Project Worker – Supporting Traveller Women in Prison

General Information

Why work at Barnardos?

• Barnardos offers a competitive salary – recognising the experience you bring to the role
• Generous annual leave entitlements plus discretionary Company days
• Employee pension scheme with employer contribution/ Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Access to regular trauma informed support, supervision, training and many other professional development opportunities
• Tax saver and bike to work schemes in operation
• Access to the Employee Assistance/Wellbeing programme for employees and their immediate family members

Job Description

What’s the role/service?

• Very high rate of mental health issues – (estimated at 60%) occurring for women in prison with over 23% requiring psychiatric intervention(s)
• High rate of drug dependency (2010 annual report of the Dóchas Centre Visiting Committee estimated that one-quarter of prisoners are on a methadone maintenance programme).
• High rate of domestic violence (minimum of 50% of women prisoners)
• High risk of homelessness (women being particularly more at risk of homelessness on release)

What will my day to day look like?

• To develop purposeful relationships with Traveller women in the criminal justice system and their families.
• To plan, implement and review programmes for Traveller Women and their families based on the assessment of their individual needs.
• To offer bespoke support at each stage of the criminal justice system (presentence, probation, pre-release and post-release).
• To offer intensive parenting support to build parenting skills and strengthen family relationships
• To support the development of plans which ensure adequate safety and care for children of Traveller mothers entering prison system.
• To develop plans which minimise the impact of legal proceedings on family functioning and children’s wellbeing.

Person Specification

What experience do I need?

• Excellent understanding of issues affecting Travellers and women in prison.
• A minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experience of working with children and families experiencing discrimination, poverty and disadvantage.
• Experience of working in family support and partnership context with vulnerable families.
• Experience of planning, implementing and reviewing programmes with children and/or families. Experience forming objective relationships with children, young people, families/carers, colleagues and other agencies.

Do I need a qualification?

• Social Care / Education / Social Work / Youth Work / Early Childhood Care /Education Or related discipline (Nursing, Psychology, Early Years’ Education).

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

Application Procedure

Download your application form