Ireland’s leading children’s charity is recruiting:

Project Worker (IPAS), Tullamore 
(Outreach to Laois / Offaly)

Location: Tullamore (Outreach to Laois / Offaly)

Contract: Part-Time (22 Hours Per Week), Fixed Term Contract - December 2026

Salary: €20,343 - €31,444 (Pro Rata for 22 Hours Per Week)

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 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?

Family Support Practitioner for refugee families from Ukraine and families seeking international protection living in IPAS accommodation centres to support the pathway for integrated community-based child and family support services.

What will my day to day look like?

• 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 in Laois and Offaly 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.
• 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.
• Support the Meitheal early intervention practice model to coordinate a child centred approach to individual family needs led support and parenting support.
• 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.
• Key work individual children/young people/carers/families in order to meet their needs and to advocate on their behalf.
• Liaise effectively with families and other statutory, community and voluntary bodies and to attend and contribute to reviews, case conferences and court as required.
• 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.
• Keep regular records in relation to all aspects of work and prepare reports as required.
• Gather information statistics and prepare reports as required, including administration of databases as appropriate to the role.

Note: Full Job description can be downloaded using the link below in the additional information section.

What experience do I need?

• A minimum of 2 years post qualification experience of working with vulnerable children and families.
• Experience of planning, implementing and reviewing programmes with children and/or families.
• 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.

Do I need a qualification?

Yes, to be considered for this role you will hold a recognised third level practice qualification[1] (minimum Level 7 on the NFQ) 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).

Additional Information:

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

The post-holder is initially assigned to work in the Tullamore area but may be required in the future to work in other project(s) in the Laois / Offaly area, in line with organisational needs.

For full job description and to apply please visit Current Job Vacancies – Barnardos

Closing date: 12pm Monday 1st September 2025
Interview date: TBC

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

Barnardos is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.