Apprentice in Social Work

Job Specification and Terms and Conditions

Job Title: Apprentice in Social Work

Closing Date: 12:00pm Friday 7 June 2024

Proposed Interview Dates: 26 and 27 June 2024

Taking up Appointment: August 2024

Apply to the Apprentice in Social Work programme - (External Site ucc.ie)

Location of Post

There are currently 12 specified purpose Apprentice in Social Work posts available with the HSE, in the following locations/ departments:

Location                      Care Area

  1. Gorey, Co. Wexford    Older Persons
  2. Midleton, Co. Cork      Primary Care
  3. Bray, Co. Wicklow       Disability Services
  4. Naas, Co. Kildare       Safeguarding & Protection
  5. Ballinteer, Dublin 16   Safeguarding & Protection
  6. Ennis, Co. Clare         Disability Services
  7. Ennis, Co. Clare         Disability Services
  8. Ballinasloe, Co. Galway          Acute Services
  9. Kilkenny city, Co. Kilkenny        Safeguarding & Protection
  10. Dooradoyle, Co. Limerick       Acute Services
  11. Tralee, Co. Kerry        Mental Health
  12. Kilkenny city, Co. Kilkenny     Older Persons

A reserve panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for the Apprentice in Social Work programme (2024 intake) should a position become available.

Informal Enquiries: Deborah Smullen deborah.smullen@hse.ie  087 6403589

Laura Hackett laura.hackett2@hse.ie  087 1015456

Details of Programme

The Apprentice in Social Work programme has been developed by an industry-led consortium with University College Cork (UCC) as the lead educational institution.

The 2 year apprenticeship programme merges higher education with work-based learning by providing the post holder with a unique opportunity to gain practical administrative experience within a Social Work team whilst completing college-based learning towards achieving a Level 9 Social Work qualification.

The Apprentice will spend approximately 15 months on-the-job under the supervision and guidance of experienced, professionally qualified Social Workers and 9 months off-the-job completing a total of 3 college-based learning blocks at UCC.

Following completion of the full-time, structured programme and successful achievement of both the practical and academic elements, the apprentice will be positioned to register as a Social Worker with CORU- the regulatory body in Ireland.

Reporting Relationship

The post holder’s professional reporting relationship for all matters relating to the work-integrated learning blocks and all matters relating to the business support and clinical supervision will be to an assigned CORU registered, Professionally Qualified Social Worker who will provide mentoring.

The employer’s Apprenticeship Co-Ordinator will act as liaison between the Social Work Apprenticeship Consortium, UCC and the Employer in terms of work-based learning, supervision, completion and return of relevant documentation in relation to the programme.

Key Working Relationships

The Apprentice in Social Work is expected to interact routinely with multiple stakeholders.

The execution of the apprentice’s duties and responsibilities will depend upon the development and maintenance of effective working relationships with;

  • Internal stakeholders
    • Line manager, mentor, and health and social care professionals on the team
    • Local service area managers
    • Service area Heads of Department
  • External stakeholders including academic staff associated with the apprenticeship programme and other apprentices on the programme to progress learning

Purpose of the Post

The purpose of the post is to support the provision of a social work service that seeks to improve the health and social wellbeing of the service users.

The Apprentice in Social Work will act as the administrative champion for the Professionally Qualified Social Worker/s and Social Work Staff within his/her designated area.

The apprentice will attend academic training and study at UCC during their apprenticeship training and will be required to pass all academic examinations and meet CORU standards of proficiency during work-integrated learning/placement blocks, and to maintain records of progression and development.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities       

The Apprentice in Social Work will:

Professional / Clinical

  • Provide clerical and administrative support to their assigned Social Worker and their team in the delivery of a quality service to service users ensuring required standards are maintained
  • Work within current legislation, relevant policies and procedures, guidelines and protocols as laid down by the employer
  • Incorporate Social Work values and ethical principles in their duties
  • Assist the Social Work team to implement models of best practice / evidence based practice
  • Participate in conference calls, workshops, events and meetings as required with Social Worker and other relevant external and internal stakeholders to develop strategies to support service users
  • Supporting the team to promote independence, self-reliance, self-determination and empowerment with persons in their environment, with families and local groups
  • Assist with the planning, delivery and engagement in co-produced interventions as appropriate with individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities
  • Support the Social Work team by providing a co-ordination and administrative role for case management where appropriate
  • Provide observations to Social Worker where social conditions are a major factor in health and social wellbeing
  • Promote anti-discriminatory practice and also cultural competence
  • Actively participate as a member of the team / service in team building and change management initiatives
  • Attend court, case conferences, meetings, tribunals, and other relevant fora with qualified professional as required as part of on-the-job learning
  • Keep line manager fully informed and up-to-date on all significant matters
  • Carry out any other tasks as directed by their line manager and team

Education & Training

  • Register for a Level-9 social work programme in UCC to complete social work apprenticeship education; and once registered to attend and successfully pass the requirement credits/modules attached to the social work apprenticeship programme (including work-integrated learning/placement blocks)
  • Successfully complete clinical placements
  • Maintain, in conjunction with their Line Manager, a continuous record of experience and assessment of on-the-job learning, including their reflections of their experience and to make this record available for examination (including external examination)
  • Maintain continuous personal development and participate in team-based development, education, supervision (including group/peer supervision), training, and learning
  • Complete all mandatory training as set out by the employer
  • Maintain excellent IT skills relevant to the role
  • Maintain own knowledge of employer policies, procedures, guidelines and practices, to perform the role effectively and to ensure current work standards are met by own team.

Administrative

  • Ensure the efficient day-to-day administration of area of responsibility to include completion of standard business processes
  • Ensure that deadlines are met and service levels maintained
  • Support the preparation and issuing of office documentation (correspondence, data, reports, etc.) to the highest possible standard to ensure quality and accuracy
  • Ensure that archives and records are accurate, up-to-date and readily available for the Social Work team
  • Maintain confidentiality of documentation, records, etc. in line with general data protection regulation (GDPR)
  • Maximise the use of technology in ensuring work is completed to a high standard.
  • Ensure line management is kept informed of identified issues
  • Ensure that key stakeholders are kept informed on relevant matters in line with guidance provided by line manager
  • Deliver social work administrative service in collaboration with other disciplines / agencies as required in accordance with local guidelines, the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and service policies and procedures
  • Organise and attend meetings - taking minutes/notes as required

Health & Safety

  • Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
  • Document appropriately and report any near misses, hazards and accidents and bring them to the attention of designated individual(s) in line with best practice.
  • Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others.
  • Be aware of risk management issues, identify risks and take appropriate action.
  • Comply with procedures with regard to assessment, recommendation and / or manufacturing of all assistive devices.
  • Promote a culture that values diversity and respect.
  • Have a working knowledge of all the relevant standards as applicable to the role such as the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards, for example:
    • Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role
    • Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the service for example National Standards for Child Protection and Care and comply with associated Tusla – Child and Family Agency protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
  • Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. 

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

1.Professional Qualifications/Experience

Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date competition:

(a)Entry Requirements to Master of Social Work (MSW) (QQI- Level 9)

Applicants must have at least a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in social science or its equivalent, or have an approved Level 8 conversion programme i.e. the Higher Diploma in Social Policy with at least a Second Class Honours Grade I, and have completed a minimum of three-months’ relevant work experience in a social work or social work-related field.

Or

(b)Entry Requirements to Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies (PDSWS) (QQI- Level 9)

Applicants must have at least an honours primary degree (NFQ, Level 8) in social science or its equivalent, or hold an approved Level 8 conversion programme i.e. the Higher Diploma in Social Policy, and have completed a minimum of three-months’ relevant work experience in a social work or social work-related field. 

Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who:

i.hold an honours primary degree (NFQ, Level 8) in any discipline, and have completed a minimum of twelve months’ relevant work experience in a social work or social work-related field.

or

ii.hold a primary ordinary degree (NFQ, Level 7) in social science or its equivalent with an overall result of at least a Second Class Honours Grade 1 and have completed at least three years’ experience in a social work or social work-related field.

or

iii.non-graduates with at least five years’ professional experience in a social work or social work-related field may also be considered for admission. 

2.Health

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3.Character

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Other requirements specific to the post

Have access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role including mandatory attendance at UCC for completion of academic programme.

Proficiency in the English language is a requirement and candidates must meet the UCC requirement: PG English Language Entry Requirements | UCC | University College Cork | Ireland

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge & Experience

  • Knowledge and experience relevant to the role as per the duties, responsibilities and eligibility criteria requirements of the role.
  • Understanding of relevant strategies, reports and legislation applicable to the Employer and apprenticeship programme
  • Maximise the use of ICT, demonstrating excellent computer skills particularly Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook etc.
  • Ability to work in line with relevant policies and procedures.

Planning and Managing Resources 

  • Demonstrates the ability to plan and organise own workload in an effective and methodical manner within strict deadlines, ensuring deadlines are met.
  • Sets realistic goals and time-scales, taking account of potential problems and competing priorities.
  • Devotes time and energy to the most important task at any given time and the ability to offer a results-oriented approach with high levels of drive, commitment and enthusiasm.
  • Demonstrates flexibility or adaptability to respond to changes in the plan.

Team Skills

  • Demonstrates an ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Demonstrates a willingness to get involved and assist others as appropriate.
  • Contributes to a positive team spirit.
  • Reacts constructively to setbacks, is able to maintain professionalism and manage situations where conflict arises.
  • Empathises with others and seeks to understand their frustrations.

Commitment to providing a Quality Service

  • Demonstrates high attention to detail and a commitment to providing a high quality, person centred service.
  • Demonstrates an ability to be flexible and embrace change in order to enhance service delivery and improve service user care.

Evaluating Information and Judging Situations

  • Demonstrates the ability to critically analyse, evaluate information, and make effective decisions with regard to service user care in conjunction with line manager
  • Gathers information from enough sources and other people to make well founded decisions/solve problems.
  • Demonstrates initiative and adaptability in the resolution of complex issues and can confidently explain the rationale behind decisions when faced with opposition.
  • Recognises when to involve other parties at the appropriate time and level.
  • Establishes integrity by ensuring that the professional, ethical and safety factors are fully considered in decisions into which they have input.

Communications and Interpersonal Skills

  • Effective communication skills (verbal & written) including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner
  • Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills. Is sensitive to issues arising from multiple stakeholders, is patient and understanding.
  • Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders
  • Demonstrate the ability to empathise with and treat others with dignity and respect.
  • Demonstrates the good negotiation skills, is assertive as required.

Campaign Specific Selection Process

Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form.  The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification.  Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements. 

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process. 

Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.

Code of Practice

The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, facilities for feedback to applicants on matters relating to their application when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice.  Additional information on the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for Candidates”.

Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for Candidates” or on https://www.cpsa.ie/

The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the Job Specification may be reviewed.

This Job Specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.

Terms and conditions of employment