Why work at Barnardos?

At Barnardos we seek to ensure that we have the best people working with us to support our work with children and families. The benefits of working with Barnardos are designed to promote continual professional development and a work-life balance for the most rewarding working experience.

Barnardos offers a competitive salary – recognising the experience you bring to the role
Generous annual leave entitlements plus discretionary Company days
Positive working environment with family friendly ethos and work – life balance policy
Tax saver and bike to work schemes in operation
Employee pension scheme with employer contribution
Paid sick leave
An opportunity to help improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families by working in a trauma informed way
Access to regular trauma informed support and supervision
Ongoing support and access to training and professional development opportunities
An opportunity to be part of a supportive team
Access to the Employee Assistance Program for employees and their immediate family members
Regular Breath, Body and mind sessions to support staff well-being

Role

Family Support Practitioner for families living in IPAS accommodation centres to support the pathway for integrated community-based child and family support services. This ESF+ co-financed post is funded for 5 years. This ESF+ Action is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the EU’s main instrument for investing in people, focusing on improving employment and education opportunities as well as enhancing social inclusion and tackling poverty.

The ESF+ is implemented by Member States in partnership with the European Commission and the ESF+ Managing Authority in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has responsibility for implementation of the ESF+ in Ireland.

Job purpose – Objective

To provide support that improves the quality of life for families in state provided accommodation such as (but not limited to) IPAS accommodation centres, Emergency accommodation centres, National Reception Centre, National Hub, Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres, while promoting the personal, social and educational development of children, young people and their parents always keeping the child at the forefront of the work.
To work in partnership with Tusla services, community based statutory agencies and community and voluntary service providers, IPAS accommodation providers, local Child and Family Support Networks and Children and Young People Services Committees.
To support the Meitheal early intervention practice model to coordinate a child centred approach to individual family needs led support and parenting support.

Core Job Requirements

To assess the needs of the children and the families engaging with the project using Barnardos Assessment framework and Meitheal.
To plan, implement and review programmes for children/young people/carers/families based on an assessment of their individual and group needs.
Change and adapt to new programmes and models of service in line with evidence-based research and required training.
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 keep regular records in relation to all aspects of work and prepare reports as required.
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

To work with children and families living in IPAS accommodation centres in the Midlands using the range of service offered.
To contribute to an analysis of unmet need
Share knowledge in terms of this catchment area.
Contribute to ongoing evaluation of the service.
Collaborate with line manager in developing the role of the Family Support Practitioner and the team.
Engage with line manager and ESF+ Project Officer in respect of ESF+ reporting requirements and provide relevant information as required.

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.

Experience

A minimum of 2 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.

Qualifications

A recognised third level practice qualification[1] (minimum Level 7 on the QQI) in one of the following:

Early Childhood Care and Education
Social Care
Education
Social Work
Youth Work
Or related discipline (Nursing, Psychology, Early Years Education).

A full driving licence and access to the use of a suitably insured car essential.

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 Current Job Vacancies – Barnardos

Closing date: 12pm on Thursday 07^th December 2023

Interview date: To be Confirmed

Shortlisting will apply (please note, CVs are not accepted on their own, candidates must complete and submit our application form through Barnardos website).

[1] Course content should include relevant student placements

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Family Support Practitioner – Project Worker, IPAS – (ESF+)