Job Description: Children, Young People and Families Project Leader· Job Title: Children, Young People and Families Project Leader· Organisation: Southside Partnership Dun Laoghaire Rathdown CLG· Funding: SICAP and Tusla funded Position· Programme: SICAP 2024–2028 (with additional support from Tusla, DLR Changing Lives and the Katherine Howard Foundation)· Contract: Permanent, subject to successful completion of probation· Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 5 days· Location: Based in, Southside Partnership offices in Blackrock and outreach work across Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown.· Salary: €47,514 – €55,815 per annum (depending on experience)· Reports to: Social Inclusion Manager(SS1)· Direct reports: Approximately 4 staff, including PEEP Development Workers, Afterschool and Homework Development worker and Programme Leader· Probation: 6 monthsOur MissionWorking in partnership to improve social and economic inclusion and build vibrant communities in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown.Our VisionTo see an inclusive and just society, without discrimination, where people are encouraged and enabled to reach their full potential within strong vibrant communities.OrganisationSouthside Partnership DLR CLG is a local development company working towards an inclusive and just society where each person is encouraged and enabled to reach their full potential and live with dignity in active, healthy, sustainable and safe communities.We provide a comprehensive range of supports and services to individuals and communities through several funded programmes, including:SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme) 2024–2028Tusla and HSE funded family and wellbeing programmesChanging Lives DLR philanthropic partnership initiativesDept Of Social Protection funds our LAES, Tús and CE (Community Employment) Employment ProgrammesValues in actionAt Southside Partnership, our work is guided by four core values:· Integrity & Accountability – We act with honesty, reliability, and professionalism, taking responsibility for our actions and ensuring our work is consistent, trustworthy, and ethical.· Community & Inclusion – We believe in the power of community and strive to foster diverse, inclusive, and cooperative spaces that ensure fairness, collaboration, and a shared sense of belonging.· Growth & Learning Mindset – We are committed to continuous improvement, open mindedness, and innovative thinking, embracing curiosity, ambition, and creativity to adapt and lead in a changing world.· Compassion & Wellbeing – We lead with empathy and care, nurturing environments where people feel valued, supported, and connected, promoting balance, health, and human dignity.RoleThe Children, Young People and Families Project Leader is a new integrated role reflecting Southside Partnership's commitment to a connected pathway of support for children, young people, and families across Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown — from infancy to school completion. The role will ensure consistent, community-based responses that promote access to education, opportunity, and wellbeing.The Project Leader will oversee six PEEP area-based prevention and early intervention programmes that build strong early relationships and support positive social, emotional, and educational outcomes for parents and young children. Building on successful Homework, Grinds, and Afterschool models at Holly House Community Resource Centre and through the new Furry Hill and Killcross initiatives, the role will strengthen and expand similar models across the DLR area, ensuring high-quality, wrap-around supports that promote family resilience, inclusion, and long-term educational success.The role will also support the management team in advancing the Children and Young People Strategy and explore, with key partners, the development of a Community Home Visiting Programme for families needing additional support at home or in the community.A key function is to develop and maintain effective relationships with county and national partners, including philanthropic organisations such as Changing Lives DLR and The Katherine Howard Foundation. The Project Leader will also create opportunities for local partners to connect, share best practice, and stay informed on relevant national and international policy developments.Finally, the role represents Southside Partnership on interagency networks, including the Child Poverty Steering Committee and DLR CYPSC (Children, Young People and Services Committee), contributing to the design and sustainability of an integrated, evidence-based (0–18) service model for Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown.KEY Responsibilities (include but not limited to)1. Leadership & CoordinationLead and coordinate the planning, delivery and evaluation of the PEEP+DLR Programme, Homework, Grinds and Afterschool initiatives, and Grinds support across DLR.Supervise, mentor, and support a multidisciplinary team including Early Parenting Support Development Workers, Afterschool Leaders, and volunteers.Ensure coherence of standards, curriculum, and wellbeing approaches across all programme sites across the DLR county.Support consistent referral pathways in collaboration with Public Health Nurses, Tusla, Family Resource Centres, Family Support Agencies, schools, and community organisations.Oversee programme compliance, data collection, monitoring, and reporting in accordance with SICAP, Tusla and funder requirements.Develop and implement annual work plans with measurable targets and outcomes.2. Partnership and Interagency CollaborationRepresent Southside Partnership DLR on the Child Poverty Steering Committee and other relevant networks.Build and sustain strong working relationships with Tusla, HSE, DLR CYPSC, Family Resource Centres, DLR County Council, DLR Drugs and Alcohol Task Force, Changing Lives DLR, and the Katherine Howard Foundation.Promote coordinated, trauma-informed, early-intervention approaches to family and child wellbeing.Strengthen referral pathways and partnership collaboration to reach marginalised and high-need families.3. Strategic & Funding DevelopmentLead the strategic development of integrated supports for children, young people and families in line with SICAP priorities and interagency frameworks.Embed a community development approach that builds local capacity, fosters volunteering, and supports parental participation.Identify and secure funding opportunities to sustain and expand programmes.Contribute to funding applications, partnership proposals, and interagency agreements that strengthen long-term collaboration.Support budget planning, monitoring, and reporting.4. Monitoring, Evaluation & QualityImplement evaluation and quality frameworks to assess programme effectiveness and compliance.Track participation, attendance, educational progress, wellbeing outcomes, and community engagement using tools aligned with Pobal/IRIS and funder frameworks.Prepare reports, case studies, and evaluations for funders and governance bodies.Promote reflective practice and continuous improvement through team learning and community feedback.5. Governance, Compliance & SafeguardingEnsure full compliance with Southside Partnership DLR's governance framework, safeguarding, equality, GDPR, and health & safety policies.Promote a culture of accountability, inclusiveness, and continuous improvement across programmes.Maintain accurate documentation and records to meet governance, audit and legal requirements.Participate in Health & Safety procedures and ensure safe working practices across all activities and community settings.6. Representation & AdvocacyAct as an advocate for children, young people and families in DLR, ensuring their voices inform programme design and policy.Represent SSP DLR at local, county and national fora on children and family issues.Facilitate practitioner networks and professional learning events.Promote awareness of family supports through community events and communications.Requirements:Essential Qualifications and Experience:· A third level qualification (NFQ Level 8 – Honours Degree) in Early Childhood Education, Social Care, Family Support, Community Development, Social Sciences, or a related field. NFQ Level 7 may be considered with substantial relevant leadership experience in early years, youth work, or family support will also be considered.· Minimum of three years' leadership or coordination experience within early years, youth or family services.Desirable:· Experience delivering or overseeing PEEP+ or similar evidence-based early intervention programmes.Familiarity with Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown communities and interagency structures.Experience with SICAP-funded initiatives or Tusla partnership projects.Skills & Competencies:· Proven leadership and team management experience within early years, family support, or community development settings.· Strategic thinking and programme development abilities.· Strong partnership-building and interagency collaboration skills.· Knowledge of the Community and Voluntary Sector and trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.· Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report-writing skills.· Experience in budget management, monitoring and evaluation.· Commitment to equality, inclusion, diversity and community participation.Other Requirements:· Garda Vetting required.· Flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work.· Full clean driving licence and access to transport.· Legal right to work in Ireland.Job Types: Full-time, PermanentPay: €47,514.00-€55,815.00 per yearBenefits:Bike to work schemeCompany eventsEmployee assistance programFlexitimeSick payWellness programWork from homeEducation:Bachelor's (preferred)Experience:coordination within early years, youth or family services: 2 years (required)Work authorisation:Ireland (required)Work Location: In personApplication deadline: 28/11/2025