WE’RE HIRING A PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WORKER
Who are we?
Ability West is embarking on an exciting journey of transformational change and growth - focused on enhancing the lives of the people we support and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and strong leadership across our organisation. We operate a leading non‑profit organisation, providing person‑centred disability services for people with complex intellectual, and physical disabilities. In partnership with the Health Service Executive, we empower each person we support to live a meaningful and self‑directed life.
Founded 64 years ago by families advocating for better supports, Ability West now serves more than 600 adults and children across Galway City and County through a network of over 70 centres. Our services include day services, residential and respite support (adults and children), community support, therapeutic interventions, training centres, living my life project, best buddies and community inclusion programmes. In addition, we are patron to four schools which support over 170 children. Ability West continues to evolve to meet community needs, champion inclusion, and deliver high‑quality, person‑led supports.
We are now seeking a dynamic and experienced Principal Social Worker with exceptional people skills and a passion for inclusive service delivery. This is a pivotal role for someone who wants to make a meaningful impact—supporting both the people we support and their families.
What DOES this role encompass?
As Principal Social Worker, you will provide strategic leadership, professional guidance, and oversight to the Social Work Team. You will lead on all social work and safeguarding matters across the organisation, ensuring the highest standards of practice and promoting the safety, welfare, and rights of the individuals we support. The role also has responsibility for the oversight of the Designated Officer function and the continuous development of safeguarding policies, procedures, and practice. The Homesharing Team also report into this role.
You will be a key contributor to the Management Team.
Specific Key responsibilities include:
Leadership & Strategic Management
Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Social Work Team.
Develop and implement social work and safeguarding strategies aligned with organisational objectives.
Promote a culture of person-centred practice, rights-based approaches, and continuous improvement.
Advise the senior leadership team on social work, safeguarding, and regulatory matters.
Safeguarding & Protection
Lead on all safeguarding matters across the organisation.
Act as the organisational expert on safeguarding policies, legislation, and best practice.
Oversee the management of safeguarding concerns, investigations, and protection plans.
Ensure appropriate reporting and liaison with statutory agencies including Tusla, the HSE, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), where applicable.
Monitor safeguarding trends and implement measures to reduce risk and improve outcomes.
Professional Oversight of Social Work Services
Provide professional supervision, support, and guidance to social workers.
Ensure social work interventions are evidence-based, effective, and compliant with professional standards.
Support staff in managing complex cases and high-risk situations.
Lead service development initiatives to enhance social work practice across the organisation.
Designated Officer Responsibilities
Oversee the Designated Officer function and ensure organisational compliance with safeguarding procedures.
Ensure allegations, concerns, and incidents are managed appropriately and within required timeframes.
Provide expert advice to managers and staff regarding safeguarding concerns and reporting obligations.
Quality, Compliance & Governance
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, HIQA standards, CORU requirements, and national safeguarding policies.
Lead audits, reviews, and quality improvement initiatives relating to social work and safeguarding.
Prepare reports and presentations for senior management, committees, and external stakeholders.
Maintain oversight of risk management processes relating to safeguarding and social work services.
Training & Development
Develop and deliver safeguarding and social work training programmes.
Promote continuous professional development and reflective practice within the Social Work Team.
Support workforce planning, recruitment, induction, and performance management.
Stakeholder Engagement
Build strong relationships with people supported, families, advocacy groups, and statutory agencies.
Represent the organisation at external forums, working groups, and professional networks.
Advocate for the rights, safety, and wellbeing of people supported by the organisation.
What ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS ROLE?
To be considered for this role, you will have:
Hold a recognised professional qualification in Social Work prescribed under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended) or, have a Letter of Validation issued by CORU/National Social Work Qualifications Board.
Eligibilty for registration with CORU.
Experience of working with children and adults with intellectual disability and their families.
A high standard of administrative and management experience.
Full current driving license with access to your own vehicle.
Eligibility to work in Ireland and possess all necessary permits/visas if applicable.
Key Competencies:
Expert knowledge of safeguarding policy, legislation and best practice in social work
Risk management experience
Experience in complex safeguarding concerns and investigations
Ethical and rights based approach to practice
Relationship builder with both persons supported and their families
Expert understanding of HIQA regulations
Ability to be resilient and have sound judgement under pressure
Be confidential
Excellent Leadership skills
Excellent Decision making skills
What do we offer?
Salary €79,359-€97,597 per annum – depending on experience
35 hours per week
Full time – permanent contract
A supportive and inclusive workplace with full training and development opportunities.
Generous leave, maternity and paternity benefits.
Excellent opportunities for career progression.
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
Thinking about it?
Don’t take too long! The closing date for applications will 31st July 2026.