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?
As part of the national service, delivery framework the primary purpose of this post is to conduct Initial Assessments (IAs) on low – medium risk referrals received from Tusla social work department using the Signs of Safety approach to child protection and welfare concerns.
What will my day to day look like?
- To conduct initial assessments on behalf of Tusla and to provide intensive family support to vulnerable families. To work with children/young people/carers/families in a variety of ways, including IA’s, Family Support and group work, individual work and family work, centre based and outreach work.
- 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 as a mandated person. To consult with the Designated Person and take appropriate action in accordance with Barnardos Child Protection policy.
- 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 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 keep updated electronic records in relation to all aspects of work and prepare reports as required to a very high standard
- To gather information statistics and prepare reports as required, including administration of databases as appropriate to the role, using the electronic record system designed for Barnardos.
- 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 assessing children’s and families’ needs.
- Experience of planning, implementing and reviewing programmes with children and/or families.
- Experience of interagency working.
- Experience of preparing comprehensive needs led reports on children and families
Note: This Job Description will be reviewed and updated in line with the needs of the work
Do I need a qualification?
A recognised third level practice qualification1 (minimum Level 7 on the NFQ, Course content should include relevant student placements) in one of the following:
- Social Care
- Social Work
- Youth Work
- Or related discipline (Nursing, Psychology, Early Years’ Education).
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 Project Worker, Initial Assessment - Dun Laoghaire , (Oct 2026) | Barnardos
Closing date: 21st October 2026
Interview date: TBC
