Title: Family Support Officer

Reporting to: Head of Family Support

Type of Contract: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (5 days a week). There will be a requirement for occasional “out of hours” work. (Toil Policy)

Location: Debra's office is based at Butterfly Cottage, 8 Clanwilliam Terrace, Dublin 2. Hybrid working available after probationary period (max. 2 days WFH a week).

Travel: There may be an occasional need to travel to families living with EB or peer events as part of the role.

DEBRA Ireland is an ambitious patient led charity with a powerful case for support. We are very clear about where we need to be within the next five years and are passionate about achievement and excellence. DEBRA Ireland is the national charity established in 1988 to provide patient support services and to drive research into treatments and cures for those living with the genetic skin condition, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). Patients who have EB, have skin that is as delicate and fragile as the wings of a butterfly, and just as easily damaged. The condition is extremely painful and, in some cases, leads to disability and deformity.

We are currently looking for a Family Support Officer. This role is central to supporting those affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa and their families. Candidates who have previous experience in a similar role and knowledge of the charitable sector are an advantage. Applicant will need to be a team player, a self-starter, have strong communications skills (verbal & written), strong administration skills. Relevant experience in a Social Care setting would be an advantage.

The post of Family Support Officer is an integral part of the family support team, helping to provide support to families living with EB.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative

• Lead administrative function for the service.
• Manage phone and email queries for the family support service.
• Manage all correspondence to people with EB/families via post, email, text.
• Manage and process monthly invoices and Debra support grants.
• Checking and submitting invoices, grant payments, expense claims etc to Finance for payment.
• Prepare reports for management and external stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate monitoring and reporting of service metrics and evaluation.
• Develop, maintain, and improve policies and procedures as needed for the support team.
• Maintain the CRM system for the support team.

Events/project management/development

• Project manage events for the EB community throughout the year. This would also involve attending events out of regular office hours as required. ( TOIL policy in place)
• Co-facilitate peer support groups.
• Co-manage and facilitate Debra’s lived experience advisory panel workshops throughout the year.
• Co-develop/design digital and print information and resources for the EB community (information sheets, leaflets, website, emails)
• Provide content for the website, blogs and social media in conjunction with the communications team.

EB support

• Provide phone support and information to individuals with EB and their families on queries around Debra grants, events, practical supports.
• Provide practical support to people with EB/families in accessing national and community services and entitlements i.e., government grants, welfare, equipment, respite, education, counselling, social work, bereavement supports.
• Provide information and support to professionals in health services, social services, local authority, community services, schools, etc.
• Raise awareness and advocate on behalf of individuals with EB and their families on key issues such as housing needs, social inclusion, education, and employment.

Other

• Collaborate with other EB organisations and Debra’s worldwide.
• Assist other teams within Debra on various projects such as fundraising, communications, national advocacy, and EB research.
• Attend regular training and conferences to educate and upskill in areas of EB, chronic illness, psychosocial needs, resources and supports, mental health, bereavement, etc.
• Suitable candidate will be Garda Vetted.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of working in an officer support role or similar.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage users, carers, and staff in other agencies.
• A self-starter who can embrace both working on their own initiative and as a team player.
• Conscientious with exceptional attention to detail.
• Administrative skills with strong computer skills.
• Must have a clean full driving licence.

Desirable

• Database experience training would be an advantage.
• Experience or knowledge of working with people with a physical disability.
• Experience of working in the charity sector.
• Experience in social care or HR or equivalent.

Benefits

• Annual leave of 20 days.
• Five discretionary leave days: Good Friday, Christmas Eve, working days between Christmas and New Year.
• Employer-matched Pension Scheme up to 6%, following 6-month probationary period.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunity for flexible/hybrid working.
• Bike to Work Scheme.

Applications

Please email your CV and accompanying cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to info@debra.ie by 5pm on Monday, 27th May 2024, with the subject line as follows: First Name Last Name – Family Support Officer. Informal queries to familysupport@debra.ie. The position is subject to Garda clearance and reference check. Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Ireland at the time of application. Debra is an equal opportunities employer. Management reserves the right to amend or change this job description as required.