WE’RE HIRING: PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WORKER | ability west

about ability west

Ability West provides a wide range of high-quality services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism across Galway City and County. Services provided are day, residential, short breaks, community support, rehabilitative training, and multi-disciplinary support. The ethos of service provision is underpinned by our Vision, Mission, Core Values and Strategic Plan, which is to empower people with disabilities to live self-directed lives in an equal and inclusive society. Each person is supported and valued within an environment which promotes their overall autonomy, health and wellbeing and enables them to reach their potential.

ARE YOU AN EXPERIENCED SOCIAL WORK LEADER?

Are you an experienced Social Work leader looking to make a meaningful impact in the disability sector?

Ability West is seeking a Principal Social Worker to provide strategic, professional and operational leadership for our Social Work, Safeguarding and Home Sharing Services across Galway City and County.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this senior leadership role will play a key part in shaping service delivery, safeguarding practice and supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism to live self-directed lives in an equal and inclusive society.

key responsibilities:

✅ Lead and manage Social Work, Safeguarding and Home Sharing Services

✅ Provide professional leadership and supervision to Social Work staff

✅ Oversee safeguarding governance and Designated Officer systems

✅ Support complex case management and crisis intervention

✅ Drive service improvement, quality assurance and regulatory compliance

✅ Contribute to organisational strategy, governance and decision-making

✅ Work collaboratively with families, multidisciplinary teams and external agencies

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

✔ Hold a recognised professional qualification in Social Work prescribed under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005, as amended, or hold a Letter of Validation issued by CORU or the former National Social Work Qualifications Board

✔ Be currently registered on the Social Workers Register maintained by CORU. Evidence of current registration must be provided before appointment, and registration must be maintained for the duration of employment in the role.

✔ Hold a relevant postgraduate qualification in leadership, management, supervision, quality and risk, practice education or another discipline relevant to the responsibilities of the post.

✔ Have a minimum of five years’ post-qualification experience as a Social Worker.

✔ Significant experience in leadership, safeguarding and disability services

✔ Strong knowledge of governance, risk management and regulatory frameworks

desirable:

✔ Clinical and professional knowledge to carry out the duties of the role.

✔ Budget Management experience (relevant to Home Sharing service delivery).

✔ Effective supervision and leadership skills.

location:

✔ Location: Blackrock House, Salthill, Galway

✔ Frequent travel across Galway City and County required

✔ Pay: €79,359-€97,597 per annum – depending on experience

✔ Hours: 35hrs per week

✔ Automatic enrolment in our pension scheme.

✔ 10% corporate discount from choice of three LAYA Corporate Plans.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Go to Join Our Team — Ability West for additional details and for informal queries, please email Cristina.Mendes@Abilitywest.ie

Link to HSE: - Principle Social Worker ABW2708

Thinking about it?

Don’t take too long! The closing date for applications will close on 28th August 2026.