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 Child and Family Development 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 a Child and Family Development Worker, you will provide quality services to children and their families who experience disadvantage in partnership with families / carers and other agencies in order to support children’s development.
What will my day to day look like?
- To design, implement and evaluate individual and group programmes for children and their families.
- To assess the needs of children referred to the service and their families/carers and prepare individual intervention plans.
- 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.
- Participate in the selection of children referred to the service.
- To choose, organise, present and care for equipment and materials relevant to the project.
- 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.
- To supervise students and volunteers where necessary and to ensure they are aware of all Barnardos policies and compile placement reports as appropriate.
What experience do I need?
- A minimum of two years’ post-qualification experience of working with young children and families required.
- Experience of working with children who face disadvantage is desirable.
Do I need a qualification?
- Recognised third level qualification (minimum QQI/ FETAC Level 6 on the NFQ) that is approved under the Early Years’ (Preschool) Regulations.
- A full driving licence and access to the use of a suitably insured car is essential.
The post-holder is initially assigned to work in the Knocknaheeny project but may be required in the future to work in other locations in the Southern 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: 10th November 2026
Interview date: TBC
