If you’re a Social Care Worker (SCW) in Ireland or training to become one you’re not just choosing a job, you’re choosing a sector. And one thing that makes a big difference to your pay, benefits, pension, and job security is how your employer is funded.
There’s a good chance you’ve heard of Section 38, Section 39, or private providers, especially if you’ve worked with agencies like the HSE, Tusla, or community-based services. But what do these categories really mean for your career?
Let’s break it down:
Section 38 are fully funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and operate under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004. They are either run directly by the HSE or by voluntary organisations contracted to deliver state services. You are considered a public servant in these roles which has clear long-term advantages in terms of financial stability and benefits.
Key benefits of working in Section 38 services:
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- Public sector pay scales
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- Full public service pension, sick pay, and maternity leave entitlements
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- Strong union representation (e.g., SIPTU, Fórsa)
Section 39 are part of the voluntary and social care sector, funded partially by the HSE under Section 39 of the Health Act. While not public servants, SCWs in these settings often perform roles very similar to those in Section 38 or HSE settings.
Private Providers are independent, for-profit organisations, that often provide residential or high-support care. Some operate under HSE contracts or SLAs (Service Level Agreements), while others are fully private. The difference with private providers:
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- Pay, benefits, and training vary widely
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- Often more flexibility in hiring, structure, and day-to-day practice
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- Some offer excellent CPD and rapid career growth but may not include pensions or public sector protections
Why This Matters for You
The type of organisation you choose can directly influence:
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- Your long-term earnings and pension
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- Opportunities for CPD and career advancement
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- Access to supports, supervision, and job security
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- Whether you’re working in a unionised environment or not
If you’re an SCW early in your career or thinking about your next step understanding these distinctions can help you make more informed, empowered decisions.
How Orange Recruitment Can Help
At Orange Recruitment, we specialise in guiding Social Care Workers toward roles that match your values, career goals, and preferred working conditions.
We work with:
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- HSE and other Stage Agencies
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- Section 38 and Section 39 organisations
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- Private residential and day service providers
Whether you’re newly CORU-registered or a seasoned practitioner, we’ll help you:
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- Understand which employers support CPD, compliance, and professional growth
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- Navigate contract types, working conditions, and sector expectations
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- Prepare for interviews with employers who are committed to staff development
Being a Social Care Worker means showing up with heart, skill, and resilience every day. You deserve to work in an organisation that respects that and invests in you.
