Why work at Barnardos?

Are you a purpose driven individual who is passionate about making a difference and helping some of society’s most vulnerable children? At Barnardos, we pride ourselves on delivering impactful services that make a difference to the lives of children and families across Ireland. 

We believe that childhood lasts a lifetime. As trauma informed specialists our core purpose is to provide the necessary support for children to overcome childhood adversity, embedding a trauma informed ethos and practice into every service we provide. 

What we can offer you?

As a Project Worker we appreciate the value of your time when providing essential support to our services, that’s why we have the necessary support structures and network in place that will allow you to make a real impact on the lives of children across Ireland. We also offer the following:

• Barnardos offers a competitive salary – recognising the experience you bring to the role
• Generous annual leave entitlements plus discretionary Company days
• Employee pension scheme with employer contribution/ Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Access to regular trauma informed support, supervision, training and many other professional development opportunities
• Tax saver and bike to work schemes in operation
• Access to the Employee Assistance/Wellbeing programme for employees and their immediate family members 

What’s the role and service?

In your role as a Project Worker, you will develop and implement programmes that respond to the needs of children and families referred to the service, working in partnership with families and other organisational, community and voluntary bodies. There will be a focus on implementing programmes of support with children and young people where there is a risk of the child not reaching their educational potential as well as family support referrals and a young parent support service in Wexford.

What will my day to day look like?

• Assess the needs of the children and the families engaging with the projects.
• Plan, implement and review programmes for children/young people/carers/families based on an assessment of their individual and group needs. This includes direct work through key working, group sessions, outreach, and centre-based activities, as well as advocacy at both individual and group level.
• To be vigilant for signs of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and any concerns regarding the welfare of children. To record concerns promptly and accurately. To consult with the Designated Person and take appropriate action in accordance with Barnardos Child Protection policy.
• Work directly with children, young people, carers, and families through a range of approaches—including individual, group, family, centre-based, and outreach work—providing key working support where appropriate and advocating on their behalf to meet identified needs.
• Liaise effectively with families and other statutory, community and voluntary bodies and to attend and contribute to reviews and case conferences as required.
• Work in partnership with other Barnardos services to best meet the needs of children and families by collaborating resources with planned interventions targeting groups/families of shared need.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all aspects of work, including the collection of statistical data, preparation of reports, and administration of relevant databases, in line with service requirements
• Identify and document to the line manager any unmet needs of children/young people/ carers / families within the service and to participate in the advocacy work of the agency.
• Respond to the needs of children, young people and where there are risks of a child not reaching their educational potential
• Respond to the needs of young parents and their children up to 2.5 years
  

What experience do I need? 

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience, comprising of 1-year post-qualification experience, and 1 year of relevant, equivalent prior qualification experience of working with vulnerable children and families may be considered.
• Experience of working in partnership with families and carers
• Experience of planning, implementing and reviewing programmes with children and/or families
• Experience of working with young parents
• Experience of working with children/ young people with school completion difficulties and their families

Do I need a qualification?

A recognised third level practice qualification (minimum Level 7 on the QQI) in one of the following:

• Early Childhood Care and Education
• Social Care    
• Education                               
• Social Work
• Youth Work 
• Or related discipline (Psychology, Counselling or Nursing etc.)

Note: this list can be varied depending on the specific requests of the post.

Full driving licence and access to the use of a suitably insured car is essential. 

Applicants with a Social Care or Social Work qualification must be registered with CORU as a Social Care Worker or Social Worker respectively.

Those eligible for CORU registration who are currently in the process of registration through their qualification, or under CORU’s transitional arrangements (grandparenting route), will be required to provide evidence that this in process.

The post-holder is initially assigned to work in the Wexford Family Support service, Enniscorthy but may be required in the future to work in other locations in the Wexford area in line with Organisational needs. 

Barnardos is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

You can download the full Job Description for this role, by clicking on the button below. 

To apply, please complete the personal and professional information sections below, and upload your CV. Please specify the number of hours per week for each of your roles that you have detailed on your CV. 

Click ‘Apply Now’ today.