Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support inclusive play activities for children with learning difficulties and manage Saturday clubs.
- Company: Join Barnardo's, a leading charity dedicated to supporting children and families.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and a chance to work in a dynamic, inclusive team.
- Why this job: Empower children and promote inclusion while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 5 qualification in Early Years or Child Development and experience in managing staff.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Project Worker 2 to join our Play for All Team.
About the Service
Barnardo's Play for All is an inclusive play and leisure service for children with learning difficulties, sensory impairments and medical conditions between the ages of 5 and 12. The aim of Play for All is to provide inclusive play activities for children, to assist in the development of their self-esteem and to provide lasting health and wellbeing benefits. Play for All Saturday clubs are located in Bangor, Downpatrick, Gilnahirk, Hannahstown and Saintfield and run fortnightly from September to June.
Initial Responsibilities
This Project Worker 2 post will support the Children's Services Manager in the operational management of the Play for All clubs. The post holder will be required to:
- liaise with statutory and community groups, parents and young people to promote the service and recruit participants and volunteers
- manage referrals, carry out needs assessments with parents and children, allocate places and monitor waiting lists
- line management responsibility for Play Leaders and volunteers, including induction, supervision and performance management
- oversee operations of Saturday Play Clubs, promoting inclusion and ensuring compliance regarding health and safety, data protection and safeguarding
- administrative duties such as record keeping, data collection and reporting
- contributing to service development
Please ensure that you outline on your application how you meet the following:
Essential requirements:
- Minimum Level 5 qualification in Early Years or Child Development or other relevant subject
- Awareness of factors and issues impacting on children with disabilities and their families
- Demonstrable experience of developing and delivering play activities for children aged 5-12
- Demonstrable experience of managing staff and/or volunteers including induction, supervision, supporting learning and development and performance management
- Knowledge and experience of responding to safeguarding concerns
- Strong IT skills and ability to prepare reports and compile management information using Microsoft Packages
- Experience of partnership working with professionals and commissioners
- Full UK driving licence with access to a car for business purposes. (As driving is an intrinsic part of this role, applicants with a disability that prevents them from driving should be able to demonstrate an alternative means of meeting the mobility requirements of the post)
Occasional evening and weekend work will be an element of this post, and the post holder will need to demonstrate that they can meet this requirement.
Closing Date: Midnight, 8 March 2026
Interview Date: W/C 16 March 2026
Location: 230c Belmont Road, Belfast with option for hybrid working
Hours: 14 hours per week (Term time working 42 weeks out of 52)
Although this contract has a permanent status, please be aware that this post is subject to funding currently to 31 March 2027 and therefore should this funding not be extended further, you may be subject to a redundancy consultation or a TUPE arrangement.
The successful candidates will also be required to undertake an Enhanced Access NI with Child Barred List check. A waiting list will be held in the event that similar vacancies arise during the next 12 months.
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.
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. At Barnardo's we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Our safer recruitment processes mean that the safety and welfare of the child is paramount at every stage of the process and therefore, we adopt rigorous scrutiny in our pre-employment checking. This post is subject to a range of pre-employment checks including a Criminal Records Enhanced Disclosure for the successful candidate.
For further information and to submit your application, click APPLY.
About Barnardo's
At Barnardo's we believe in children – no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. Please read about our basis and values following the link below. You will be asked questions relating to them as part of the recruitment process for this role. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is reflected in our values and our practice, and we have invested in this area of our work to ensure that we can deliver on our commitments to be an inclusive employer. EDI is a key enabler of our purpose as a charity and we want to ensure that the diversity of our teams is reflective of the communities we serve and that we continue to learn and develop our work with a focus on inclusion. We particularly encourage applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnic Communities, candidates who are LGBT and Disabled candidates.
Project Worker 2 - Play for All in Belfast employer: Barnardo's Northern Ireland
Contact Detail:
Barnardo's Northern Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Worker 2 - Play for All in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Barnardo's and their Play for All initiative. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the team, plus it shows your enthusiasm for joining the Play for All family.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the essential requirements listed in the job description. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in managing staff and delivering inclusive play activities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity and ready to take the next step in your career with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Worker 2 - Play for All in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for working with children shine through. We want to see how dedicated you are to making a difference in their lives, especially those with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in developing and delivering play activities for children aged 5-12. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we appreciate straightforward communication, so don’t overcomplicate things!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We recommend applying as soon as possible since the advert might close early due to high volumes of applications. Head over to our website to get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnardo's Northern Ireland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Play for All service and its mission. Understand the specific needs of children with learning difficulties and how your experience aligns with their requirements. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your past experiences in developing and delivering play activities for children aged 5-12. Use specific examples to highlight your skills in managing staff and volunteers, as well as your understanding of safeguarding concerns.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle certain situations, such as managing a referral or addressing a safeguarding issue. Think through potential scenarios beforehand so you can respond confidently and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready about the role or the team. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the future development of the Play for All service or how they measure success.