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 (AIM) 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 (AIM), 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?
- Ensure all children attending the service receive an appropriate level of supervision.
- Supervise students and volunteers where necessary and to ensure they are aware of all Barnardos policies and compile placement reports as appropriate.
- Have knowledge and experience in the area of working with pre-school and early years’ children who have experienced trauma and who may have additional support needs.
- Provide appropriate levels of support to ensure the engagement of children in our pre-school and early years’ curriculum.
- Be aware of the needs of children in our service and, in line with our Promoting Positive Behaviour policy, provide appropriate Promotion, Induction or External strategies in accordance with the needs of the child.
- Become familiar with the High Scope curriculum and Tus Maith programme and to work with the wider team to support the implementation of this curriculum.
- Assist in general duties related to the preschool and early years’ environments including planning, preparation, cleaning, and care of equipment & materials.
- Assist in pre-entry assessments with parents/carers for the allocation of pre-school and early years’ places.
What experience do I need?
- Experience of working with children for a minimum of 6 months is essential.
- Relevant voluntary work / placements may be considered.
Do I need a qualification?
Recognised qualification (min level 5 on the QQI) that is approved under the Early Years’ (Preschool) Regulations.
The post-holder is initially assigned to work in the Millbrook service but may be required in the future to work in other project(s) in the Dublin 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: 21st August 2026
Interview Date: 26th August 2026
