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
• 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 Project Worker in the Young Parents Support Programme you will develop and implement programmes that respond to the needs of children and families referred to the service working in partnership with families and other organisational, community and voluntary bodies

What will my day to day look like?

Planning, implementing and reviewing programmes for children/young people/carers/families based on an assessment of their individual and group needs.

Being vigilant for signs of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and any concerns regarding the welfare of children. Recording concerns promptly and accurately as a mandated person. Consulting with the Designated Person and take appropriate action in accordance with Barnardos Child Protection policy.

Working with children/young people/carers/families in a variety of ways, including group work, individual work and family work, centre based and outreach work.

• Key working individual children/young people/carers/families in order to meet their needs and to advocate on their behalf.
• Working 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.
• Identifying and documentiing to the line manager any unmet needs of children/young people/carers/families within the service, and to participating in the advocacy work of the agency.
• Providing family support services (group and individual supports) to young parents and their families

What experience do I need? 

You will need to have a minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experience of working with vulnerable children and families. This may consist of up to 1 year pre-qualification relevant, equivalent experience and at least 1 year post-qualification relevant, equivalent experience.

You should also have experience of working in partnership with families and carers and experience of planning, implementing and reviewing programmes with children and/or families.

Do I need a qualification?

Yes, you will need a recognised third level practice qualification[1] (minimum Level 7 on the QQI/ NFQ) in one of the following: Social Care, Social Work, Youth Work or a related discipline e.g. Nursing, Psychology, Early Years Education

Applicants with a Social Care or Social Work qualification must be registered with CORU as a Social Care Worker or Social Worker respectively. Those eligible for CORU registration who are currently in the process of registration through their qualification, or under CORU’s transitional arrangements (grandparenting route), will be required to provide evidence that this in process.

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 Finglas service but may be required in the future to work in other project(s) in the Dublin Region 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 Current Job Vacancies – Barnardos

Closing date: Tuesday 5 May 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 12 May 2026

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.