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 Bus Driver 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 aBus Driver you will provide a safe and efficient transport service to children and families attending Barnardos’ services.
What will my day to day look like?
- Provide a transport service to children and families attending Barnardos services in conjunction with other staff.
- To ensure the safety of all passages ensuring seat belts are worn at all times, and ensure safe behaviour on the bus and safe practice going to and from the bus.
- Drive carefully at all times observing the rules of the road and all relevant legislation and regulations.
- To ensure the vehicle is maintained in a clean and road worthy condition and servicing is carried out on a regular basis.
- To maintain appropriate records of all issues in relation to the use and maintenance of the vehicle.
- To communicate with children and families in a friendly and appropriate manner at all times, taking into consideration the confidential nature of Barnardos’ work.
- To be vigilant to any concerns regarding the protection and welfare of children and to bring them to the attention of your designated person in a timely manner, in keeping with the Barnardos Child Protection policy.
- When not required for driving duties to assist in the work of the services, carrying out duties as agreed with the Line Manager.
What experience do I need?
- To ensure First Aid equipment on the vehicle is kept up to date and within its use – by dates at all times, and replenished as required in line with both RSA and preschool regulations.
- To participate in Certificate in Professional Competence (CPC) training on an annual basis as required by the RSA.
- To ensure the bus is prepared (including documentation and service requirements) for the annual Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) (commonly referred to as a DoE (Department of Environment) Test).
- To ensure all vehicle checks are carried out in line with Barnardos Transport Policy and RSA guidelines, and that all records relating to these are completed and filed.
- To participate in an annual risk assessment of the bus service.
- To provide transport or collection/delivery duties for other services in the region as required, including regular FoodCloud collections.
- To have a high degree of flexibility in line with the needs of the work, including seasonal tasks and when assisting staff in responding to children and families’ needs.
- This role also includes carrying out other duties as required in the service, including light gardening, moving furniture & equipment, maintaining storerooms, light maintenance and deliveries or collections.
Personal Attributes
- Ability to interact with children and families in a child centred environment
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Flexibility and adaptability is required for this post
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
Do I need a qualification?
- Experience working with disadvantaged children or families will be an advantage
- Experience working as part of a team will be an advantage
- 12 Months driving experience of a D, D1 vehicle or Public Service vehicle essential
- Disclosure of any driving offences is required
Barnardos is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.
For full job description and to apply please visit Bus Driver - Mulhuddart (October 2026) | Barnardos
Closing date: 23rd October 2026
Interview date: 4th November 2026
