The following are career opportunities that social workers can engage in:
Directly lifted from: https://gradireland.com/career-sectors/social-community-and-youth/careeropportunities-in-social-work
1. Health Board social workers- social workers in this category is concerned of psychiatric
illness, financial and environmental difficulties, alcohol and drug-related problems, interpersonal
difficulties and child abuse. All cases dealt with by Health Board social workers include a
child/family dimension.
2. Medical social workers- You could be employed as a medical social worker by voluntary and
health-board-run hospitals. You will offer direct help where medical conditions are complicated
by social and emotional factors. Psychiatric social workers work with patients in psychiatri c
hospitals and with out-patients as well as in a preventative role
3. Working for local authorities-You could also work for local authorities as a housing welfare
officer (social worker), offering social services to tenants, prospective tenants and/or travellers.
This involves liaising with housing and government departments.
4. Working for the Department of Justice- As a probation and welfare officer in the Department
of Justice, you may work with the Adoption Board, the courts, or prisons and places of detention.
This involves making recommendations to the appropriate authorities.
5. Working for voluntary agencies- Voluntary agencies catering for specific interest groups
also employ social workers. These include charities, special schools (run by religious groups or
parents) and treatment centres.
6. Working in industry- Social workers in industry (‘welfare workers’) are concerned with
employees and pensioners of an organisation, eg the Army. The work can range from family
problems to work with pensioners and the elderly.