Tusla to offer careers to all final year social work students before their graduation

The career offers are part of a focus on increasing the number of social workers in the agency.

Tusla has announced it will offer employment to all final year social work students who wish to work in the child and family sector. Described as "the first offer of its kind in the sector," it is one of a number of steps to improve recruitment and retention in Tusla. Tusla says that while there are now many agencies and needs for social work in Ireland, there are a limited number of students specialising in the field graudating. Recognising this need, the agency is looking to encourage growth in supply for the future. Tusla CEO Bernard Gloster said in a statement: “This is a significant step in our efforts to attract and retain new graduates. "Social workers make up a significant portion of our growing workforce. Many have been reminded of their value when, along with their social care colleagues, they continued to work with some of the most vulnerable children and families throughout the public health restrictions. "Our offer to final year social work students to secure a career with the agency before qualifying demonstrates the critical importance of the work." Benefits for the social work graduates who join Tusla after an assessment of their suitability include:

• permanent contracts of employment (on receipt of CORU registration);
• a salary scale of €42,157 to €61,288;
• paid holidays of 29 days;
• practice development support;
• dedicated time for continuing professional development;
• transfer options to other counties throughout Republic of Ireland;
• career break options which give people the chance to take time out to travel with an option to return to Tusla.

Anyone currently completing a recognised social work qualification who has an interest in working with Tusla can find out more about this initiative by emailing tuslarecruit@tusla.ie.