About the Role
As a Parent’s Help/Family Support Specialist, you will support families by providing supervised childcare and practical, child-related support within the family home. This role is designed to assist parents who are present or nearby and need additional help during busy times, appointments, or transitional periods.
The focus of this role is childcare and child-related tasks only. It does not include general housekeeping. This is a part-time, flexible role suited to childcare professionals who enjoy working collaboratively with families and supporting children in familiar home environments.
All Nanny roles are employed positions with Watershed Care Services Ireland and are subject to Garda Vetting, reference checks, and role-specific experience requirements. Applicants must have the legal right to work in Ireland.
Key Responsibilities
Childcare & Supervision
Supervise children in the family home while parents are present or close by
Engage children in age-appropriate play and activities
Support routines such as meals, naps, bath time, and bedtime
Ensure a safe, secure, nurturing, and stimulating environment at all times
Promote independence, confidence, and positive routines
Child-Related Household Support
Prepare and handle children’s meals and snacks in line with basic food hygiene and safety practices, including awareness of allergies and dietary requirements
Manage school runs, collections, and attendance at activities where required
Support homework and age-appropriate learning tasks
Maintain tidy, organised, child-safe bedrooms, play areas, and equipment
Support and manage child-related laundry and tidying where agreed
(This role does not include general housekeeping.)
Professional Practice
Communicate clearly and professionally with parents regarding routines, progress, and any concerns
Work collaboratively with the Watershed office team
Follow all Watershed policies, safeguarding procedures, and health & safety standards
Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries within the family home
Requirements
Essential
Minimum 2 years’ professional childcare experience (private family, creche, or agency)
QQI Level 5 in Early Learning & Care/Childcare or equivalent
Children First Safeguarding Training (Tusla e-learning) or willingness to complete prior to placement
Paediatric First Aid or willingness to complete prior to placement
Excellent communication, organisational, and time-management skills
A warm, reliable, and professional approach to childcare
Ability to work independently and responsibly within a family home/private environment
Strong awareness of safe childcare practices, health & safety, and child wellbeing
Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries within private family homes
Willingness to provide written references and consent to Garda Vetting by the company
Police clearance required where the applicant has lived outside Ireland for more than 6 consecutive months since the age of 18
Proof of eligibility to work in the EU (no sponsorship provided)
Ability to travel independently to placements across Dublin
A genuine commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
Desirable Skills & Experience (not Essential)
Basic food hygiene awareness or willingness to complete Food Safety training prior to placement
Infection Prevention & Control awareness or willingness to complete training prior to placement (this training is provided where required)
Manual Handling training (where duties require it) or willingness to complete training prior to placement
Experience in long-term, live-in or live out, full-time nanny roles
Experience with after-school care, school-age children, or mixed-age households
Experience supporting school-age children, including homework routines and after-school care
Infant and toddler care experience, including routines for feeding, sleep, and transitions
Training or experience supporting children with additional needs or tailored routines
Driving licence (preferred but not essential - must be able to travel independently to placements)
Montessori training or qualification (AMI, AMS, or equivalent), particularly suited to home-based, child-led learning
Additional training in child development, play-based learning, or positive behaviour support
Strong organisational skills and confidence managing daily routines independently
Driving licence (preferred but not essential - must be able to travel independently to placements)
What We Offer
Competitive hourly rate, reflective of experience and qualifications
Employed positions with Watershed Care Services Ireland (not self-employed or agency placements)
Carefully matched part-time placements with families to provide consistency and stability
Flexible scheduling aligned with agreed availability (mornings, afternoons, evenings, or set days)
Garda Vetting support and a structured onboarding process
Ongoing access to training and professional development relevant to your role
Support from a dedicated office team, with clear communication and guidance
Opportunities to take on additional hours or complementary childcare roles where available and desired
Access to employee benefits schemes, including Bike to Work and Travel Tax Saver, where eligibility criteria are met
Annual leave entitlement provided on a pro-rata basis, in line with Irish employment legislation
Inclusion in staff recognition initiatives and team appreciation activities throughout the year
About Watershed Care Services
Watershed Care Services Ireland provides professional, in-home childcare and family support services across Dublin. We employ experienced, Garda-vetted childcare professionals who support families through busy periods, transitions, and day-to-day routines within the home.
Our Parent’s Help service offers practical, child-focused support, giving families an extra pair of hands while maintaining safety, routines, and continuity of care.