We are seeking a Project Worker to join our team! We currently have a vacancy for a temporary Project Worker 1 post to cover maternity leave (until 31st December 2026 with possible extension)

We deliver a wide range of capacity building programmes to help increase disabled young people’s ability to share their views on disability issues. Programmes are designed to help young people understand government structures and relevant policy on services such as education, health and social care, transport and employment and learning etc.  We facilitate young people’s involvement in government policy consultations.  Programmes are usually delivered through group work but occasionally individuals require one to one support.  Activities include use of assistive technology, multimedia, IT, drama, art and craft, play and music.  Some young people have support requirements such as assistance to feed, hoisting and having their personal care needs provided for.

The project provides a safe and stimulating environment to young people who have a range of conditions that enables them to speak out about issues that impact on their lives.  Some young people will require specific support to enable them to communicate, understand and impart information.  In order to learn about and meet all the individual support needs, we adopt a multiagency approach by working closely with families, social workers, allied health professionals, schools etc.

Young people are facilitated to exercise their rights to have their say by being supported to attend and participate in influencing forums and meetings with policy makers and service providers.

This project is delivered in schools and community venues across NI, so some travel to schools within each of the five Health & Social Care Trusts is required.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Undertake referral assessments, meeting with young people, their families and professionals
• Organise and deliver direct work and group work sessions
• Deliver our schools programme to students in special schools across Northern Ireland
• Work with the team to deliver programmes throughout the Southern Trust area
• Deliver disability awareness training to parents and professionals
• Support young people to share their views
• Attend meetings and facilitate workshops to share the views of young people
• Keep clear and concise records of all work undertaken

Applicants must demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria when completing the application form to secure an interview.

Essential Criteria 

You will have: –

• Experience either in a paid or voluntary capacity of working with children and young people with disabilities.
• Experience of working to safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures
• Knowledge of disability and how it impacts upon children, young people and their families.
• Full UK driving licence, business insurance and access to a car for work purposes (this criterion will be waived for candidates with a disability who can demonstrate alternative means of meeting the mobility requirements of the post.

Please read the Job Description and Additional Information Page for the in-depth responsibilities of this role, and when completing your application link please refer to you Skills, Knowledge and Experience in these areas and with an understanding of the context of this role.

Location of Service/Support Offered:  Base, Grange Building, Tower Hill, Armagh, BT61 9DR (Travel to schools within each of the five Health & Social Care Trusts is required)

Contact Details: Recruitment.SupportTeam@barnardos.org.uk

The successful candidate will also be required to undertake an Enhanced Access NI with Child and Adult Barred List check.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.