Job Title: Family Support Worker / Access Worker

Overall Purpose:

To work with the Project Co-ordinator to implement the Centres work plan so that supervised access can be provided and that local families are supported and encouraged to function more effectively and so that the community is a good place for children to grow up in.

Key Areas of Work

Community Based Family Support and Access Supervision

• Promote local target group involvement in the organisation
• Identify factors leading to disadvantage in the area and work with the Voluntary Board of Directors and the Project Co-ordinator to raise awareness of these issues
• Deliver a range of family supports in the community in line with the organisation’s Strategic Plan
• Facilitate access supervision as required by Tusla in conjunction with Project Coordinator
• Be responsible for room set-up, clean up and return to same after each access
• Ensure that the work of the organisation is in keeping with the aims and objectives of the Family Resource Centre Programme
• Raise the profile of the organisation
• Provide support and information to individuals and groups that are disadvantaged
• Work with the relevant statutory and voluntary agencies and facilitate inter-agency co-operation to address the needs of the target group and families in the local community
• Work with the Project Co-ordinator to identify funding sources, make applications and liaise with funding agencies as required
• Facilitate networking at local and regional level as appropriate
• Work closely with the Project Co-ordinator to promote and support local voluntary and community activities that benefit the target groups of the Programme and address disadvantage and inequalities
• Participate in planning, review and evaluation of the work of the organisation
• To provide adequate case notes and records in a timely manner.

Specific areas of work

• Facilitate access supervision with families as requested by Tusla
• Support Meitheal’s as allocated by Project Coordinator
• Support FSW cases as allocated by Project Coordinator

General

• Document the work on an on-going basis and prepare regular work / progress reports for the Voluntary Board of Directors and the Project Co-ordinator
• Participate in relevant training
• Any other tasks that may be assigned by the organisation from time-to-time

Other Relevant Information

Hours of Work

• The post will be 28-35 hours per week
• The hours of work will be agreed by the Project Co-Ordinator and the Voluntary Board of Directors. The Access/ Family Support Worker will be expected to be flexible about evening and weekend work for which overtime will not be paid but time-off-in-lieu will be granted.
• A ten-month probation period will apply.

Accountability

The Family Support will be responsible to the Project Co-ordinator and to the Voluntary Board of Directors.

Confidentiality

The Access/ Family Support Worker will observe confidentiality at all times in relation to Centre business.

Salary

The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be in line with remuneration levels in the Family Resource Centre Programme

Pension

Following completion of a successful probation period, the company will assist you in setting up a pension scheme if required.

Holidays

You are entitled to 25 days annual leave (pro-rata for part-time positions)

Garda Vetting

The position is subject to the completion of a satisfactory Garda Vetting process.

Person Specification

Name of Employer: Dunmanway Family Resource Centre

This Person Specification is a description of the skills, knowledge and experience required for the position of Access /Family Support / Community Development Worker with Dunmanway Family Resource Centre

Essential

• A 3rd level qualification in Family Support, Social Care or a related discipline – Level 6+
• 2 years’ knowledge and experience of delivering family support in a community-based setting
• Networking skills and ability to work with a range of community, voluntary and statutory agencies
• Experience of planning, developing and delivering programmes, activities and/or services to groups
• Experience of providing supports directly to parents / families
• Experience delivering parent support programmes
• Experience of providing information and support to individuals and groups
• Group facilitation skills
• Excellent report writing skills
• Ability to compile funding applications and source funding opportunities
• IT & social media skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Access to own transport / provide letter of indemnification from insurer

Desirable

• Experience of working with a voluntary board of directors.
• Familiarity with Meitheal (Tusla’s National Practice Model)
• Familiar with Children First Guidance

Application Packs are available by email from info@dfrc.ie.

Deadline for receipt of completed applications is: 10th May at 5.00 pm latest.

Completed applications by email only please.