Galway University Hospital is seeking an experienced and strategic Principal Social Worker Galway professional to lead and develop social work services within a large acute hospital setting. This is a senior leadership opportunity within the HSE West and North West region, offering the chance to shape service delivery, drive improvement initiatives, and provide clinical and operational leadership.
This permanent wholetime position is ideal for a highly experienced social worker with proven management expertise in complex acute environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight of hospital-based social work services.
- Manage and supervise social work staff, ensuring high standards of clinical governance.
- Lead service improvement initiatives and implement change management strategies.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimise patient-centred care pathways.
- Ensure compliance with HSE policies, procedures, and professional standards.
- Contribute to operational planning and performance management within the hospital.
- Support professional development and workforce planning initiatives.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Recognised qualification in Social Work and eligibility for CORU registration.
- Significant post-qualification experience in social work practice.
- Demonstrated depth and breadth of social work experience in a large acute setting.
- Proven management experience including clinical services management and staff supervision.
- Experience implementing change and service improvement initiatives.
- Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
- Commitment to high-quality, patient-focused care.
Salary, Benefits & Working Hours
Salary is aligned with the Social Worker – Principal (Grade 350Y) HSE consolidated pay scale (1 August 2025 revision) . Salary will be paid in accordance with public sector pay policy and relevant incremental scales.
- Permanent Wholetime contract
- Public sector pension scheme
- Annual leave entitlements in line with HSE policy
- Professional development opportunities
- Access to HSE employee wellbeing supports
Location & Employer Information
This role is based at Galway University Hospital, part of the Saolta University Health Care Group within HSE West and North West. The hospital provides acute and specialist services to a large regional population and operates within a dynamic, multidisciplinary healthcare environment.
County: Galway
Health Region: HSE West and North West
Recruiting Organisation: Health Service Executive (HSE)
Application Details
Applications must be submitted online via the official recruitment portal
Reference: G11801
Category: Health and Social Care Professionals
Advertisement Type: External
Informal enquiries are welcome:
Maria Molloy, Deputy General Manager, GUH
Email: Mariam.molloy@hse.ie
Chris Kane, General Manager, GUH
Email: Chris.kane@hse.ie
Interviews will be held as soon as possible after the closing date. Candidates will normally receive at least one week’s notice of interview.
Last Day to Apply: 4 March 2026, 10:00 AM
