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How to Become a Social Care Worker in Ireland

Last verified 21 Jul 2026· Published 21 Jul 2026

What a social care worker does

Social care workers support people in residential and day services — in disability, children's and older persons care — building relationships, planning care and helping people live as independently as possible. The role is distinct from social work: social care is hands-on, day-to-day care and support.

Qualifications and registration

The standard requirement is an approved degree in Social Care Work (typically QQI Level 7 or 8). Social care workers are a profession regulated by CORU, Ireland's health and social care regulator — registration on the Social Care Workers Register is being rolled out with a transition period for existing practitioners. Check current requirements and the register status with CORU.

Step by step

  • Complete an approved social care degree (full-time, or part-time/apprenticeship-style routes exist).
  • Get Garda vetting.
  • Register with CORU as required.
  • Apply for posts in the HSE and in Section 38/39 agencies (Rehab, St John of God, Cheshire and others), whose pay is aligned to HSE scales.

Pay and vacancies

See the current Social Care Worker salary scale, and browse live social care & disability services jobs.

Frequently asked questions

What qualification do I need to be a social care worker?
An approved degree in Social Care Work (typically QQI Level 7 or 8). The profession is regulated by CORU, so registration requirements also apply.
Is social care the same as social work?
No. Social care is hands-on, day-to-day support in residential and day services; social work is a separate profession with its own qualification and CORU register.
Do social care workers need to register with CORU?
Yes — social care workers are regulated by CORU, with registration being rolled out. Check the current register status and transitional arrangements on coru.ie.

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