Project Worker

Job purpose

The purpose of the Child & Youth Social Prescriber is to assist referred children and young people aged between 11 and 17 years (up to 19yrs for young people in aftercare) to participate in local activities and hobbies of interest to them as a way of supporting their social and emotional development. The parent/caregiver may face barriers to arranging and sustaining this due to social circumstances impacting on the family and the project worker will also work with the parent/caregiver/wider family to sustain participation of the child with the social or sporting activity after the intervention has concluded.

Core Job Requirements

• Assess the needs of the children and the families engaging with the projects.

• Plan, implement and review programmes for children/young people/carers/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.

• 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.

• 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 to 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/families of shared need.

• 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 to the line manager any unmet needs of children/young people/carers/families within the service and to participate in the advocacy work of the agency.

Requirements Specific to this Post

• The Project worker may need to be available out of hours occasionally to facilitate engagement of young person and parent/caregiver at the social activity, this will be with agreement of the Coordinator.

• Facilitate an engagement process/assessment with a young person and parent/carer to determine the young person’s social interests and assist the young person and family to engage with appropriate social activities in the Clare area.

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

Person Specification

Personal 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, 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.

Experience

• A minimum of 1 years’ post qualification experience of working with vulnerable children and families.

• Experience of working in partnership with families and carers and other services and community groups.

• Experience of planning, implementing and reviewing programmes with children and/or families.

• Experience of analysis and report writing highly desirable.

Qualifications

▪ To be considered for this role candidates must hold a recognised third level practice qualification (minimum Level 7 on the NFQ) in one of the following:

▪ Social Care

▪ Social Work

▪ Youth Work/Community Work

▪ Early Childhood Care or Education

▪ Related discipline e.g. Psychology or Nursing

Note: this list can be varied depending on the specific requests of the post.

CORU: Applicants with Social Care or Social Work qualifications must be registered or eligible for registration with CORU. Applicants who are currently in the process of registration under CORU’s transitional arrangements (grandparenting route) can be considered.

Full driving licence and access to the use of a suitably insured vehicle essential.

The post-holder is initially assigned to work in the Barnardos Clare Service but may be required in the future to work in other locations in the area in line with organisational needs.

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