Independent Guardian (Social Worker) (Maternity Cover)

Are you motivated to work in partnership with, support and advocate for children and young people who have arrived in Northern Ireland, many of whom are Separated or Unaccompanied and may have been the victims of trafficking and/or exploitation? Have you got strong interpersonal skills and a desire to ensure that children and young people's rights are upheld? Do you have a strong Human Rights based approach to your work and a desire to effect change for children and young people who need a skilled, value driven and knowledgeable advocate? Are you able to work in a fast paced environment and be flexible to respond to Risk and Need as it presents?

Barnardo's NI, through the Independent Guardian Service, is seeking to employ a skilled and experienced Social Worker to work within our regional Independent Guardian team. The role of an Independent Guardian is derived from the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act (2015) and is a crucial role in ensuring that the rights of children and young people who may be victims of trafficking or exploitation are upheld.

If the nature of this work appeals to you as a Social Worker, we are very keen to hear from you. 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 your Skills, Knowledge and Experience in these areas and with an understanding of the context of this role. This is a regional service operating across Northern Ireland.

While the main office base is Belmont Road, Belfast, BT4 2AW, Independent Guardians are required to travel throughout Northern Ireland and may be allocated to a specific Health.

Barnardo's require colleagues to be UK residents, based in the UK and to complete their roles from within the UK (with the exception of colleagues providing Barnardo's services in Jersey and colleagues who live in the Republic of Ireland providing services in Northern Ireland). Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.

Annual Leave entitlement for full-time colleagues is 26 days per annum, increasing to 27 days per annum after 3 years Barnardo's service, 29 days per annum after 5 years Barnardo's service and 30 days per annum after 7 years Barnardo's service. Those working less than full time are entitled to the same level of holiday pro rata.

The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our Buy Your Leave scheme. A host of family friendly leave options including company Maternity, Paternity and Adoption pay; together with all family additional leave options. Service related sick pay from day 1. Access to a Group Personal Pension with a matched 4% or 6% contribution from Barnardo's. Ability to pay via salary sacrifice to garner both tax and NI savings on your own contribution. Death in service cover of 4x annual earnings for all staff contributing to our Group Personal Pension. Cycle2work scheme. Interest free season ticket loans. Discounts and cashback from high street shops including major supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, leisure/theme parks, holidays and much more via our Benefit Portal. 20% discount at Barnardo's stores. Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc. Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support. Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development offer.