This programme emphasises the professional and personal development required to work in this challenging field. Social Care Work is the professional provision of care, protection, support, welfare and advocacy for vulnerable or dependent people individually or in groups. As an applied profession, this programme requires students to undertake two episodes of professional placement. Typically, a social care worker is employed working with those who have physical or learning difficulties, disabilities, young people at risk, children who have been neglected or abused, family support services, addiction services, homeless services, elderly people, and in settings as diverse as residential care, day care, and community based services. Graduates find employment opportunities with the HSE, TUSLA, statutory and voluntary organisations and community-based agencies.