Family Support Worker (Erris Community)

(1 year fixed term contract. Full-time 37 hours per week)

Erris Family & Community Support Centre CLG 

Job Title: Family Support Worker 

Employer: Erris Family & Community Support Centre, c/o Irish Wheelchair Centre, Logmore, Belmullet, Co. Mayo

Company Details:

Erris Family & Community Support Centre is a community development organisation working to shape an inclusive, sustainable and independent community that is self-sufficient and provides a supportive environment to all those living in The Barony of Erris.

The Centre works from a combined model of family support and community development.

The Purpose of the Role will be to:

Respond to the needs of local children, young people and their families, by providing one to one Family Support in Erris Family & Community Support Centre / family homes through delivery of evidence-based approaches, to include parenting programmes and outreach within the community.

Work in partnership with local families to create individual family plans to respond to the needs presenting in a variety of ways, including group work, individual key-working, online courses and supports, and location-based work as well as outreach work within the community.

This work will endeavour to improve outcomes for children and young people as outlined in Young Ireland the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2023-2028 and will be conducted in line with the Erris FCSC strategic plan and company values. The family support worker will work to realise Tusla’s Parenting Support Strategy 2022-2027 and any other emerging relevant policies.

The Family Support Worker will work in partnership with the Voluntary Board of Directors to implement Erris Family & Community Support Centre CLG’s Service Level Agreement with Tusla – The Child and Family Agency.

Hours: 37 hours per week 

Contract Type: 1 year fixed term, probationary period of six months.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications & experience in line with DOH salary grades.

Start Date: Monday 17th November

Interviews will be held on the week of the 20th October- date TBC

How to Apply: 

Please complete the A1 and A2 forms in the application pack below and return by post/ email to Co-ordinator, Leanne Barrett, Erris Family & Community Support Centre, c/o Irish Wheelchair Centre, Logmore, Belmullet, Co. Mayo / coordinator@errisfcsc.ie. For any queries call 0870670989. 

Deadline for Applications: Thursday 2nd October at 4pm.

*Full job description, person specification and application form available to download below*

Criteria for the Position 

Essential

• A recognised third level relevant academic / educational qualification -minimum level 7 (on the NQF) in Family Support, Social Work, Social Care or related field.
• 3 years’ experience in a related field, conducting direct work with children and families.
• Experience in facilitating parent programmes such as Circle of Security Parenting, Parenting When Separated, Common Sense Parenting etc.
• Experience of working in partnership with families and carers, children or young people.
• Knowledge and training in current legislation and policies relating to children, young people and families, particularly Children First Act 2015.
• Familiarity with TUSLA’s National Practice Model, Meitheal.
• Experience of providing information and support to individuals and groups in a confidential, discrete and non-judgemental manner.
• Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines, with good time management skills.
• Ability to maintain clear boundaries and professional relationships with families and clients, acting within the remit and scope of the role.
• Networking skills and ability to work with a range of voluntary and statutory agencies.
• Experience of evidence informed practices and using a strengths-based approach to working with individuals and families.
• Strong skills and experience in group facilitation and the ability to co-ordinate group activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to interact and network with all levels within and outside the organisation.
• Experience of planning, implementing, and reviewing programmes.
• A full driving licence and access to the use of an adequately insured car is essential.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of the combined working model of family support and community development.
• Knowledge and experience of the community and voluntary sector.
• Understanding of generational disadvantage, social exclusion, marginalisation and inequality.
• Experience of team working and collaborating with other professionals.
• Ability and willingness to engage in reflective practice
• Ability to work under pressure and to make decisions on own initiative or in consultation with the line manager when appropriate.
• Experience and skills in writing effective reports and collate statistical information.
• Demonstrate an understanding of values and principles of Erris Family & Community Support Centre CLG.

Applications will only be accepted on the official application form and must be received by post/ email by the deadline stated. CVs will not be accepted.

Applicants will be shortlisted for interview based on the information provided in their A2 Application Form.

Erris Family & Community Support Centre CLG is an equal opportunity employer.

This post is funded by Tusla – The Child & Family Agency.

​Canvassing will disqualify.