Fostering First Ireland are recruiting the following position:
Home Based Link Social Worker – Permanent - Full Time (5 days)
Salary commensurate with experience, based on the public sector pay scales, generous Annual Leave entitlement, flexibility within the role.
You are required to live in the following geographical area to allow easy access to the case load:
South County Dublin, Wicklow
Fostering First Ireland is a leading national independent fostering agency that is part of the international Key Assets Group. The role offers the opportunity to work within a global company providing high quality and safe services in an environment that supports continuous improvement, learning and innovation.
We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic, self-motivated Link Social Worker who can both work independently and collaboratively within an organisation committed to best practice. If you want to be part of a global organisation that is making a difference and changing lives, FFI may be the place for you.
Responsibilities
* You will be responsible for working directly with foster carers, supporting them and supervising their practice whilst providing individual help and advice.
* To monitor and review carer competence ensuring the provision of quality foster placements to meet the needs of children and young people
* To work collaboratively with the placements team and assisting in the identification and matching of a suitable placement
* To facilitate monthly carer groups as well as the delivery of core training modules
Personal Attributes & Requirements
* You will be a self-starter, comfortable with taking initiative and a creative problem solver
* Flexibility and adaptability
* Ability to work on own initiative and in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team
* Committed to best practice and be innovative and open to change
* You must have a full, clean driving licence.
* You must have good organisational, IT and paperwork management skills.
* Your case load will cover the South Dublin/Wicklow/Kildare areas and can be subject to change, within that area, as agency needs arise.
* You are required to live in the geographical area to ensure greatest availability to the foster carers in the surrounding counties.
* This role involves extensive local travel.
Experience
* A minimum of 2 years post qualification experience
* Experience of working in fostering desirable but not essential
Qualifications
* You must have a recognised social work qualification (NQSW or equivalent) and have current CORU registration.
Fostering First Ireland offers the following benefits to its employees:
* Fulfilling and Challenging work
* Sick Pay Scheme
* Minimum 25 days Annual Leave rising to 30 days
* Death In Service (from commencement of employment)
* Line Management Supervision
* Learning and Development Programme
* Group Health Insurance Scheme (after 1 year)
* Private Pension
* Paid Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity, Adoptive, Force Majeure and Compassionate Leave)
For further information on Fostering First Ireland please visit or for an informal discussion please contact Mary Adams, Team Manager on or or Elaine O'Byrne, Principle Social Worker on or
To be considered for this role, you must complete our application form in full. You will be emailed our full job description, person specification and application form to complete.
Closing date for receipt of applications is the 21st September 2025.
Interviews will take place the week of the 29th September 2025
Please note shortlisting of applicants will apply.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: €48,624.00-€70,235.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Company events
* Company pension
* Sick pay
* Work from home
Application question(s):
* Do you live in the South County Dublin/Wicklow area which is a requirement for this role?
Experience:
* post qualified Social Work: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
* CORU registration (required)
* Full driving licence (required)
Work authorisation:
* Ireland (required)
Work Location: In person