Toybox Project Worker

Early Years; Belfast; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Northern Ireland is seeking an Early Years Development Officer to enhance educational opportunities for children aged 0-4, particularly from Traveller and Roma backgrounds. Key responsibilities include working hands-on with families to support children's development through play, promoting positive parenting, and developing evidence-based services. This is a temporary position based in Belfast, with a deadline for applications on January 8, 2026.

Qualifications

• An NVQ Level III in Early Years Care and Education or equivalent.
• Two years of experience working with young children in various settings.
• Full driving licence and access to a car are essential.

Responsibilities

• Work with families to improve children's development through play.
• Promote positive parenting and parent roles as first educators.
• Support and extend play experiences for early outcomes.
• Develop high quality, evidence-informed early childhood services.

Skills

Experience working with young children

Understanding of diversity and inclusion issues

Effective communication skills

Education

NVQ Level III in Early Years Care and Education

BA in Early Years Childhood Studies or equivalent

Job description

Improve the early years’ development and educational opportunities for Traveller and Roma and Minority Ethnic children aged 0-4.Please see employer website for full job details & person specification.

Responsibilities

• This will involve a ‘hands on’ approach taking a mobile play resource to families (whether living on Traveller sites, at the roadside or in settled accommodation) and working with them to encourage their child’s development through play.
• To work in partnership with families to promote and facilitate positive parenting and the enhancement of the role of parents as ‘first educators’.
• To innovatively support and extend play experiences to ensure early outcomes are achieved.
• To promote and develop high quality, evidence-informed early childhood services for young children, their families and communities.

Skills and Qualifications

• An NVQ Level III in Early Years Care and Education or equivalent.
• Two years previous experience working with young children in a variety of settings, including community development settings.
• A full driving licence and access to a car is essential for this role. We will consider reasonable adjustments for candidates who are unable to meet this requirement due to a disability.
• BA in Early Years Childhood Studies or equivalent.
• Experience working with or in support of Traveller, Roma or ethnic minority groups or other experience that brings understanding of diversity and inclusion issues.

Further Information

Location: Early Years Headquarters, Belfast.Temporary, fixed term until 31 January 2027.The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Thursday 8 January 2026.For shortlisted applicants it is anticipated that interviews will take place Friday 16 January 2026.A reserve list may be held for a period of up to six months for the same or similar roles if this applies to you, we’ll let you know via email.Should you need to contact us, please use the following methods:Email: [e-mail]: 028 9038 7905Early Years is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing flexible friendly working conditions. As Protestants and males are currently known to be under-represented in the Organisation, we would particularly welcome applications from these groups.