Early Years Relief Worker

Job Title: Early Years Relief Worker

Location: Ashleigh House, Damastown Walk, Dublin 15

Reports to: Early Years Team Leader

Hours: Up to 35 Hours per week - Ad hoc hours available during the winter months. (flexible)

Job Type: Relief Worker (12 Month Fixed Term Contract, but could be extended subject to funding)

Hourly rate: €16.67 per hour

Contact Email: [email protected]

Reference Code HR/DUB/ADS/EYRWDUB/1026

Purpose:

To work alongside our committed Early Years & Childcare professionals, to deliver a holistic child-centred program under the guidance of the National Quality Frameworks, Aistear and Síolta in line with Child Care Regulations (the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016.

Coolmine is a leading drug and alcohol treatment centre providing community, day and residential services to men and women and families with problematic substance use since 1973. Coolmine believes that everyone should have the opportunity to overcome addiction and lead a fulfilled and productive life.

Coolmine provides a residential addiction treatment service for women and their children. An integral part of the service is the onsite dedicated Early Years and Pre-school Service which is accessible to all parents participating in the programme. Mothers can feel safe in the knowledge that whilst they are engaging in our programme, their child is being looked after in a safe, secure, caring and nurturing environment. We are now seeking a Relief Childcare Support Worker to assist the childcare service where needed. The childcare worker must be flexible to suit the service needs and adhere to all childcare policies while providing a quality service.

Requirements of Student Early Years Educators:

· Candidates must be willing to work with new-born babies and young children

· Candidates must hold a minimum of NFQ Level 5 Certificate (or recognised equivalent) in a childcare qualification.

· NFQ Level 6 Certificate and Higher is desired.

· Candidates must provide 2 x written references and copy of qualification certificates at time of interview.

· Candidate details will be submitted for Garda Vetting.

Role Responsibilities: (Include, but not limited to)

Ø To follow the childcare policies, in line with the government guidance and statutory requirements. This also includes Coolmine policies and procedures.

Ø To support and assist in the provision of high-quality Early Years care and learning to children aged 0-6 years of age, in a therapeutic community setting.

Ø Provide the children with, reciprocal interactions with children.

Ø Support activities to benefit the child while delivering a play-based approach.

Ø Support children's holistic development.

Ø Contribute to the process of Observation & Documentation- Including learning stories and Conducting observations & learning stories for children.

Ø Build effective forms of Communication among team members

Ø Liaise with the parents, staff and the inter-agency team where possible. Delivering, a holistic approach that caters for the children accessing the Early Years Services, 0-6 years.

Ø Engage with opportunities to upskill and access relevant training.

Ø Engage with Team Meetings and reflective practice.

Ø Perform other reasonable and relevant duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Ø To be flexible and adaptable to suit the service needs when required.

Ø Practice and follow expected hygiene practices involving, good hand hygiene and using Personal Protective Equipment.

Person Specification

Education:

Ø NFQ Level 5 Certificate in Early Years Education or higher qualification preferred.

Ø Professional certification in Children’s First, First Aid, Hand hygiene, putting on and taking off PPE equipment (or wiling to engage in online training seminars during recruitment process.)

Experience/Knowledge

Ø Also enrolled on a course that is on the list of DCEDIY Early Years Recognised Qualifications at level 6, 7 or 8.

Ø Must have successfully completed at least the first year of the course.

Ø Must have successfully completed a practice placement in-person in an ELC service, previously.

Ø Experience of working with vulnerable children and parents.

Competences Required

Ø Good interpersonal skills.

Ø Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Ø Committed to meeting the needs of vulnerable children and parents.

Personal Attributes

Ø Integrity, honesty, confidentiality and builds trust with others.

Ø Ability to foster and nurture reciprocal interactions with children.

Ø Team player and with flexible approach

Ø Respect for the values and ethos of Coolmine

Application Process

Interested candidates who meet the Person Specification requirements should send their cover letter & CV to Karl Mooney at [email protected]

Closing dates for Applications is Wednesday 28 October 2026.

Coolmine Therapeutic Community is an equal opportunities employer

Please find our Candidate Privacy Notice - https://www.coolmine.ie/candidate-privacy-notice/

Pay: €16.67 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• On-site parking
• Wellness program

Work Location: In person