Young Parents Support Worker

Carrick on Shannon

Description:

The Service requires one worker to work as a member of a team in Leitrim, which requires a confidential, sympathetic, non-judgemental, and personal contact and support service for young parents between the age of 14-24 (mothers and fathers) and their extended families from pregnancy until the baby is 2 years of age.

The principle focus of this programme will be to support vulnerable young parents within their family and community settings with the aim of supporting the young parents in their parenting role, to help them achieve other life goals in relation to their personal and social development and well-being. The programme will also aim to have a child protection role, reducing the possibility of family breakdown or children entering residential or foster care placements. The guiding principle that underpins all of our work in HYLS is to place the young parent at the centre of the decision-making process with the aim of allowing them to take responsibility for their own choices and actions while being supported throughout.

Purpose of the Job:

The HYLS will be to provide support information and advocacy in all areas of young parent’s life. This project worker will work directly with young parents to help identify specific needs that they may have, and will work collaboratively with the young parents to develop a plan that is tailored to meet these needs. Will deliver this programme in a manner that best suits the circumstances of each parent and their family. This project worker will explore various issues in relation to general health both pre and post-pregnancy, relationships, general parenting advice, provide information around social welfare entitlements, housing, back-to-training and education opportunities, other interagency work and support then in seeking legal advice if circumstances arise or any other issue that might be of concern of the young parents or extended families. This work will be carried out on a one-to-one basis or using small groups to provide peer support networks to new and expected parents.

Duties:

• Liaison with schools, referral agencies, TUSLA Social work department through child protection & family welfare services. Liaison with other relevant statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Responding to particular issues affecting their relationships within their immediate family and with various caring agencies.
• Making contact with young people referred with their families, schools etc. involving them where appropriate in programmes related to their needs of being a young parent.
• Familiarisation and contact with formal and informal groups in Sligo / Leitrim and the development of such contacts thus enabling the young parent to gain support in accordance with individual needs.
• Maintenance and upkeep of the young person’s records as set out by the Service.
• Develop particular areas of activity and initiative as appropriate to the individual needs of young parent, in one to one or group situations.
• Report at regular intervals on the progress and development of the service particularly in relation to:
  • The rate consistency and source of referrals.
  • The identification of any trends or features underlying referrals.
  • Any other matters relevant to the service.
  • Strategies and initiatives for improving the effectiveness of the service.
• Meet at regular intervals with the Service Manager / Coordinator of the project.
• To keep records, attend meetings, participate in training courses, and submit required records.
• Link directly and report to the National Manager of the Young Parents Support Group on a quarterly basis.
• To develop a caring and productive relationship with young parents and their families that will allow the potential ongoing support to occur.
• To recognise and report factors at risk.Other duties as may be determined from time to time. To maintain confidentiality.
• 22 hours of the working week must be directly with the young parents.
• Other duties as may be determined from time to time.

Essential Criteria:

• Good interpersonal skills, motivation, initiative, resourcefulness, flexibility, and willing to work for some out of hours.
• Candidates must have a minimum of 1-year of experience.
• Must have a Degree. It is most desirable to have a degree in the following areas: Childcare, Youth Worker, Community Work, and Social Studies.
• Must hold a full driver's licence and own car is essential & Class 2 Insurance cover.

Hours & Salary:

The Young Parent Support Worker post is 39 hours per week.
The annual leave is 21 days’ which increases up to 26 days.
The salary for this post is € 37,504 gross per year.
All travel expenses will be paid at the recommended state rate of pay.
The Person appointed will start in late November / early December 2024 and will be subject to a probationary period of six months.

How to apply:

To apply please fill in the Application form enclosed to this advertisement and forward to info@homeyouthliaisonservice.ie

The closing date for receiving applications is 5 pm, 7th November 2024.
The interview will take place on 13th November in Carrick on Shannon office.

Employer:
Sligo Leitrim Home Youth Liaison Service,
1st Floor, Castlewood Centre, Castle Street, Sligo
Phone: 071 9144441 Email: info@homeyouthliaisonservice.ie www.homeyouthliaisonservice.ie