Position: Family Link Worker

Organisation: Offaly Traveller Movement (OTM)

Location: Longford (Longford Traveller Primary Healthcare Programme)

Salary: 38,493.00 (Full-time, 35 hours per week, or pro-rata for part-time)

Contract Options: The role can be offered as full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (minimum 17.5 hours per week). Working arrangements will be discussed with the successful candidate to ensure flexibility while meeting the programmes needs.

ABOUT US

Offaly Traveller Movement (OTM) is a Traveller-led community development organisation working to achieve full equality for the Traveller community throughout County Offaly. With a team of 27 staff, comprising Travellers and non-Travellers, we offer programmes and services in health promotion, mental health, accommodation, youth, and education.

Our mission is to:

• Empower Travellers to develop their skills and knowledge.
• Work in partnership with service providers to address the needs of Travellers and improve outcomes.
• Tackle poverty, social exclusion, disadvantage, and discrimination.
• Contribute to the development of local and national policies for positive changes in the lives of Travellers.

Purpose of the Role:

The Family Link Worker will play a vital role in fostering relationships between the local Traveller community in Longford and key stakeholders, including Tusla’s Prevention, Partnership, and Family Support (PPFS) team, the HSE, Childcare Committees, Early Years services, and other community partners.

The role involves identifying the needs of Traveller parents, supporting the development of parent support plans, and providing culturally appropriate early intervention programmes such as Parents Plus. Additionally, the successful candidate will contribute to national initiatives aimed at adapting and developing the Parents Plus Programme to ensure it is culturally appropriate and accessible for Traveller families.

Key Responsibilities

Relationship Building and Advocacy

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with the Traveller community in Longford.
• Collaborate with Traveller parents, Tusla, HSE, and community organisations to support families effectively.
• Advocate for culturally appropriate service adaptations to meet Traveller needs.

Programme Facilitation and Delivery

• Train as a facilitator in the Parents Plus Early Years Programme and other relevant early intervention programmes.
• Co-deliver culturally responsive parenting and family support initiatives.
• Encourage Traveller parents to engage in parenting programmes and access early education opportunities for their children.

Collaboration and Representation

• Represent the Family Link Worker role to local organisations, stakeholders, and community partners.
• Promote the participation of Traveller families in early education and community services.

Task Management and Support

• Work closely with Offaly Traveller Movement and local advisory teams to implement agreed-upon tasks.
• Focus primarily on early intervention supports while remaining responsive to other emerging needs.

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of activities, interventions, and outcomes using Salesforce.
• Prepare regular reports on programme progress, challenges, and successes for management and stakeholders.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Cultural Awareness: A strong understanding of Traveller culture and issues affecting the community.
• Advocacy Skills: Ability to challenge discrimination and promote equality.
• Experience: Paid or voluntary experience in supporting the Traveller community.
• Education: A relevant degree or equivalent experience is desirable.
• Family Support Knowledge: Understanding of family support principles and community development practices.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with parents, stakeholders, and community partners effectively.
• Teamwork: Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Autonomy: Capable of working independently and managing workloads efficiently.
• Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive information appropriately and ethically.
• Technical Proficiency: Basic IT and record-keeping skills.
• Commitment: Dedication to social justice, equality, and human rights.

Why Join Us?

At Offaly Traveller Movement, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of Traveller families. By joining our team as a Family Link Worker, you will:

• Contribute to improving access to culturally appropriate support for Traveller families.
• Work in a supportive, collaborative environment alongside passionate colleagues.
• Receive professional development and training opportunities.
• Build lasting relationships with local and national partners.
• Be part of a movement focused on social justice, equality, and positive change.

Contract Options

This role offers flexible working arrangements:

• Full-Time: 35 hours per week with a salary of €38,493.00.
• Part-Time: Minimum 17 hours per week (salary pro-rata based on hours worked).

Working hours and schedules will be tailored to accommodate the needs of both the successful candidate and the programme.

How to Apply:

Send your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to info@otm.ie by Friday, 31st January.

Additional Information:

• This position is subject to Garda Vetting and full reference checks.
• The role is funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.