Introduction to the Independent Social Worker Role with the MDT Service
Thank you for your interest in joining our social work consulting team! We hope the following information will support your application.
ABOUT US
The MDT Service was first established as Key Assets Consulting in 2018 and later merged with its sister company Fostering First Ireland (FFI) in 2025. Our MDT service provides high-quality, multidisciplinary assessment and consulting services to children and families.
Our highly experienced consulting team includes:
* Locations: Children’s Clinics and consulting rooms in Dublin and Cork.
* Mobile Services: Nationwide mobile consulting for Tusla.
* Remote Services: Many professional services are available via video conferencing.
We are presently recruiting experienced social workers to complete a variety of Social Work assessments for children’s services and child and family law proceedings. The Independent Social Worker role with the MDT Service is a self-employed, freelance, part-time position with significant flexibility to manage working hours and case load.
* Are you looking for a more flexible, supportive working arrangement with attractive benefits?
* Have you a background in Child Protection / Children in Care?
* Do you enjoy assessment focused work?
* Do you have strong time management, report writing and analytical skills?
* Are you creative in your approach to working with children and families?
WHAT TYPE OF ASSESSMENT WORK IS AVAILABLE TO INDEPENDENT SOCIAL WORKERS WITHIN THE MDT SERVICE?
* Our social workers complete detailed Section 20 assessments (per Child Care Act, 1991 as amended) and Section 12 assessments (per Domestic Violence Act, 2018) on behalf of Tusla for Family Law proceedings before the District Courts.
* We also offer Initial Child Protection / Welfare Assessments (IAs) in certain Tusla areas subject to demand.
* Attendance at court is not routinely required; however, social workers may be requested to attend court to give evidence on their completed court reports on occasion.
* Occasional Social Work Parenting Assessments for international family law proceedings.
PRIMARY LOCATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORKER ROLES
Currently, our Independent Social Workers are routinely completing a range of assessments in the CKST (Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary) and WW (Waterford/Wexford) areas with additional ad hoc work available in the Dublin region.
WHY JOIN US?
Our benefits include:
* Attractive professional fees.
* Direct, straightforward payment terms and invoicing support – we pay you directly on completion of the report/consultation.
* Clearly structured assessment templates with transparent hours and fees from the outset.
* Access to CPD – we provide training in courtroom skills and report-writing for legal purposes. Additional training options are available annually on relevant specialist areas (e.g., attachment assessment, specialist skills for assessing younger children).
* Sharing of latest professional research/assessment resources/reports/policy information – including access to relevant journal articles.
* Marketing of your expertise.
* Well-developed Quality Assurance system – including proof-reading service.
* Accessible consultation with experienced senior staff.
* Peer Support structures – online professional forums are available for peer supervision and support.
* Admin Support – through our Business Support team.
* IT Support – access to secure information sharing mechanisms.
* Flexible working hours – you decide how many cases you want to work on monthly. We issue suitable referrals to you within your caseload limit, matched to your skill set, as they become available.
WHAT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS IS REQUIRED?
Job Specification
* Recognised Professional Social Work qualification (NQSW) or international equivalent.
* CORU Registered (essential).
* Minimum of 2 years, full-time, post qualification experience working with children & families is essential.
* Minimum of 6 months experience working in Child Protection / Children in Care within the last 5 years. (For international applicants, Signs of Safety training and experience is required in the absence of direct experience with Tusla).
* Proven experience in preparing comprehensive Social Work reports for Court.
* Requires the ability to work on your own initiative, in a flexible and creative manner, within agency policies and procedures and in accordance with relevant statutory provisions.
* Keen procedural knowledge of relevant legislation: Child Care Act, 1991 (as amended), Children First Act (2015), Domestic Violence Act (2018), Family Law Act (1995), Children & Family Relationships Act (2015).
* Commitment to delivering high quality client-centred services in an inclusive and flexible manner.
* Well-developed skill set for working sensitively with children and families.
* Specific experience/training in any of the following areas is desirable: Section 20 assessment, Section 12 (DV) assessment, Initial CPW assessment, parenting capacity assessments or attachment assessments.
* If currently working within Tusla the Child and Family Agency – geographical working restrictions will apply to ensure independence and prevent conflicts of interest.
* Must have own car and full driving licence.
* Garda Vetting procedures will apply.
NEXT STEP?
If you’re interested and ready to apply, simply return the application form with your CV to jobs@ffi.ie
At FFI, we are here to support you in your role, so you can concentrate on directing your professional skills to deliver better outcomes for children and families.
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