20980 - Project Worker 1 - Armagh

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.

Duties will include the following:

• 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
• Deliver monthly Sixth Sense sessions within the Southern Trust
• Keep clear and concise records of all work undertaken

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 criteria will be waived for candidates with a disability who can demonstrate alternative means of meeting the mobility requirements of the post.

Please ensure you reference how you meet the essential criteria in your application. 

Barnardo's offers a reward package that includes a competitive salary, 26 days annual leave and 10 statutory/public holidays (pro-rata) per annum, a contributory pension scheme, an additional holiday purchase scheme and staff discounts.

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)

Salary:  £25,492.40 - £29,726.27 (full time equivalent). 

Hours of Work: 19 hours per week (Permanent).  We are happy to consider job sharing if appropriate.

The service operates from Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Flexible working will be considered. Some evening and weekend working is required to meet the needs of the young people.

Closing Date: Midnight 25 May 2025

Interview date: TBC

Waiting List: A waiting list of applicants will be compiled for any similar posts arising in the next 12 months.  

Contact Details: recruitment.support@barnardos.org.uk 

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