What kind of work do social workers do?

Social workers operate in a diverse range of settings such as child and family services, mental health and medical settings, probation, youth services, and within the community in the context of public health, primary care, housing, and addiction services.

Sarah is a social worker assigned to a child welfare case. She receives a report that a 5-year-old child named Emily is consistently absent from school and is often seen with bruises on her arms. Sarah visits Emily’s home and discovers that her parents frequently use drugs and engage in domestic violence. Sarah is required to carry out an assessment to determine any risk to the child. This assessment includes identifying risk and also safety factors that are in place to safeguard the child. The assessment is completed in collaboration with professionals such as the school, GP and other people involved in the child’s life. The assessment will help to determine the next steps to ensure the child is safeguarded.

John, a social worker in a community mental health centre, is assigned to work with a client named Mark. Mark is a 30-year-old man who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and has a history of non-compliance with medication. John needs to develop a treatment plan for Mark that includes regular therapy sessions, medication management, and connecting him with community support services.

Jennifer is a social worker at a community centre that provides support to LGBTQ+ youth. She is working with a 16-year-old transgender girl named Maya, who is experiencing rejection and bullying at school and conflicts with her family. Jennifer needs to provide Maya with a safe space to express her identity, offer individual and group counselling, assist with educational advocacy, and connect her with LGBTQ+ support organizations.

Sam is a disability social worker responsible for supporting individuals attending the day service. Sam is working with a young adult Alex who has a moderate learning disability. Alex has been referred to Sam due to reports of safeguarding issues relating to his full time carer where reports indicated possible alcohol misuse. Sam is tasked with carrying out a safeguarding assessment to assist in future planning for Alex. Part of the assessment includes identifying supports that may be required to support the carer.

Nisarg Nagwadia speaks about his role as an Adult Mental Health Social Worker in the HSE:

Employees of Probation Service, speak about their roles:

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