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.
Why work at Barnardos?
As a Practical Family Support 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/service?
We are looking for an experienced Practical Family Support Worker to join our service for Supporting Traveller Women in Prison. This service works with both Traveller Mothers and their families onsite at the Dóchas Centre and in their communities.
What will my day to day look like?
In this role, you will collaborate with the Project Leader and Project Worker to identify and address the practical assistance needs of Traveller Mothers and their families referred to the service. You will be accountable for the following:
- Assisting Traveller Mothers and Families in the Criminal Justice System, including pre-sentence, probation, pre-release, and post-release services.
- Providing exceptional service to Traveller Mothers in the Criminal Justice System, their children, and their families.
- Maintaining confidentiality for all project-related information, including children, families, and staff.
- Developing supportive relationships with Traveller Mothers involved in the Criminal Justice System and their families.
- Assisting Traveller Mothers and Families in accessing local services such as addiction, mental health, and adult education to improve their reintegration into their community after prison release.
What experience do I need?
- Minimum 2 years of experience working with children and families facing disadvantage, prejudice, and poverty.
- Excellent understanding of issues facing the Travelling community, women in jail, and the impact of incarcerated parents on children.
- Proven experience collaborating with other services to support families.
- Proven experience creating, executing, and reviewing programs with parents, children, and families.
- Understanding of confidentiality and professional limits in the Criminal Justice System/community.
Do I need a qualification?
- Yes, to be considered for this role you will need to have a FETAC Level 5 Qualification in working with children.
- Training in specific group work approaches, along with knowledge of the Travelling Community in Ireland, attachment and child development would be an advantage.
Additional information:
A full driving licence and access to the use of a suitably insured car is essential.
Barnardos is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.