About Barnardos
Barnardos supports children whose well being is under threat, by working with them,their families and communities and by campaigning for the rights of children. Barnardos was established in Ireland in 1962 and is Ireland's leading independent children's charity.
What's Involved
We are looking for volunteers to join our OASIS Programme as after school assistant volunteers for the September 2023/24 academic year.
Location: Mulhuddart & Corduff, Dublin 15
The aim of the service:
The OASIS programme (Opportunities Assisting Staying in School) works to address and hopefully prevent early school leaving. The Barnardos Project Worker works with identified 5th and 6th class children in two local national senior schools. The children and young people attending this service are identified as being at risk of early school leaving for primarily emotional, behavioural and social reasons and works to build on self-esteem, self-efficacy and personal responsibility. The OASIS programme is based in the Barnardos Springboard Project in Corduff.
The OASIS Programme for children based from Ladyswell National School, Mulhuddart is on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and from St Patrick’s Senior National School on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2.30pm to 4.00pm.
Tasks & Responsibilities:
To support the Project Worker in facilitating positive adult-child interaction.
To help with preparation of environment, equipment and provision of snacks.
To welcome children on their arrival to the group.
To assist the children in their homework, play and development.
To recognise issues and concerns and to communicate these with Project Worker e.g. child development; socialisation; child protection.
To share impressions and experiences of the group with the Project Worker following each session.
Time Commitment:
Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 2.15pm to 4.15pm.
or
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:15pm to 4:15pm.
1-hour supervision per month.
Willingness to undergo training where appropriate.
Training & Support:
Initial induction of one afternoon.
Meeting with the Corduff Project Leader to get an over view of the Corduff Service.
Support from the Project Worker to discuss and reflect on the interactions with the children and identify their needs.
Application process Garda vetting, and references required.
What's required for this position
Desirable qualities/abilities:
Able to build warm supportive relationships with children.
Ability to work as part of a team
Enjoys working with children
Skilled socially and able to be open and welcoming to all
Inclusive of families from diverse backgrounds and cultures
Appreciates the importance of confidentiality and discretion
Ability to commit and to attend consistently for the whole school year September to June
Ideally to have some level of skill and experience in teaching, childcare or in a social care field
- Education/ Training
- Personable Skills
- Youth/ Childcare
Level of English required for this role:
Fluent English
Times and commitment required for this role
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
Morning |
Afternoon | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | | |
Evening |
Minimum time commitment: 1 year
Hours required: 2hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
Ladyswell National School, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15
Screening details for this role:
- Garda Vetting
- Informal Interviews
- References
- Application Form
- Identification Check (photo ID etc…)
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Supervision
- Initial induction and training
Age restrictions:
Over 18
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No
Benefits you will receive as a volunteer
Satisfaction of making a difference to a child and improving their chances in life.
Getting there
Buses 38, 38a, 38b, 220, 238