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 Co-Ordinator, 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?

Barnardos are seeking an experienced Project Co-Ordinator to manage a newly established initial Assessment team, working in Dublin North County areas.

The team will be located in North Dublin area, spending some initial time in Finglas with a long term view of moving towards the Coolock area.

This team will be responsible for undertaking low to medium level Child Protection Initial Family Assessments (IAs) on behalf of Tusla, using the Signs of Safety Assessment Framework. Additionally, this service will provide intensive family support for a small number of vulnerable families referred from the Initial Assessment work.

What will my day to day look like?

• Provide enhanced coordination of the IA Service, including oversight of all day‑to‑day IA operations, quality assurance, and practice support for workers, under the guidance of the Project Leader.
• Oversee and co-ordinate the daily workflow of all Initial Assessment cases, ensuring effective and timely throughput within agreed timelines, including allocation, monitoring and case progression, while working closely with the Project Leader to review and analyse team workload, throughput and relevant service data, maintain effective referral pathways between Initial Assessments and intensive family support work, and quality assure and sign off on all Initial Assessment decision‑making, data recording and report writing.
• Attend Initial Assessment referral meetings with Tusla, accept and allocate IA referrals to staff, and ensure all completed and escalated Initial Assessments are returned to Tusla with a clear overview and analysis of the work undertaken and risk assessment completed.
• Manage, with support from the Project Leader, any required recruitment of staff within the service.
• Provide regular and professional supervision/appraisals for all staff within Barnardos policies, protocols and guidelines.
• Consult with the project leader in relation to IA’s undertaken regarding decision making and assessment outcome and to report any child protection concerns in relation to these IA’s to the project leader.
• Ensure that legislation and statutory guidelines, organisational policy and the corporate plan are fully implemented within your area of responsibility in line with the Project leader

What experience do I need? 

• A minimum of five years’ post-qualification experience in a similar role
• Ability to develop, manage and maintain complex internal and external relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Experience of Child Protection or Initial Assessment work is essential
• Prior management experience highly desirable
• Motivated individual with a drive to deliver high quality, efficient and effective practice for vulnerable families

Do I need a qualification?

Yes, to be considered for this role you will hold 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 / Education or a related discipline e.g. (Nursing, Psychology, Early Years’ Education)

A Full driving licence and access to the use of a suitably insured vehicle is essential.

The post-holder is assigned to work in the Dublin North County and will initially have an office space in Finglas but may be required in the future to work in other locations in the Dublin 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.

You can download the full Job Description for this role, by clicking on the button below. 

To apply, please complete the personal and professional information sections below, and upload your CV. Please specify the number of hours per week for each of your roles that you have detailed on your CV. 

Click ‘Apply Now’ today.