Project Co-ordinator

Job Purpose

To ensure the co-ordination, delivery and development of Barnardos services within a defined area of service responsibility, ensuring consistency with the aims and objectives of Barnardos and contributing to the development of the region and the organisation.

Core Job Requirements

• Responsible for the management, development and delivery of Barnardos work with children and families within your area of responsibility.
• Ensure effective referral, assessment, planning and review processes are in place to meet the needs of children and families participating in the service.
• Undertake the duties of Designated Person for the project under the Children First National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
• Maintain appropriate relationships with external agencies to ensure that the needs of children and families are met in an integrated and co-ordinated manner.
• Ensure that the protection and welfare of children is a primary concern of all staff and that, when child protection issues arise, Barnardos policies and procedures are fully adhered to.
• Ensure all staff, students and volunteers receive regular professional supervision, appraisal, and training. Identify and address training needs to promote learning within your area of responsibility.
• Participate at regional management level and contribute to other appropriate groups that develop strategies and policies within the organisation.
• Ensure programmes are planned, delivered and evaluated in response to the needs of children and families attending the service.
• Identify the needs of children and families attending the service that are not being met and advocate at an individual, service and organisational level for those needs to be addressed.
• Represent Barnardos, as appropriate, at local level.
• Ensure all case, financial and administrative records and files are maintained to a high standard and that case records are accessible to service users, seeking permission from third parties where appropriate.
• Ensure the service participates in case conferences and other meetings relating to the welfare of children and families.
• Develop and facilitate a culture of service user consultation and involvement in all aspects of the work.
• Ensure all records are up to date on the HIVE and manage NCS/ECCE registrations and sponsorships for relevant children.

Requirements Specific to this Post

• The Project Co-ordinator will be responsible for the line management of the High/Scope Crèche, Tus Maith Preschool, Brighter Futures group work, CE participants, and students placed at the Brighter Futures Centre.

Note: This Job Description will be reviewed and updated in line with the needs of the work.

Project Co-ordinatorPerson SpecificationPersonal Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage in a dynamic and busy environment.
• Teamwork skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Flexibility and adaptability in relation to tasks and time.
• Ability to manage the staff team in a constructive way, ensuring that a high level of service provision is delivered.
• Ability to manage the complexity and diversity within your service.
• Ability to write clear reports as required.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the management role.
• Ability to be child-centred and needs-led.
• Ability to manage relationships internally and with external stakeholders relevant to your service.

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience and demonstrated management capacity is essential.
• Experience in a lead or supervisory role in an early years service is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working with disadvantaged communities is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Relevant professional third level qualification (QQI Level 7) in Early Childhood Care and Education, or equivalent, as recognised by the DCYA for the purposes of compliance with the Childcare (Early Years) Regulations at ECCE Room Leader Higher Capitation Rate.
• Management training is highly desirable.

The postholder is initially assigned to work in the Brighter Futures Centres, Knocknaheeny, but may be required in the future to work in other locations in the Cork area in line with organisational needs