Senior Early Years Practitioner

Job Title: Senior Early Years Practitioner

Location: Ashleigh House, Damastown Walk, Dublin 15

Reports to: Childcare Team Leader

Hours: 35 hours per week

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: From €17.60 - €19.70 per hour (depending on qualifications & experience)

Contract Term Permanent

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.

Contact Email: [email protected]

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.

Role Responsibilities: (Include, but not limited to)

· To facilitate the operational responsibility as a room leader.

· To provide support to the service as a deputy team leader and to step up in the absence of the Team Leader.

· To provide excellence in role modelling best practice.

· To maintain professional boundaries with parent’s, carers, staff, interagency teams and students.

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

· To facilitate the role of a Key person for a cohort of children. This involves facilitating 1:1 Key Person- Parent consultations, preparing learning stories/observations and assessments of learning.

· 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.

· Provide the children with, reciprocal interactions with children.

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

· Support children's holistic development.

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

· Build effective forms of Communication among team members

· 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 Preschool & Baby-room.

· Offer support to parent’s around the continuing health and wellbeing of their children.

· Engage with opportunities to upskill and access relevant training.

· Engage with Team Meetings and reflective practice.

· To engage in multiagency meetings where appropriate.

· To write informative, factual and legible reports.

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

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

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

· To be respectful of the vulnerabilities and experiences of parents and children.

Person Specification

Education:

· Candidates must hold a minimum of NFQ Accredited Diploma Level 7 - Early Years qualification from a recognised body, however, a level 8 is a distinct advantage.

· Professional certification in Children’s First, First Aid and Hand hygiene to be completed during recruitment or induction.

Competences Required

· Good interpersonal skills.

· Must be a team player

· Clear written and verbal communication skills.

· Committed to meeting the needs of vulnerable children and parents

Personal Attributes

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

· Ability to foster and nurture reciprocal interactions with children.

· Team player and with flexible approach

· Respect for the values and ethos of Coolmine Therapeutic Community

Application Process

Interested candidates who meet the Person Specification requirements should send their cover letter, CV & Letter of Eligibility (where needed) to Dylan Murphy HR Coordinator at [email protected] before Tuesday the 26th of August 2025.

Please quote this application reference code HR/DUB/SDL/SEYP/0825

Coolmine Therapeutic Community is an equal opportunities employer.

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

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: €17.60-€19.70 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Bike to work scheme
• Company pension
• Employee assistance program
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Wellness program

Licence/Certification:

• NFQ Level 7 degree in Addiction Studies or related field (required)

Work authorisation:

• Ireland (required)

Work Location: In person