Youth Support Worker - Hospital Based
This is an exciting and engaging role, supporting young people with cancer during their time in Hospital, through informal individual and group support.
We're Hiring: Youth Support Worker – Hospital-Based (Dublin)
Location: Children's Health Ireland, Crumlin & other hospital sites in Dublin
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Closing Date: 2pm, Sunday 24th August 2025
At Cancer Fund for Children, we provide specialist support to children and young people living with cancer, and their families, across the island of Ireland. We're are recruiting a compassionate, dynamic and experienced Youth Support Worker to join us on the Haematology/Oncology ward in Children's Health Ireland Crumlin and other hospital sites across Dublin.
About the Role
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people aged 11–16+ during a challenging time in their lives. As part of the hospital's Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), you'll provide informal one-to-one and group support, create opportunities for peer connection, and help reduce the sense of isolation many young people feel while undergoing treatment.
Working closely with healthcare professionals and Cancer Fund for Children's wider team, you will help deliver a responsive, child- and family-centred service that reflects the unique emotional and social needs of children and teenagers facing cancer.
Key Responsibilities
1. Deliver informal one-to-one support to young people in hospital (primary focus aged 11–16+), and wider family support where possible.
2. Facilitate small group activities to encourage peer connection and build confidence.
3. Coordinate daily support in consultation with the nursing manager.
4. Be an active and collaborative member of the hospital's MDT.
5. In complex cases (mental health, safeguarding, neurodiversity), consult with the psycho-oncology clinical lead or MDT before offering support.
6. Support families through key transitions, including developmental, age-based, and across the cancer journey aligned with national and local guidance.
7. Be available to work at least two evenings per week and one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday) every two weeks.
8. Contribute to the design and delivery of tailored programmes that support young people's development and resilience.
9. Develop creative, age-appropriate ways to involve children, young people, and parents in shaping and evaluating services.
10. Provide occasional cover for the Cancer Support Specialist working within the same hospital department.
About You
We're looking for someone who is:
11. Passionate about working with children and young people in a healthcare setting.
12. Emotionally resilient, empathetic, and sensitive to the impact of cancer on young people and their families.
13. Comfortable working independently as well as part of a wider professional team.
14. Flexible with working patterns, including some evenings and weekends.
Qualifications and Experience
We welcome applicants with a recognised professional qualification in one of the following areas:
15. Social Work
16. Social Care
17. Community Youth Work
18. Play Therapy
19. Nursing
20. Therapeutic Discipline
21. Play Specialist
22. Art Therapy or another relevant professional qualification.
We're also looking for someone who can demonstrate:
23. Clear evidence of ongoing professional development.
24. Experience working with young people in a health, social care or community setting.
25. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Why Join Us?
At Cancer Fund for Children, you'll be part of a values-driven, child-focused team making a lasting impact every day. We offer a collaborative working environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to be part of something truly meaningful.
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