Job Description

Join Early Years - the organisation for young children as Toybox Project Worker

Location:

Belfast

Base:

Early Years Headquarters, Belfast, BT12 6TA

Hours:

37 hours per week, hybrid and flexible working arrangements to support work life balance and individual needs

Tenure:

Fixed Term until 31 January 2027

Salary:

NJC Scale 5, Point 12-17 (27,711-30,060) per annum pro rata

Do you have a passion for making a meaningful impact in early childhood education?

Do you believe in the power of play to unlock potential?

Be part of our team and help shape the futures of children by fostering growth and learning through purposeful opportunities.

At Early Years, we are committed to fostering growth for both the children and our staff. Joining means an opportunity to enhance your skills, make a meaningful difference, and collaborate with a team that upholds dedication, compassion, and excellence in early years care and education.

In return, Early Years provides a comprehensive rewards package, including a competitive salary, 36 days of annual leave (pro-rata), inclusive of statutory/public holidays, a contributory pension scheme, options to purchase additional leave, and access to healthcare schemes.

The role

As Toybox Project Worker you will work with the Project Manager and the Toybox team to improve the early years' development and educational opportunities for Traveller and Roma and Minority Ethnic children aged 0-4. 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.

We're looking for people who:

At the closing date have:

Essential criteria

At the closing date applicants, must have:

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.

Desirable criteria

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.
To find out more about the roles and to apply, visit our website:

https://hr.moorepay.co.uk/hr/recruitment/job/985ec6e03e7a1d7f96ecf0566e8b1a6b/50144

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:

monitoringofficer@early-years.org

Phone:

028 9038 7905

Early 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.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: 27,711.00-30,060.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 08/01/2026
Reference ID: 25-99