Fostering First Ireland are recruiting the following position:
Home Based Link Social Worker – Maternity cover Part Time-3 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:
Mid-West Limerick/Clare
Fostering First Ireland (FFI) is seeking a compassionate and committed Link Social Worker to join our team in the Mid-West to cover maternity leave for 1 year minimum. This is a home-based role with flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and foster carers. There will be travel predominantly across Limerick, Clare and surrounds.
We welcome applications from candidates who are committed to trauma-informed practice and who value connection, empowerment, and inclusivity in their work. You must live within the catchment area to ensure accessibility to foster carers.
Why Join Us?
At FFI, we believe in creating safe, empowering environments for children, carers, and staff. As part of the international Key Assets Group, we offer a supportive, trauma-informed, values-led approach rooted in Safety, Trust, Empathy, Connection, Empowerment, Participation, and Inclusivity.
What You'll Do
You'll support foster carers through regular supervision, training, and guidance, helping them provide safe, nurturing homes for children and young people. You'll also:
* Monitor and review carer practice to ensure high-quality placements for children and young people.
* Collaborate with the placements team to identify and match suitable foster placements.
* Facilitate monthly carer support groups and deliver core training modules.
* Ensure compliance with regulatory standards through accurate documentation and participation in regular internal audits, contributing to a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
* Take part in the company out of hours system on a Rota basis
* There will be significant travel in this role
What We're Looking For
* A qualified Social Worker (CORU registered) with 2+ years' post-qualification experience.
* Experience in fostering is welcome but not essential.
* A self-starter who is flexible, empathetic, and collaborative.
* Strong organisational and IT skills.
* Full, clean driving licence and willingness to travel.
* A trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to practice
* Must reside in the identified area to support foster carers effectively.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary (aligned with public sector pay scales)
* Generous annual leave (25 days, rising to 30 days)
* Sick pay scheme & paid family leave
* Private Pension Scheme
* Group health insurance (after 1 year)
* Death in service cover
* Ongoing supervision, learning & development
Interested?
To apply, please complete our application form and send it with your CV to
For an informal chat, contact:
Claire Lohan, Team Manager – |
Elaine O'Byrne, Principal Social Worker – |
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 Tuesday 27th January at 5pm close of business
Interviews will take place Thursday 5th February
Please note shortlisting of applicants will apply.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: €50,120.00-€72,356.00 per year
Expected hours: 21 per week
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Company events
* Company pension
* Sick pay
* Work from home
Application question(s):
* Do you live in the Mid West Limerick/Clare 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