Apprenticeship in Social Care (Special Care and Tusla Mainstream Residential Services)

EARN AS YOU LEARN - Apprenticeship in Social Care (50 places available) - Fully paid, Fully Supported leading to a permanent career in Tusla

BA Honours Degree LEVEL 8 – Bachelor of Arts in Social Care

(3 Year Programme and permanent employment in TUSLA)

Benefits:

• Starting Salary (€31,618)
• 26 Days Annual Leave plus 11 public holidays
• Structured Mentoring & Supervision
• Permanent Role Guaranteed on Graduation
• Eligible for CORU Registration
• Access to Tusla Pension Scheme

Apprenticeship in Social Care (Special Care and Tusla Mainstream Residential Services)

Tusla Child and Family Agency, in conjunction with UCC & MTU and the National Apprenticeship Office are delighted to launch a new Apprenticeship in Social Care which will prioritise placements within Tusla Special Care Services and Tusla Mainstream Residential Services.

The Apprentice will also attend academic training and study in UCC/MTU and be required to pass all academic examinations and meet CORU standards of proficiency during work-integrated learning /placement blocks, and to maintain records of progression and development.

Locations:

Locations are within Special Care Services (Dublin, Cork and Limerick) and Tusla Mainstream Residential Services in various areas of the country.

You will be asked on the application form to indicate your regional preference. Panels will be created on a regional basis.   Please note Apprenticeship in Social Care offers will be made by order of merit and in line with organisational need, therefore it may not be possible to facilitate applicants' first preference.

Purpose of the Apprenticeship:

This post provides the employee with structured on-the-job learning opportunities as a Social Care Apprentice.

• The role involves shadowing qualified Social Care Workers and developing core social care competencies in a supported environment.
• The Apprentice will contribute directly to the delivery of care services while building practical skills.
• The overall aim is to support the social wellbeing and best interests of the service users within Special Care and Children’s Residential Services.
• The post-holder will work closely with the local Social Care staff in maintaining high quality documentation and data for children and families in a child protection and welfare setting.

We encourage people from under-represented groups - those with care experience and mature students to apply.

For any queries on the Apprenticeship Programme, please contact Mairtin Thornton mairtin.thornton@tusla.ie

0870607910

                                                      Structure of Programme

Academic Learning

• Generally, the Apprentice in Social Care will complete 2 days per week on site in UCC with 3 days of blended learning. 
• The Social Care Apprentice will attend all social care education and training courses in a Higher Education Institute and demonstrate professional standards of proficiency (as set down by CORU) during work-integrated learning blocks on the job, leading to qualification as a CORU qualified social care worker.
• Failure to pass all academic requirements and work-based learning will result in a pause in employment and a change in employment status subject to the employer’s needs and requirements at that time.
• Following the 3-year Programme which leads to a BA in Social Care the Apprentice will be offered a permanent post as a Social Care Worker in Tusla.

Work Based Learning

• The Social Care Apprentice will work closely with a team of Social Care practitioners in their work environment for approximately blocks of 24 weeks per year.
• The Social Care Apprentice will work closely with the Social Care team ensuring theory to practice when supporting day-to-day care and provide on-going support to the Social Care team.
• The post-holders will work closely with the local Social Care staff in maintaining high quality documentation and data for children and families in a child protection and welfare setting
• The social care apprentice will have access to a dedicated mentor in workplace.

Applicants must by the closing date of application have the following: Entry Requirements to QQI Level 8 Social Care Qualification:

• 6 recognised subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificate, obtaining a minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and minimum Grade O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects. This must include Irish (unless exempt) and English.
• A minimum of 12 months experience working in a Social Care or Social Care related setting.

OR

• Hold a level 5/6 QQI FETAC qualification with Distinctions (i.e.,80% or greater) in 4 modules.
• A minimum of 12 months experience working in a Social Care or Social Care related setting.

OR

• Recognition of Prior Learning.  Hold a transcript demonstrating successful completion of 180 ECTS credits of a CORU-approved level 7 programme in Social Care or equivalent
• A minimum of 12 months experience working in a Social Care or Social Care related setting.

Health

A candidate and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.