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 Family Support 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 Family Support Worker, you will provide quality services to children and their families who experience disadvantage in partnership with families/ carers and other agencies in order to support children’s development.
What will my day to day look like?
- Deliver a high-quality service to children attending the Afterschool and Early Bird service.
- 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.
- Design, implement and evaluate group programmes for children and their families.
- Offer practical advice and support to families as requested by your line manager as to when the need arises
- Supervise students and volunteers where necessary and to ensure they are aware of all Barnardos policies and compile placement reports as appropriate.
- Independently prepare, run and review group work programmes, for children and families.
- Ensure confidentiality is adhered to at all times in relation to information on children, families, staff and all other matters within the project.
What experience do I need?
A minimum of two years experience of working with children and families who experience disadvantage is essential.
(work experience means paid employment, not training courses/student placements)
Relevant voluntary work may be considered.
Do I need a qualification?
- FETAC Level 5 in working with children is essential.
- Good computer skills are essential.
- Experience of delivering group work programmes to children in the community i.e. morning clubs, afterschool groups, stay and play groups is essential.
- Training in specific parenting and group work approaches, along with knowledge of child development will be an advantage.
Full driving licence and access to the use of a suitably insured car essential.
Note: The hours will be worked across 4 days and includes split shifts.
The working hours required for this position are:
- Tuesday (split shift): 8am - 9.30am & 1pm - 4.30pm
- Wednesday (split shift): 8am - 9.30am & 1pm - 4.30pm
- Thursday 8am - 4.30pm
- Friday 8am - 9.30am
The postholder is initially assigned to work in the Limerick South Family Support Service, Limerick but may be required in the future to work in other locations 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.
Closing Date: Monday 3 August 2026
Interview Date: TBC
