Principal Medical Social Worker (Permanent

(Permanent, Full time)

Working as part of interdisciplinary teams, social workers in the National Rehabilitation Hospital support patients and families/carers in the process of adjusting to an altered future as a result of illness or trauma. The social work team addresses the social and emotional components in a patient’s situation that influence their progression towards achieving optimal independence and enhancing their quality of life. The service ranges from pre-admission through to inpatient, outpatient and outreach services.

The services offered by the Social Work Department include psychosocial assessment of the patient and family situation, counselling and support to patients and families, carer training programmes, care planning; complex discharge planning, advocacy, assisted decision making services and safeguarding.

The Principal Medical Social Worker is responsible for the management and governance of the Social Work Service. He/she will also have a key role in service development and staff training within the Social Work Department and the wider hospital. The Principal Social Worker will be expected to identify gaps in services and input into service planning within the hospital and in the wider health and social care network.

Core tasks will include staff supervision, audit and review of the service, service design and strategic planning, acting at the Designated Officer for child and adult safeguarding, oversight of the NRH ADMA service, teaching and wider hospital managerial duties as assigned by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

Qualifications

The candidate must, on the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office, have the following professional qualifications and experience;

Certified Qualification in Social Work (CQSW) / National Qualification in Social Work (NQSW) or equivalent qualification

At least five year’s relevant post qualification experience.

Experience in a senior social work role in a medical, rehabilitation and/or disability sectors

Must be registered on the Social Work Register maintained by the Social Work Registration Board at CORU

Must maintain live annual registration on the Social Work Register maintained by the Social Workers Registration Board at CORU

Must have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability, professional and managerial ability) for the proposed discharge of the duties of the office.

For more details about this post, please see the job description attached.

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Informal enquiries to Anne O'Loughlin, Principal Medical Social Worker via email at anne.oloughlin@nrh.ie or Polly Bethonico, HRBP via email at polly.bethonico@NRH.IE

Application Closing Date: 5:00 PM - Sunday, 18th January 2026

Anticipated Interview Date: Interviews for the Principal Medical Social Worker post will be held on Thursday, 29th January 2026 . Shortlisted candidates will be notified and provided with confirmation of the date and time of their interview.

How to Apply: Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae and cover letter via the "Apply" function on Rezoomo.

• Please be advised that only applications submitted through Rezoomo prior to the specified deadline will be considered. Should you encounter any technical difficulties during the application process, please contact the Human Resources Department at dept.humanresouces@nrh.ie before the closing date.

**The NRH reserves the right to extend the application deadline based on the volume of suitable applications.

***Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the information supplied in your CV. The criteria for Shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined above. Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward for the next stage of the selection process.

A Panel may be formed from those interviewed and from which current and future Principal Medical Social Worker vacancies may be filled.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and support a smoke-free workplace policy.

Benefits

Professional Development + Growth
EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)
Professional Coaching
Wellness Programs
Lunch & Learns
Free onsite parking
Mentorship sessions
Pension Scheme
Learning and development opportunities
Cycle to Work Scheme
Health Services Staffs Credit Union
Annual Tax Saver Travel Scheme
Workplace Health & Wellbeing Unit

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