Project Worker

Salary: €38,248 - €59,121 DOE

Job Purpose

To 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. There will be a focus on implementing programmes of support for children and young people where there is a risk of the child not reaching their educational potential, as well as family support referrals and a young parent support service in Wexford.

Core Job Requirements

• Assess the needs of the children and families engaging with the projects.
• Plan, implement and review programmes for children, young people, carers and families based on an assessment of their individual and group needs. This includes direct work through key working, group sessions, outreach and centre-based activities, as well as advocacy at both individual and group level.
• Be vigilant for signs of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and any concerns regarding the welfare of children. Record concerns promptly and accurately, consult with the Designated Person and take appropriate action in accordance with Barnardos Child Protection Policy.
• Work directly with children, young people, carers and families through a range of approaches, including individual, group, family, centre-based and outreach work, providing key working support where appropriate and advocating on their behalf to meet identified needs.
• Liaise effectively with families and other statutory, community and voluntary bodies and attend and contribute to reviews and case conferences 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 and families with shared needs.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all aspects of work, including the collection of statistical data, preparation of reports and administration of relevant databases, in line with service requirements.
• Identify and document any unmet needs of children, young people, carers and families within the service and participate in the advocacy work of the agency.

Requirements Specific to this Post

• Respond to the needs of children and young people where there are risks of a child not reaching their educational potential.
• Respond to the needs of young parents and their children up to 2.5 years of age.

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

Project Worker - Person SpecificationPersonal Attributes

• 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 and make decisions in consultation with the line manager when appropriate.
• Commitment to adhering to best practice in the work and being 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.

Experience

• A minimum of 2 years' experience, comprising 1 year of post-qualification experience and 1 year of relevant equivalent pre-qualification experience of working with vulnerable children and families may be considered.
• Experience of working in partnership with families and carers.
• Experience of planning, implementing and reviewing programmes with children and/or families.
• Experience of working with young parents.
• Experience of working with children and young people with school completion difficulties and their families.

Qualifications

A recognised third-level practice qualification (minimum Level 7 on the QQI) in one of the following:

• Early Childhood Care and Education
• Social Care
• Education
• Social Work
• Youth Work
• Or a related discipline such as Psychology, Counselling or Nursing.

Note: This list may vary depending on the specific requirements of the post.

• A full driving licence and access to the use of a suitably insured car is essential.
• 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 is in process.

The post-holder is initially assigned to work in the Wexford Family Support Service, Enniscorthy, but may be required in the future to work in other locations in the Wexford area in line with organisational needs.