Careers

Latest Jobs

All current career opportunities with Extern are advertised via NI Job Finder and Activelink (ROI)

Below are a few of the current jobs

Are you prepared for the life-changing work we do at Extern?

Extern delivers ground-breaking services both sides of the border from Intensive Home Support Services to Bail Supervision Scheme in Dublin and Cork for young people caught up in the youth justice system.

We also work with the most vulnerable who find themselves far from society who are living on the streets, in temporary accommodation in hostels and support services for people with IV drugs dependency in Northern Ireland.

These are only a few of a far-reaching service portfolio delivered by Extern services teams and supported by corporate teams.

We are passionate about ensuring all of our colleagues are made to feel included in the work we do and that we value the rich diversity within the organisation.

Why join Extern?

Working for a charity provides one of the best benefits there is – a sense of purpose and reward for helping others. However, we understand the importance of giving back to our employees to ensure a happy and healthy working environment and work/life balance.

  • Generous Employer Pension Contribution
  • Enhanced Maternity Pay
  • Enhanced Paternity Pay
  • Flexible Working Arrangements
  • Occupational Sick Pay
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Generous Annual Leave Entitlement
  • Bike to Work Scheme
  • Death in Service Benefit
  • Health Cash Plan

Latest opportunities

Role:Key Worker

Location: Co. Derry/Londonderry

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Permanent

Residential - 48 hours per shift
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£25,614 - £31,325 per annum. Overnight allowance of £83.36 per night (potential £8k of additional annual income to that of your basic annual salary pro rata).

About the role

Join Extern’s Short Stay Break Service and make a real difference in the lives of young people aged 8–17and their families. This service provides a safe, supportive alternative to placement, offering 4-day, 4-night breakspacked with social, educational, cultural, and recreational activities.

As a Key Worker, you will engage directly with children and young people, supporting them to explore lifestyle choices, build wellbeing, and develop independence. Your work helps prevent crises, maintain family placements, and ensure young people can return home safely and positively.

You’ll work closely with social workers and carers, providing tailored support that keeps children engaged and empowered. Successful interventions can lead to ongoing participation in other Extern programmes, helping young people thrive within their communities.

This is a hands-on, rewarding role for someone passionate about youth support, crisis prevention, and positive change.

The closing date for all completed applications is:  27 February at 12:00pm - the panel will shortlisting every 2 weeks.

Apply Here

Role:Youth Justice Worker

Location: Limerick

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Fixed Term for 1 year

37.5 standard hours (including breaks) (Flexibility Required)
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€42,624 per annum pro rata ​

About the role

Join Extern’s Southside Youth Initiative, a vibrant Youth Diversion Project (YDP) making a real difference in the lives of young people in Limerick city. This community-based programme works with local agencies to prevent youth crime and help young people build positive futures.

We are looking for a Youth Justice Workerto support young people aged 8–18with complex needs. You’ll work directly with those at high risk of offending, as well as younger children through early intervention. Using creative, tailored programmes, you’ll help young people develop resilience, life skills, and positive connections in their community.

This role is hands-on and dynamic. You’ll deliver programmes flexibly, collaborate closely with statutory agencies, community organisations, and families, and play a key role in shaping meaningful outcomes for young people.

If you are passionate about making a real impact and enjoy working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, this role is for you.

The closing date for all completed applications is: 9 March at 12:00pm

Apply Here

Role:Keyworker - Pathways (Maternity Cover)

Location: Belfast

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Fixed Term Until December 2026 (maternity cover)

40 standard hours (including breaks) (Flexibility Required)
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£25,614 per annum

About the role

Are you passionate about helping young people re-engage with learning, achieve qualifications, and realise their potential?

Extern’s Pathways Project delivers a full-time Alternative Education Provision (AEP) for Year 11 and Year 12 students in the Belfast region, providing tailored support to help them successfully complete their mainstream education in an alternative setting.

As a Key Worker, you will play a central role in transforming young lives. You’ll create a strong pastoral care environment, supporting each student to overcome barriers, build confidence, and thrive academically, socially, and personally. You’ll lead the personal and social development curriculum, both accredited and non-accredited, including designing, delivering, and internally moderating The Prince’s Trust Personal Development & Employability (PDE) programme up to diploma level.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference, helping young people develop the skills, experience, and qualifications they need to succeed — while working in a dynamic, supportive team committed to innovation and excellence in alternative education.

The closing date for all completed applications is: 19 February at 12:00pm

Apply Here

Role:2x Social Workers

Location: Belfast

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1 x Permanent - 1 x Fixed Term (12 months to cover substantive post holder)

40 standard hours (including breaks) (Flexibility Required)
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£27,786 - £31,325 per annum, plus annual £3,000 social worker allowance (pro rata)

About the role

Are you a Social Worker passionate about making a real difference? Extern’s Multi-Disciplinary Homeless Support Team  in Belfast has been supporting individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness since 2006. We work with people experiencing complex needs, including mental health challenges, addictions, learning disabilities, and family breakdown.

You’ll deliver person-centred, harm-reduction-focused support through assertive outreach, building strong relationships with individuals who are often ‘seldom heard’. This role offers opportunities to work collaboratively across statutory, voluntary, and community sectors, advocating for tailored services and innovative solutions.

If you thrive on challenge, value co-production, and want a rewarding role that promotes professional growth and innovative practice, this is the role for you.

The closing date for all completed applications is:  25 February at 12:00pm

Apply Here

Role:Bank Worker

Location: Belfast

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As and when required. No mutuality of obligation.

As and when required. No mutuality of obligation.
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£12.60 per hour. £83 between 12am and 8am for sleeping overnight shifts

About the role

We’re looking for compassionate and resilient individuals to join our team as Bank Workers, supporting service users with an offending background to improve their wellbeing, independence, and life choices.

You may have direct contact with service users, their families, and friends, playing a role that could truly transform lives. The work can be challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding for those who are open-minded, adaptable, and committed to supporting people with complex needs.

If you want a flexible role where your contribution can have a lasting impact, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

The closing date for all completed applications is:  23 February at 12:00pm

Apply Here

Role:Digital Learning and Engagement Advisor

Location: Mallusk

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Permanent

40 standard hours (including breaks) (Flexibility Required) Hybrid working model, 2 days in the office, 3 days remote working. Office base is Hydepark House, 3 McKinney Rd, Newtownabbey BT36 4PE. The successful candidate will be required to travel to locations across Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland as and when required.
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£25,614 to £31,325, per annum​

About the role

Are you passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire people to grow and succeed?

At Extern, our Digital Learning and Engagement Advisor plays a vital role in transforming how we develop, support, and engage our people.

As part of our People & Organisational Development team, this role leads the creation of dynamic, high-quality learning programmes, with a strong focus on innovative digital solutions. From designing engaging online content to shaping organisation-wide training initiatives, you will help ensure our people have the skills, confidence, and knowledge to deliver real impact.

You will work closely with senior leaders, providing insight that helps drive strategic decisions and ensures our learning approach aligns with Extern’s vision and values. Beyond learning, you will also champion wellbeing by leading our Wellbeing and Engagement Forum, driving initiatives that support a positive, healthy, and inclusive workplace culture.

This is more than a learning role - it’s an opportunity to influence culture, support people, and help shape the future of learning and engagement across Extern.

The closing date for all completed applications is: 3 March at 12:00pm

Apply Here

Latest opportunities

No available jobs currently at

Testimonials

Why I work for Extern

Extern being community based attracted me to the role, I liked the Extern model of keeping young people in their own communities and homes, building an individual programme around each young person & family offering support & guidance around home, school and/or community.

Conor Bryne- Assistant Service Manager Janus Dublin North City Programme

Having been a part of Extern for a decade, I’ve witnessed first-hand the commitment the organisation has towards creating a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and communities. The ethos and the purpose-driven approach of Extern make it a remarkable place to work.

Alan Keenan- Assistant IT Manager

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