Why work at Barnardos?
At Barnardos we seek to ensure that we have the best people working with us to support our work with children and families. The benefits of working with Barnardos are designed to promote continual professional development and a work-life balance for the most rewarding working experience.
- Barnardos offers a competitive salary – recognising the experience you bring to the role
- Generous annual leave entitlements plus discretionary Company days
- Positive working environment with family friendly ethos and work – life balance policy
- Tax saver and bike to work schemes in operation
- Employee pension scheme with employer contribution
- Paid sick leave
- An opportunity to help improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families by working in a trauma informed way
- Access to regular trauma informed support and supervision
- Ongoing support and access to training and professional development opportunities
- An opportunity to be part of a supportive team
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program for employees and their immediate family members
- Regular Breath, Body and mind sessions to support staff well-being
Family Support Practitioner Project Worker for families living in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation centres to support the pathway for integrated community-based child and family support services. This ESF+ co-financed post is funded for 5 years. This ESF+ Action is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the EU’s main instrument for investing in people, focusing on improving employment and education opportunities as well as enhancing social inclusion and tackling poverty.
The ESF+ is implemented by Member States in partnership with the European Commission and the ESF+ Managing Authority in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has responsibility for implementation of the ESF+ in Ireland.
Job purpose
- To provide support that improves the quality of life for families in state provided accommodation such as (but not limited to) IPAS accommodation centres, Emergency accommodation centres, National Reception Centre, National Hub, Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres, while promoting the personal, social and educational development of children, young people and their parents always keeping the child at the forefront of the work.
- To work in partnership with Tusla services, community based statutory agencies and community and voluntary service providers, IPAS accommodation providers, local Child and Family Support Networks and Children and Young People Services Committees.
- To support/provide the Meitheal early intervention practice model to coordinate a child centred approach to individual family needs led support, and to deliver evidence-based parenting programmes.
- To engage and participate in child & family networks.
Personal Attributes
- Commitment to the delivery of quality services to children, young people, families and carers.
- Ability to act on own initiative and consult where appropriate.
- Ability to work under pressure, make decisions in consultation with the line manager when appropriate.
- To be committed to adhering to best practice in the work and be innovative and open to change.
- Flexibility and adaptability are essential for this post.
- Ability to form objective relationships with children, young people, families/carers, colleagues and other agencies.
Experience
- A minimum of 2 years post qualification experience of working with vulnerable children and families.
- Experience of working in partnership with families and carers.
- Experience of planning, implementing and reviewing programmes with children and/or families.
Desirable
- Experience of working with people of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
- Experience of working with an interpreter.
- Understanding and knowledge of community support services and structures including for refugees and migrants
Qualifications
A recognised third level practice qualification[1] (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 (Nursing, Psychology, Early Years Education).
A full driving licence and access to the use of a suitably insured car is essential.
The post-holder is initially assigned to work in the Limerick City service and may be required in the future to work in other project(s) in the Limerick 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.
For full job description and to apply please visit Current Job Vacancies – Barnardos
Closing date: 12 noon on 09th November 2023
Interview date: 15th /17th November 2023
Shortlisting will apply (please note, CVs are not accepted on their own, candidates must complete and submit our application form through Barnardos website).
[1] Course content should include relevant student placements