Muscular Dystrophy Ireland
75 Lucan Road,
Chapelizod,
Dublin 20

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) is a voluntary organisation that provides support to people with neuromuscular conditions and their families. MDI seeks to recruit an enthusiastic individual with relevant qualifications and experience for the following position:-

Family Support Worker [Part time]

The holder of this part time position 20 hours per week provides support to families in the Mid-Western Health Service Executive Area, Limerick and Clare. Candidates should be excellent communicators with a good understanding of health and social services and the needs of people with disabilities. Experience of advocacy work, providing personal support and a full clean driving licence are essential.

Job Description

Location: Mid-Western Region

Reporting to: The MDI Family Support / Clinic Coordinator

Contract Type Fixed Term One year Contract

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) is a member driven voluntary organisation providing support and information to people with neuromuscular conditions and their families. MDI seeks to recruit an enthusiastic individual with relevant qualifications and experience. The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of health and social services and the needs of people living with disabilities. The candidate will have experience of outcome driven advocacy work and experience in the provision of practical support to adults/young people with disabilities and their families. A full driving licence and access to a car are essential to this post

Role Description:

• To provide personal contact and support to persons affected by neuromuscular conditions, their families and carers.
• To network and advocate with the Health Service Executive, Department of Social Protection and all other appropriate statutory and voluntary service providers in liaison with MDI in order to provide adequate service provision for individuals and families.
• To promote the concept of independent living and personal assistance to members and encourage members to participate in opportunities appropriate to their expressed needs.
• To liaise with other organisations and groups to advise on and encourage accessibility for MDI’s members.
• To seek opportunities for the provision of activities in employment, education, recreational and well-being driven initiatives.
• To plan and develop a social support network for members.
• To support members and their families in accessing short term respite care in accordance with the MDI’s Respite Policy.
• To assess the needs of new members and advocate as appropriate.
• To provide information to members and their families on accessing entitlements to financial supports, health care and equipment.
• To co-ordinate and attend annual residential camps.
• To line manage staff at summer camps as and when required.
• To maintain records and expenses for summer camp when required.
• Assist with personal care on residential camps if and when required.
• To drive the MDI mini-bus to the safest standards as set by the organisation.
• To ensure the safety of all passengers and other road users.
• To liaise with the Transport Coordinator to ensure that the mini bus complies with all health and safety regulations.
• To promote the work of MDI with statutory and other service providers through training, networking and raising awareness.
• To liaise and support with the youth services when required in implementing a programme of activities for young members and their siblings.
• To provide relevant monthly reports to the Family Support / Clinic Co-ordinator.
• To attend staff meetings as required.
• To engage in fundraising initiatives and partake in the annual MDI Awareness Campaign.
• Any other duties as may be required by the organisation from time to time.

Please see Person Specification & Terms and Conditions attached below.

Please email Application Letter and CV to reception@mdi.ie

Closing Date – 3rd November 2017