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?
In your role as aProject Worker you will provide a safe and efficient transport service to children and families attending Barnardos’ services.
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 key work individual children/young people/carers/families in order to meet their needs and to advocate on their behalf.
- To liaise effectively with families and other statutory, community and voluntary bodies and to attend and contribute to reviews, case conferences and court 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 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
What experience do I need?
• A minimum of 1 years’ post qualification experience of working with vulnerable children and families.
• Experience of working in partnership with families and carers.
• Experience of planning, implementing and reviewing programmes with children and/or families.
Personal Attributes
- Commitment to the delivery of quality services to children, young people, families and carers.
- Ability to act on own initiative and consult where appropriate.
- Ability to work under pressure, make decisions in consultation with the line manager when appropriate.
- To be committed to adhering to best practice in the work and be innovative and open to change
- Flexibility and adaptability are essential for this post.
- Ability to form objective relationships with children, young people, families/carers, colleagues and other agencies.
Do I need a qualification?
A recognised third level practice qualification (minimum Level 7 on the QQI) in one of the following:
- Social Care
- Education
- Social Work
- Youth Work
- Early Childhood Care and Education Or related discipline (Nursing, Psychology, Early Years Education).
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.
A full driving licence and access to the use of a suitably insured car is essential.
The post-holder will be initially assigned to one of the 3 Barnardos Limerick Services, Limerick North, Limerick South or the Homemaker Service but may be required in the future to work in one of the other projects 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.
For full job description and to apply please visit Barnardos Jobs: Currently Available
Closing date: 12pm on 22nd October 2026
Interview date: TBC
