Social Work Posts in Ireland - survey 1999

Executive Summary

The purpose of the survey was to provide baseline information on social work posts in Ireland as at 1 September 1999. The information obtained will be helpful for labour force planning and as a basis for further studies of the profession. A shortage of such information has existed for a decade or more.

Main findings from the survey include:

There are 1,390.3 social work posts in the country filled by 1,528 social work practitioners.
The majority of social work posts are full-time and permanent, although temporary posts are also relatively common particularly within the health board structure.
The majority of social work posts (815.4 posts, or 58.6 per cent) are located in health boards.
The health board sector has witnessed an increase in numbers of posts during the 1990s. Other areas of social work have not increased to the same extent.
The Department of Health and Children is the parent department for 83.3 per cent of the social work posts.
The highest density of social work posts, both in absolute and relative terms, is found in the Eastern region comprising Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.
The majority of social work practitioners are professionally qualified (1,306 persons, or 85.5 per cent).
Newly qualified social workers are more often found in community care services.
A total of 136 holders of non-national qualifications (8.9 per cent of the work force) have been identified, of which the majority (112 persons, or 82.4 per cent) have been accredited by the Board.
The number of vacant social work posts on the date of the survey was at least 150 and a follow-up study in April 2000 indicated a continuing high level of vacancies.
A total of 200.5 new posts have already been approved for introduction in the coming two years.
It is estimated that 660.5 additional posts will be required to meet overall service requirements.

Main points arising from the survey include:

The number of social work posts is lower than generally estimated and a comparatively low per capita ratio by international standards.
The increase in the number of social work posts has largely been confined to the health boards.
The vacancy situation would indicate that there are not enough qualified social workers available to fill posts.
Expansion of current social legislation, introduction of new legislation, changes in demography and social policy developments are likely to lead to even greater service needs and staff demand in all areas of social work.
An increase in the numbers of graduates qualifying from professional social work courses will be required in order to meet the demand.

Areas identified for further research include:

Staff retention
Other recruitment issues
Situation regarding temporary social work posts
Employment patterns of newly qualified social workers
Employment patterns of holders of non-national qualifications
Geographic distribution of social work posts throughout the country

The NSWQB will take the above considerations into account when implementing its Strategic Plan, which inter alia includes a bi-annual labour force survey and a national audit of social work.

To obtain a printed copy of the full pilot survey 'Social Work Posts in Ireland' please contact us.

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