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 Programme Assistant 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 Programme Assistant, you will provide a safe, child centred environment/experience to children in the context of the service in which you work and appropriate to the role.
What will my day to day look like?
- Provide a safe and appropriate environment for children to participate in the service.
- Ensure all children attending the service receive an appropriate level of supervision.
- Support children attending to play and interact positively with other children.
- Be vigilant for signs of physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect and any concerns regarding the welfare of children.
- Immediately bring any concerns to the attention of the child’s Key Worker and the Designated Person and in keeping with Barnardos Child Protection Policy.
- Record concerns promptly and accurately.
- Gather information statistics and prepare reports as required, including administration of databases as appropriate to the role
- Supervise students and volunteers where necessary and to ensure they are aware of all Barnardos policies and compile placement reports as appropriate.
- The post-holder will specifically support children to attend our early years’ service.
- The Programme Assistant will work in both the Brighter Futures Preschool and Early Years HighScope service, covering staff breaks and leave, and supporting the staff in delivering a high-quality service, this post will operate Barnardos ‘Best Start’ programme for children under the age of five years.
What experience do I need?
- Experience of working with young children for a minimum of 6 months is essential.
- Relevant voluntary work may be considered.
Do I need a qualification?
Recognised qualification (minimum Level 5 on the QQI/FETAC on the NFQ) that is approved under the Early Years (Pre-school) Regulations.
The post-holder is assigned to work in the Brighter Futures centres, Knocknaheeny but may be required in the future to work in other locations in the Cork 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: 17 July 2026
Interview Date: TBC
