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 Parent Advocate (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 Parent Advocate (Project Worker), you will empower and enable parents to actively participate in the child protection and court systems in an informed and supported manner.
What will my day to day look like?
- Providing the information that parents need to understand what is happening (in legal or child protection contexts) and what it means for them and their child.
- Advocating for fair process for parents in child protection and court systems. Supporting parents to have a voice and advocating for those who are unable to put their own views forward.
- Supporting parents to be strong and grounded and solution focused in challenging proceedings (for example where there is risk their child is going to be taken into care).
- Preparation for and support in attendance at meetings with Tusla, legal professionals or court hearings.
- Supporting parents to understand why their child is in care and what they need to do for their child to be returned from care (if suitable) and understanding their child's journey through the care system.
- Helping parents understand the role of social workers, courts and other relevant agencies.
- Helping parents understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Promoting positive and constructive communication and good working relationships between parents and the legal / child protection systems.
- Helping to establish clear agreements and plans regarding access and supporting parents to meaningfully engage in these.
- Supporting parents’ connection with all aspects of legal aid, courts, child protection system (e.g. case conferences, child in care reviews).
- Enabling social workers, legal representatives and parents to work together in best interest of the child.
- Supporting parents to identify and mobilise their support networks.
- Signposting parents to therapeutic and other specialist services as required.
- Ensuring parents have all the practical things they need to engage meaningfully, such as childcare, transport, etc.
- Ensuring parents presenting with additional needs have the necessary support and tools needed to engage.
- Paying close attention to issues of diversity and inclusion, ensuring ethnic and religious needs are respected and honored.
- Building capacity in parents who have come through the system effectively to become mentors / support buddies for other parents.
- Advocating for accessible and fair distribution of resources - systemic policy recommendations.
What experience do I need?
Essential Experience
- A minimum of 2 years’ post qualification experience of working within the care system.
- Experience of working in partnership with families and carers.
- Excellent communication skills, ability to communicate to a broad and diverse range of parents.
- Knowledge of current policies and legislation affecting children (e.g. Childcare Act, Children’s Act, Children First, UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, National Children’s Strategy, Agenda for Children’s Services).
- Knowledge of High Court, District Court, Family and Child Care Law, legal systems and working methods.
- Knowledge of TUSLA systems and working methods.
- Experience of working co-operatively with other agencies.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of amplifying the voices of and advocating for vulnerable parents or children
Do I need a qualification?
A recognised third level practice qualification (minimum Level 7 on the NFQ) in one of the following:
- Social Care / Social Work / Youth Work / Psychology
Full driving licence and access to the use of a suitably insured car 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 Parental Advocacy and Information Service, Waterford but may be required in the future to work in other locations in the Waterford 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: Friday 10 July 2026
Interview Date: TBA