residential care or other care arrangements, ensuring their individual needs are assessed, their care plans are implemented and their rights, wishes and feelings are central to decision-making.

This role is based in Dundalk, Co Louth

Responsibilities of Senior Social Worker – Local Care Team

• Manage an allocated caseload of children and young people in care.
• Develop, implement and review individual care plans in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Undertake regular visits and direct work with children and young people.
• Ensure children’s wishes, feelings and developmental needs inform care planning and decision-making.
• Monitor placement arrangements and identify any emerging risks or concerns.
• Promote permanency planning, including reunification, long-term foster care, adoption or other appropriate arrangements.

• Ensure the safety and welfare of children in care.
• Assess and respond to concerns relating to abuse, neglect, exploitation or placement breakdown.
• Develop and review appropriate safety and support plans.
• Advocate for children’s rights, needs and best interests.
• Respond to changes in children’s circumstances and escalated concerns appropriately.

• Develop positive working relationships with parents, family members and significant others.
• Support and work collaboratively with foster carers and residential care staff.
• Promote meaningful family contact and relationships where appropriate.

• Maintain accurate case records, assessments, reports and care planning documentation.
• Prepare reports and participate in court proceedings where required.
• Work in accordance with the Child Care Act 1991, Children First Act 2015 and relevant Tusla policies and procedures.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings and continuing professional development.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality and accountability.

Requirements of Senior Social Worker – Local Care Team

• Hold a recognised professional qualification in Social Work.
• Be registered, or eligible for registration, with CORU in accordance with recruitment requirements.
• 3+ years experience
• Demonstrate knowledge of child protection, children-in-care practice and relevant legislation.
• Have the ability to undertake assessments and develop and review care plans.
• Have the ability to manage a caseload and work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.