We are advertising for social workers, how should the advertisement be phrased?
The Board suggests the following template for specifying social work qualifications: Qualifications - Each candidate must possess a
National Qualification in Social Work (NQSW) or
Certificate of Qualification in Social Work (CQSW) or
Letter of Accreditation Issued by the National Social Work Qualifications Board
In order to obtain Letter of Accreditation, holders of non-national qualification/s should apply to the
NSWQB at
8 - 11 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 - 676 6281; Fax: 01 - 676 6289;
email: nswqb@nswqb.ie
We are interviewing for social work posts at the moment but we are not sure about some applicants' qualifications. Can the Board give advice on this?
Yes. The Board can give general advice about qualifications recognised for professional practice. The Board advises employers to ask prospective employees for either an NQSW or a CQSW certificate, or a Letter of Accreditation. In order to avoid delays, this requirement should be made explicit from the outset preferably at the advertising stage.
If there are any queries the applicant should contact the NSWQB for further information. For example, he or she may need to apply for accreditation of non-national qualifications.
We would like to employ a person with non-national qualifications, but the Board has not yet assessed the person's application. Can the NSWQB give an indication of whether this person will be eligible for accreditation or not?
The Board can explain the criteria for accreditation. Due to their complexity, it is not always possible to give immediate advice over the telephone in relation to non-national qualifications. When an assessment has been made (for example if the Board has declared the applicant eligible but the Letter of Accreditation has not yet been issued) and with the permission of the applicant, the NSWQB could advise the employer as to the outcome of an assessment.
Is the CQSW recognised for professional practice in Ireland?
Yes. The CQSW is recognised as equivalent to the currently awarded NQSW. This is true about CQSWs gained in Ireland as well as those gained in the UK. If required, the Board issues verification letters to holders of CQSWs.
Is the UK Diploma in Social Work recognised for professional practice in Ireland?
The assessment of DipSW applications for accreditation is made on an individual basis on the criteria as set out. Therefore some DipSW holders may be eligible for accreditation while others may not. This will largely depend on what types of academic qualifications are held in conjunction with the professional award.
