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.
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.
What experience do I need?
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience, comprising of at least 1-year post-qualification experience, and up to 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.
Desirable Knowledge / Experience
- Knowledge or experience of a range of trauma informed family support services such as Just Right State, This is Me and Breath, Body, Mind (BBM), Creative Mindfulness.
- Experience of intensive interventions and family programmes.
- Experience of the Meitheal Process Lead Practitioner Role, Ability to Chair Meitheal would be an advantage.
- To develop strong working relationship with CSFN Co-ordinator, Kilkenny.
- Understanding of the role of the Safe & Protected from Harm Kilkenny CYPSC Subgroup and the CYPSC plan for Kilkenny under this Subgroup. Ability to attend subgroup meeting in the managers absence.
- Willingness to be flexible using a blended work approach of working from Carlow Project, identified venues in Kilkenny County and from home.
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 e.g., Nursing, Psychology, Early Years Education
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.
Full driving licence and access to the use of a suitably insured car essential.
The postholder is initially assigned to work in the Carlow Project outreach to Kilkenny but may be required in the future to work in other locations in the South East 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.
Closing Date: Wednesday 27 May 2026
Interview Date: 04 June
