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 Support Worker (Community) 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 and 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 and Wellbeing Programme for employees and their immediate family members
What’s the role and service?
In your role as a Support Worker (Community), you will strengthen connections between Finglas West Family Resource Centre and the wider community by engaging families who are currently underrepresented in services, particularly Traveller families and new communities. Through outreach, partnership working, family support programmes and community development approaches, you will support increased participation, inclusion and positive outcomes for children, families and the wider community.
What will my day to day look like?
- Develop positive relationships with children, families and community members, with a particular focus on Traveller families and families from new communities.
- Identify barriers to participation and support families to increase access to services, programmes and community activities.
- Conduct outreach activities within local communities, schools and partner organisations.
- Develop innovative approaches to engaging families who are traditionally underrepresented or less likely to access services.
- Facilitate universal parent and child group work programmes and activities.
- Organise family events, workshops, awareness campaigns and community celebrations.
- Coordinate intercultural, Traveller and community integration initiatives.
- Represent the service at community networks, interagency meetings and relevant forums.
What experience do I need?
Essential
- Minimum of one year's post qualification experience working in family support, community development, community education or a related field.
- Experience working with Traveller families and Traveller organisations.
- Experience delivering group work programmes with parents and families.
- Experience of community engagement, outreach and participation work.
- Experience working with families experiencing disadvantage or social exclusion.
- Experience working collaboratively with community and statutory agencies.
- Full clean driving licence and access to a suitably insured vehicle.
Desirable
- Experience working with migrant, refugee or intercultural communities.
- Experience facilitating parent participation groups or community forums.
- Experience organising community events, campaigns or awareness initiatives.
- Experience in programme evaluation and report writing.
Do I need a qualification?
Minimum QQI Level 5 in Community Development, Social Care, Social Work, Family Support, Youth Work, Community Education, Early Childhood Education or a related discipline.
Closing date: 17th November 2026
Interview date:TBC
Barnardos is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.
