Independent Guardian (Social Worker)

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 who 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 see the attached Job description and Additional information sheet as part of this advertisement.

Please ensure that you outline on your application how you meet the criteria below:

Essential Criteria:

• Professional qualification in Social Work with at least 1 year's post qualifying experience
• Registration with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council
• Demonstrable experience of direct work with ethnic minority young people, refugees and/or asylum seekers within the Statutory or Voluntary sector
• Demonstrable experience of completing Assessments in relation to Risk and Need relating to vulnerable Children/Young people or families
• Demonstrable experience of effective Case planning when working with vulnerable Children/Young people or families
• A working knowledge in relation to human trafficking, exploitation and asylum processes as they relate to Northern Ireland
• Demonstrable experience of advocating on behalf of vulnerable Children/Young people or families
• Knowledge, understanding and experience of working with issues related to trauma, resilience, attachment, child development and loss and impact of violence
• Experience of direct work with vulnerable children and families
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Hold a valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle with business class insurance to use during working hours (alternatively those applicants with a disability that prevents them from holding a driving licence should be able to demonstrate how they can meet the mobility requirements of the post).

Location: Hybrid with a specific Barnardo's base to be agreed with the applicant upon appointment. The main office for the service is based at 230C Belmont Road, Belfast BT4 2AW.
Contract: Funded until 30 June 2026 (May be extended subject to funding).
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £35,390 - £43,392

If you're committed to making a real difference in the lives of families and young children, we'd love to hear from you!

Contact Email:
Closing Date: Midnight, 20th November 2025

A waiting list will be held in the event that similar vacancies arise during the next 12 months

Successful applicants will 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.