Employee Testimonials: Life at Muiríosa Foundation
At Muiríosa Foundation, our team is the heart of our mission, providing exceptional, person-centred support that truly makes a difference. We foster a supportive and dynamic work environment where employees can grow, develop their skills, and build meaningful careers.
Hear from some of our team as they share their experiences and career journeys, and what makes working at Muiríosa so fulfilling.
Tony Walsh
Autism Service Development Lead, Laois/Offaly
"My journey with Muiríosa Foundation has been one of continuous growth, support, and opportunity. I started as a newly qualified Social Care Worker in 2018, and from the beginning, I was encouraged to develop my skills and gain experience in all aspects of the role. This strong foundation opened doors for me to progress into management.
Muiríosa supported my postgraduate studies and career growth, encouraging me to apply for a management role and provided training to develop my leadership skills. With the support of peers and senior management, I also secured a role leading a school leaver transition project and completed a specialised postgraduate qualification to succeed.
Throughout my time with the organisation, having worked in multiple regions, I have always felt valued, supported, and encouraged to pursue new opportunities and enhance my learning. Muiríosa Foundation is a genuinely fantastic place to build a career in social care, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to make a real difference in the lives of others."
Rachel Creevy
Residential Leader, Offaly/Tipperary
"My career with Muiríosa began on the relief panel as a Support Worker while I was still in college. This role allowed me to gain invaluable experience across various locations, working with individuals with a range of support needs. The flexibility of the relief panel helped me build experience in social care while continuing my studies.
After starting as a Social Care Worker, Muiríosa’s support helped me grow in confidence and competence, fostering my professional development. I progressed to a Team Leader role, gaining valuable leadership experience while continuing to provide high-quality care. A fixed-term Residential Leader position further deepened my understanding of senior leadership, preparing me to confidently step into a full-time permanent role when the opportunity arose.
Now, as a Residential Leader, I can confidently say Muiríosa has been key to my professional growth, offering continuous support and development. For new Social Care Workers, Muiríosa provides an incredible environment to gain experience, build confidence, and work alongside amazing colleagues and individuals. I highly recommend Muiríosa to anyone pursuing a career in social care."
James Jenkinson
Technical Officer - Property & Energy Management
"I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Muiríosa Foundation over the past six months, where I moved from the construction industry to a property management role. The supportive collaborative environment coupled with increased work life balance here has made my transition seamless and enjoyable.
Muiríosa Foundation’s management team have been incredibly encouraging, providing me with the guidance and resources I need. Their commitment to professional development and teamwork has not only enhanced my skills but also fostered a sense of belonging. I truly appreciate being part of such a dedicated team who make such a huge difference to the lives of the people we support."
Olive Smith
Support Worker
"I started with Muiríosa Foundation in the mid 90s, and I’m privileged to work as a Support Worker in the Longford/Westmeath/Meath region since then, for almost 30 years. I began on a FÁS Community Employment Scheme in both Residential and Day Service settings before transitioning into full-time Day Services Supports.
I later became the first relief panel worker, supporting individuals with diverse needs across multiple locations. Over the years, I witnessed a shift from traditional congregate care to a more person-centred approach, a transition Muiríosa fully embraced despite its challenges. Through continuous training and experience, I have grown in my role, enabling me to support individuals in living their best lives, an opportunity for which I am truly grateful.
Muiríosa’s dedication to progress and their advancements to continually improve the delivery of support services is what motivates me to continue to work with the organisation. I am gratified for the opportunity to be part of such a progressive and forwarding thinking organisation."
Dr. Paul Quinn
Senior Clinical Psychologist
"Working with Muiríosa Foundation has been a breath of fresh air, even in the relatively short time I have had here. From day one, I was struck by the genuine warmth of the welcome I received and how quickly positive professional relationships formed. All staff I have met are not only exceptionally knowledgeable in their respective fields but bring a wealth of practical experience that has proven invaluable.
The organisational initiatives being rolled out are truly impressive in both scope and implementation. What might have been overwhelming changes elsewhere have been introduced with clear communication, thoughtful planning, and responsive support at every step. I've watched these initiatives gain momentum and already deliver tangible results, which speaks volumes about their commitment to advancing their mission and enhancing the lives of those they serve.
At the heart of Muiríosa's culture is a profound appreciation for human connection. There is a shared recognition that meaningful relationships - both internally and those with people and families that are supported - are fundamental to creating lasting positive change."
Bernie Loughman
Team Leader
"I’ve worked with Muiríosa for over 25 years, supporting people to realise their vision, and it has been extremely fulfilling and rewarding. I have grown into my role over the years through continued professional development and opportunities I have taken to upskill. There are many opportunities for staff to undertake leadership positions and all staff are actively encouraged to progress.
My role as Team leader is diverse, which enables me to draw on my own creativity, professionalism and shared interests to support people to make significant gains in their lives. To support a person to live their best life is the best feeling ever. It is one of the reasons I enjoy going to work each day. Overcoming challenges and finding solutions that will work is very satisfying. Making positives happen is wonderful.
Muiríosa Foundation is a progressive organisation, always striving forward to make lives better for the people we support. As an organisation, the management team are also engaged in promoting and supporting the well being of the staff. The fact I am here for over 25 years is testament in itself to the job satisfaction I have."