Social Work

The Social Work Department plays a vital role in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families to navigate life’s challenges, safeguard wellbeing, and access the supports that enable a good quality of life. Our social workers bring professional expertise, compassion, and a strong commitment to rights-based, person-centred practice. 

Working in partnership with individuals, families, staff teams, and external agencies, the department focuses on promoting independence, choice, and social inclusion while ensuring that people are supported in a safe and respectful way.

What We Do

1.Community Social Work 

Person-Centred Support and Advocacy 

Our social workers work directly with individuals and families to understand their circumstances, strengths, and goals. Support is tailored to each person and may include: 

• Individual and family support during times of change, transition, or difficulty 
• Advocacy to ensure people’s voices are heard and their rights upheld 
• Support to access appropriate health, social, housing, and community services 
• Guidance and information to help families navigate complex systems 

Assessment and Planning 

The Social Work Department undertakes comprehensive assessments to identify needs, risks, and strengths. These assessments inform clear, practical plans that support wellbeing, participation, and personal outcomes, while aligning with statutory and organisational requirements. 

Collaboration and Partnership 

Social work practice is inherently collaborative. Our team works closely with multidisciplinary colleagues across the organisation and with external partners such as health services, statutory agencies, advocacy organisations, and community supports to ensure coordinated and effective responses. 

2. Safeguarding and Protection

Safeguarding is a core responsibility of the department. Social workers act as Designated Officers for Safeguarding Adults at Risk and provide leadership, guidance, and oversight in responding to safeguarding concerns. This includes: 

• Assessing and managing risk
• Supporting individuals and families through safeguarding processes
• Advising and supporting staff teams
• Ensuring safeguarding practices are consistent with national policy and legislation

3. Share A Break/Homesharing

Homesharing is a model of care that was developed by the Muiríosa Foundation in 1983. Community-based respite and support for adults and children with moderate to severe intellectual disability 

Available across Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath, it is a unique, individualised service matching people with assessed Hosts.

The purpose of Homesharing is to develop friendships and relationships, provide breaks outside the home, access community supports and services, promote choice and self-direction,and build future support networks.

For more information, visit our Home-Sharing page.

Our Approach 

Rights-Based and Ethical Practice 

Our work is grounded in social work values of dignity, respect, equality, and social justice. We are committed to ethical practice, professional accountability, and continuous learning, in line with CORU standards and relevant legislation. 

Strengths-Focused and Holistic 

We recognise that each person is more than their needs or challenges. Social workers take a holistic view of people’s lives, building on strengths, relationships, and community connections to support long-term wellbeing. 

Empowerment and Choice 

We support individuals to make informed choices about their lives and services, promoting self-determination and meaningful participation in family, community, and society. 

Our Social Work Team 

Our Professionally Qualified Social Workers are experienced practitioners who bring skill, empathy, and professionalism to their work. Through careful listening, informed assessment, and thoughtful intervention, they support people to feel safe, heard, and supported. Our team also consists of two Home-sharing Co-ordinators, and admin support.