Senior Social Work Practitioner-Memory Clinic (part-time) (12.015 (2025)
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Job Summary
Job Title: Senior Social Work Practitioner Memory Clinic
Part time permanent 0.5 WTE
Reference No: 12.015 (2025)
Department / Directorate: Social Work Department COO Directorate
Reports to: Manager of Social Work or Deputy
Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is a model 4 voluntary academic teaching hospital partnered with Trinity College and situated in south west Dublin. With a staff of over 4000 people from 63 different countries it provides both acute and tertiary care to an increasing population of circa 800000 people and is a provider of local regional and national specialties. It is also a National Urology Centre the second largest provider of dialysis services in the country Pelvic and Acetabulum National Centre and a designated Trauma Unit.
The Hospital is part of the newly established HSE Dublin & Midlands Region which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties and operates under the governance of an independent Board of Directors who give their time on a voluntary basis. TUH is also supported by the Adelaide Health Foundation the Meath Foundation and Tallaght University Hospital Foundation.
TUH recognises the role it plays in our community both as an employer and provider of healthcare and is committed to building a sustainable future for our region both now and into the future with a focus on patient outcomes.
The Hospital is ambitious recognising that healthcare delivery is undergoing seismic change and will be different now and into the future largely due to digital and technological advances along with research continuing to discover and test new treatment options. TUH wants to be a leader in determining that future. It is a Hospital without Walls always looking to optimise care both within and beyond in line with the Sláintecare vision of providing the right care in the right place at the right time whilst empowering our patients and staff.
TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is People Caring for People to Live Better Lives through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do.
Our TUH CARE values for patients their families our community and staff are:
- Collaborate together and with our academic and care partners
- Achieve our goals positive outcomes and wellbeing
- Respect for patients each other and our environment
- Equity for patients and staff
A full overview of TUH is available on us
purpose of the role:
The Senior Social Work Practitioner will work as part of the Medical and Surgical teams to help patients and their families with any psychological emotional social or practical difficulties during their hospital stay. In addition to performing the full range of operational level duties the Senior Social Work Practitioner will also be responsible for mentoring basic grade/student social workers and participate in their continuing professional training and development.
overview of role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Service
- Staff are assigned to Specialist Teams within Adult Services in TUH. These specialist attachments can be subject to review by the Social Work Manager according to the needs of the service
- The remit of the SSWP includes a key role in developing and enhancing clinical practice in the Social Work Department
Professional Duties and Responsibilities:
- The current vacancy is the memory clinic and the successful candidate would be required to carry a caseload and take responsibility for service delivery to patients in the memory clinic (0.5WTE) commensurate with duties as a Senior Practitioner. Assigned caseloads are subject to change depending on service needs.
- Have knowledge of the needs of the above patients in terms of the psychosocial impact of the presenting illness; provide counselling and support to patients and their families/carers in this context
- Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with clients of the service and their families
- Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with people at all levels in the organisation and from other agencies
- Attend as appropriate at clinics ward rounds multidisciplinary meetings etc. to discuss care planning for patients
- Initiate and support the development of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care which includes holding Care Planning Meetings/Case Conferences as required in planning patient care
- Have experience of managing a busy caseload and dealing with complex cases
- Report to and consult with Social Work Team Leaders/Social Work Manager on casework practice particularly in relation to critical cases as outlined in departmental policy
- Maintain high standards in social work practice
- Engage in professional supervision in accordance with policy of the social work department
- Perform other duties that may be assigned by the Social Work Manager
Education and Training:
- Participate in opportunities for professional development in compliance with the required standards as set out by CORU
- Have knowledge of legislation pertaining to social work practice in Ireland and keep up to date with changes in legislation
- Undertake and initiate projects related to the development of high standards in clinical practice as deemed appropriate by the Social Work Manager
- Contribute to induction and training programmes for newly qualified Social Workers and for Social Workers new to the hospital
- Offer a mentoring role for newly qualified Social Workers and those new to the hospital
- Has knowledge of and experience in Practice Teaching; will take an active role in co-ordinating student placements and support colleagues in the supervision of students
- Take responsibility for the dissemination of knowledge/information to the Social Work Department looking at its impact on clinical practice
- Play an active role in the provision of in-service training e.g. Coordination of the CPD Forum in the Social Work Department
- Provide teaching and participate in Social Work training programmes for other health professionals as required
Research:
- Promote clinical research particularly in the specialist area attached to the post
- Participate in multidisciplinary research projects and/or initiate new projects to further clinical Social Work practice
Team Work
- Participate as an active member of the Social Work Department
- Provide duty cover for the department to screen and allocate cases as necessary
- Attend Social Work Department meetings as required
- Participate in the formulation/up-dating of policies and procedures for the Social Work Department
- Co-operate with other Social Work Team members in planning service delivery
Administration
- Ensure that clear concise social work records are maintained in a professional manner in keeping with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act/ Social Work Department policy
- Provide information on activity levels statistics etc. as may be required by the Social Work Manager
Qualifications & Experience required
Must have:
- Be registered as a Social Worker with CORU the professional body for regulating Health & Social Care Professionals-Social Work Registration number to be included on CV
- Maintain live annual registration on the Social Work Register maintained by CORU
- Have a minimum of 3 years full time (or equivalent) relevant post qualification experience
- Must have requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office
Desirable:
- Have relevant experience of social work in health care
- Demonstrate skills and experience working with clients presenting with a wide variety of issues e.g. critical illness mental health addiction domestic violence child protection sudden death trauma and safeguarding
- Demonstrate competencies in crisis intervention counselling grief and loss complex assessments and discharge planning
- Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and promote the role of the social worker within this team
- Experience of care planning including home care packages and long term care
- Experience of working with patients of all ages who present with memory issues
Reward & Recognition
- Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales
- 1st August 2025. Grade Code: 3614.
- The appointment is 0.5 WTE permanent part time and pensionable. A panel maybe formed for other part time SSWP vacancies that may arise within Social Work Department in the future.
- The annual leave entitlement is 29 working days pro rata per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
- Normal working hours are 17.5 hours. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.
Application process
Applications can be submitted on-line at by completing the application form and attaching your CV. Candidates should be aware that when applying for a post through the On-Line Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application. Should you for any reason not receive this automated acknowledgement you should notify the Human Resources Department before the closing date otherwise your application will not be considered.
All candidates should note that in order to maintain a timely process the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.
Informal Enquiries to: Janice Hanlon Principal Social Worker Social Work Department - Telephone (01)or email
Closing Date: Before close of business on: 24th December 2025.
TUH Core Competencies:
| Core Area | Competency | Level |
| Managing the service | Quality & Safety of Service | 3 |
| Managing the service | Delivery of Results | 3 |
| Managing Change | Problem Solving & Decision Making | 3 |
| Managing Change | Communications & Influencing | 3 |
| Managing Yourself | Team player | 3 |
| Managing Yourself | Planning and Organising | 3 |
| Managing People | People Management | 3 |
| Managing People | Leadership | 3 |
Please go to for details of the core competencies
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004).
A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day
of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.
Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital. Given the specialised nature of the services provided your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate. The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment. Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.
Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service local authorities health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.
Probation
The probationary period may be extended at the Hospitals discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period. Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973 - 2001.
Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by one months notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Managements right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.
Sick Leave
- There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
- In the event of absence from work you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.
- Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
- Collect interpret and present data and information on the Departments activities staffing and expenditure as required.
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant)
(b) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c) Single Public Service Pension Scheme
Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a) If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b) If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c) If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes). The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.
Health & Safety
- All employees must comply with the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
- Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
- Take reasonable care to protect your own safety health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
Hygiene / Infection prevention and control
- All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness. Hygiene is defined as The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.
- All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
- All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
- All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.
Quality safety and risk management
- Support the delivery of the Quality Safety and Risk Management Programme including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.
Data Management
- Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.
Confidentiality
You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular the right of patients to confidentiality. To this end you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and in any event upon the termination of your employment all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.
Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners registered nurses physiotherapists psychologists social workers and others. This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015. Mandated persons under the legislation are required to report any knowledge belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault ill-treatment neglect or sexual abuse and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla if requested in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted ill-treated neglected or sexually abused or (b) a childs health development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
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