Job Title: Family Support Worker

Name of Employer: Newpark Close Family Resource Centre

Overall Purpose of the Job:

To work with the Project Manager to develop and deliver the family support service, so that local families are supported and encouraged to function more effectively and that the local community is a good place for children to grow-up in.

Responsible for:

• Being part of the delivery of a family support service; providing a flexible and responsive service that will provide advice, support and guidance to families and groups and children through a range of one-to-one family supports in the home, parent and children support groups and parenting programmes.
• Engaging with families referred to the Newpark close FRC by Tusla PPFS and Social Work through targeted and planned interventions. • Managing a caseload with complex needs

Key Areas of Work

Family Support

• To provide family support to families identified by the social work department and PPFS and referred to the project Manager, this may include outreach work, 1-1 work, programme delivery and partnership working with local agencies. 
• To identify the needs of families and children and address their needs through individual work or as part of a group. 
• To provide a one-to-one, non-judgemental, confidential support service to families who require family support in line with the centre’s work-plan.
• Support families and children in the area with appropriate, assessed and responsive strategies designed to improve self-direction and informed decision making.
• Address the family support needs of the community ; support families to engage in services provided by other local groups and agencies.
• Provide advice, support and guidance to parents to promote positive care and parenting skills through a range of interventions, programmes and support groups.
• Take an active role in the promotion and delivery of Meitheal for children and families in the catchment area.
• Identify factors leading to disadvantage in the area and work with the Voluntary Board of Directors and the Manager to raise awareness of these issues
• To maintain a case load, undertake assessment records and measure family/child progress.
• Ensure that the work of the Centre is in keeping with the aims and objectives of the Family Resource Centre Programme.
• Raise the profile of the Centre
• Work with the relevant statutory and voluntary agencies and facilitate interagency co-operation to address the needs of the target group and families in the local community
• Work with the Manager to identify funding sources, make applications and liaise with funding agencies as required
• Work closely with the Manager 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 Centre

General

• Document the work on an on-going basis and prepare regular work / progress reports for the Voluntary Board of Directors and the Manager
• Participate in all relevant training
• Any other tasks that may be assigned by the Project Manager from time to-time
• To work with colleagues in order to provide an integrated service to families.

Other Relevant Information

Hours of Work

• The post will be full time 35 hours per week
• The 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 Worker will be responsible to the Project Manager and to the Voluntary Board of Directors.

Confidentiality

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

Salary

The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience

Holidays

Annual leave entitlement is 20 days.

Garda Vetting

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

Person Specification

This Person Specification is a description of the skills, knowledge and experience required for the position of Family Support Worker with Newpark Close Family Resource Centre.

Essential

• A 3rd level qualification in Family Support, Community Development or a related discipline – Level 6+
• 2 years 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 in needs assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating in a community based setting
• Experience of handling difficult and sensitive family situations, identifying complex problems and working with families to create support plans to enable positive change.
• Ability to understand and react to the needs of vulnerable families.
• Experience of providing information and support to individuals and groups
• Experience of planning, developing and delivering programmes (particularly parenting programmes), activities and/or services to groups. • Familiarity with Meitheal (Tusla’s National Practice Model)
• Familiar with Children First Guidance
• Excellent report writing skills
• Ability to compile funding applications and source funding opportunities
• Group Facilitation
• 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.

Please send CV and cover letter to:

Address: Recruitment Team, New Park close FRC, Kilkenny
Email: anneshortall60@gmail.com
For further information 056 7723309 /0838186380