Social Work Pathways

There are a number of ways to achieve your goal of becoming a social worker: 

• CAO system 
• Tertiary Degree Pathway,
• Graduates Apprenticeship programme
• Progression from FETAC level V programmes into Degree courses.
• Masters Programmes

See more here.

A Tertiary Degree is a new pathway from Further Education and Training with seamless progression into Higher Education to earn an undergraduate degree.  The Tertiary Degree provides guaranteed access (subject to passing exams) to a degree programme that starts in further education and concludes in higher education. Also, you do not need to apply through the CAO for a tertiary degree course. 

A social work tertiary degree pathway, co-delivered by University College Cork and Cork Education and Training Board. This program offers a route to obtaining an undergraduate degree in Social Work outside the CAO system, making it more accessible for a wider range of students.   

Checkout info on the National Tertiary Office website

Social Care Pathways

There are a number of ways to achieve your goal of becoming a social care worker:

• CAO system
• Masters Programmes
• Progression from FETAC level V programmes into Degree courses. 

 See more here.

Opportunities for TY Students

These pages are specifically designed for students who are curious about the world of social work, social care and the many support roles that contribute to the meaningful work carried out by Tusla, Child and Family Agency.

You have the opportunity now to learn about the diverse range of careers available within Tusla and discover the many paths that can lead you to becoming a part of our dedicated team and work with children, young people and families.

Explore our TY Programme here.

There are a wide range of current and upcoming vacancies in social work, social care and Business Support, but whatever the role, each in its own way contributes to the vital work that the Agency does. Tusla runs an annual graduate recruitment programme for newly qualified social workers and social care workers. Information on graduate opportunities can be found by following the links below:

-        Overview of Graduate Opportunities

-        Tusla Social Work Graduate Recruitment Programme

-        Tusla Social Care Worker Graduate Recruitment Programme

Graduate Apprenticeship Programme

An innovative “earn while you learn” apprenticeship in social work, allowing participants to gain invaluable on-the-job experience while earning a salary. The program leads to a Level 9 qualification in Social Work, equipping graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for their careers.  For people with a primary degree and those who may be considered for admission under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) .

More information here. 

Professionally Qualified Social Worker Rolling Competitions

Vacancies within Tusla can be found by visiting our dedicated Tusla Careers page.

There are good promotional opportunities within the organisation across all roles for suitably experienced candidates.

Some roles within Tusla require candidates to have several years’ experience in similar, relevant positions before they can be eligible. This may be in addition to qualification requirements. The necessary qualification(s) and experience levels are always stated clearly on the job descriptions, which can be found with each advertised vacancy.

Tusla also has opportunities for social workers with international qualifications and for social workers who have notpractised social work for some time but who may wish to return to the profession.

In some cases, a process of registering and/or updating or re-familiarisation may be required to meet registration and/or Return to Practice requirements established by CORU; Ireland’s multi-profession health and social care regulator. For more information, please follow the links below:

-        Return to Practice

-        International Qualifications

Social Work Return to Practice

During the course of their career, many Social Workers may not practise their profession for a period of time. This may occur for many reasons, which could include parental leave, extended travel, caring responsibilities, or illness. We know that these professionals may wish to come back to their profession and resume their practice.

However, when returning to Social Work practice after a prolonged period (greater than two years) a process of updating or re-familiarisation may be required to ensure safety of both the registrant and the service users in his/her care.

This is why CORU; Ireland’s multi-profession health and social care regulator. has established this process and set out Return to Practice requirements. Return to practice requirements applies to anyone who has not practised their profession for more than two years.

Students enrolled in third-level social work and social care courses may complete work placements with Tusla as part of their course. Tusla aims to provide a rewarding, challenging and quality learning experience which prepares them to practice as social workers and social care workers post qualification.