Page 187 - JobsPlus - Occupational Handbook

Social Worker
Occupation Code: 2635
Alternative titles: Social Work Professional, Social Welfare Officer, Welfare Support Worker
Job description and duties
Social Workers generally support individuals, families, groups and communities experiencing social issues. Social Workers may work with clients of different ages including children, youth, adults and elderly individuals. Although tasks will vary according to one’s area of expertise and working environment, a Social Worker is typically expected to:
• Assess and investigate client’s situations and carry out assessments in order to understand what services are required by the client
• Organise and coordinate visits to clients
• Plan and implement interventions
• Attend and testify in court hearings
• Check and monitor clients’ progress
• Liaise with a variety of organisations (government agencies, NGOs and private) to obtain support for clients
• Liaise and consult with other professionals (where applicable)
• Participate in and may be required to coordinate multidisciplinary team meetings
• Keep up-to-date with the latest social policy and welfare system
• Maintain the required documentation on clients including logs and reports on interventions carried out
• Participate in any research tasks (where applicable)
• Supervise the work of junior staff (where applicable)
Work environment
Social Workers may work in a variety of settings including schools, NGOs, hospitals and health care centres, prisons, residential and community organisations. The work environment is dependent on the area of expertise one is specialised in.
Full-time and part-time employment may be found primarily in the public and non-profit sectors. Working hours may vary according to work exigencies.
Occupation data
Entry level education / special licences / warrants
To practice as a Social Worker one must be in possession of the following:
Number of employees (2017)
1,018
Share of foreigners (2017)
0%
Job Outlook (2018 - 2022)
+18%
Median Pay (per annum)
€24,900
Occupational Handbook 2018
187