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 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?
To develop and implement programmes that respond to the needs of children and families referred to the service working in partnership with families and other organisational, community and voluntary bodies.
What will my day to day look like?
· To assess the needs of the children and the families engaging with the project.
· To plan, implement and review programmes for children/young people/carers/families based on an assessment of their individual and group needs.
· To be vigilant for signs of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and any concerns regarding the welfare of children. To record concerns promptly and accurately. To consult with the Designated Person and take appropriate action in accordance with Barnardos Child Protection policy.
· To work with children/young people/carers/families in a variety of ways, including group work, individual work and family work, centre based and outreach work.
· To liaise effectively with families and other statutory, community and voluntary bodies and to attend and contribute to reviews and case conferences as required.
· To work in partnership with other Barnardos services to best meet the needs of children and families by collaborating resources with planned interventions targeting groups/families of shared need.
· To gather information statistics and prepare reports as required, including administration of databases as appropriate to the role.
· To identify and document to the line manager any unmet needs of children/young people/carers/families within the service and to participate in the advocacy work of the agency.
Requirements Specific to this Post
· Intensive home-based one to one work with parents
· Ability to work closely with vulnerable children and families.
· Ability to deliver group work to parents or children in the community.
· To assist with afterschool care when need arises.
· Ability to work on own initiative and to consult where appropriate.
· To work as part of a team, liaise and co-work with line manager, colleagues and other agencies.
· To ensure commitment to the delivery of a quality service to children and families.
· To ensure confidentiality is adhered to at all times in relation to information on children, families, staff and all other matters within the project.
· Good computer skills are essential.
What experience do I need?
· A minimum of 1 years’ post qualification experience of working with vulnerable children and families,
OR
· 1-year post qualification experience working with adults in a therapeutic setting for posts relating to working with adults only.
Do I need a qualification?
To be considered for this role candidates must hold a recognised third level practice qualification (minimum Level 7 on the NFQ) in one of the following:
· Social Care
· Social Work
· Youth Work/Community Work
· Early Childhood Care or Education
· Related discipline e.g. Psychology or Nursing
CORU:
Applicants with Social Care or Social Work qualifications must be registered or eligible for registration with CORU. Applicants who are currently in the process of registration under CORU’s transitional arrangements (grandparenting route) can be considered. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria but have not yet completed registration are encouraged to apply. However, you will be required to provide proof of registration or evidence they have initiated the application process.
Full driving licence and access to the use of a suitably insured car essential.
The postholder is initially assigned to work in the Youghal Family Resource Initiative 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.
For full job description and to apply please visit Barnardos Jobs: Currently Available
Closing date: 20th October 2026
Interview date: TBC
Shortlisting will apply (please note, CVs are not accepted on their own, candidates must complete and submit our application form through Barnardos website).