North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task: Family Support - Hidden Harm Coordinator
Family Support- Hidden Harm Coordinator – Sligo/Leitrim
The experience of children living with, and affected by, parental substance misuse has become known as ‘Hidden Harm’ because these children are often unknown to services. This role of Family Support Coordinator will support families where hidden harm may be present. They will also work with HSE & Section 39 funded addiction services to support families and ensure best possible outcomes for children impacted by Hidden Harm.
Job Title: Family Support- Hidden Harm Coordinator
Closing Date: Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday the 8th of November 2024
Proposed Interview date(s): Interviews will take place in November. At least one weeks’ notice will be given for interview.
Taking up Appointment: A start date will be indicated at job offer stage
Location of Post: The post holder will by employed by The North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force based in Sligo
Organisational Area: Sligo & Leitrim
Details of Service: North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force in conjunction with HSE Addiction services wish to recruit a Family Co-Ordinator who will develop, implement & oversee drug and alcohol family support initiatives throughout the Sligo & Leitrim Region.
Contract: 1 year fixed term contract
Informal Enquiries: donna.mcgee2@hse.ie / 0874469729
Donna Mc Gee - Addiction Services Lead & Interim North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force Coordinator
Reporting Relationship: The successful candidate will be employed by The North West Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force. They will report to Addiction Services Lead and will work closely with HSE Addiction Manager and Teams in Sligo/ Leitrim Region.
Salary: The salary for this position will be based on Social Care worker Salary Scale 2024. Point on scale will be allocated depending on experience.
Purpose of the Post
The purpose of the role is to develop and provide evidence based supports for families of substance users experiencing difficulties in the Sligo & Leitrim Area.
The post holder will work closely with NRWDATF and existing Addiction Support Services and other relevant services.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Job Description:
- To provide formal assessment, case management and care plan development supports to family members who are impacted by familial/significant others problem drug & alcohol use.
- Develop, co-ordinate & support Family Support Services throughout the Sligo & Leitrim area.
- Manage a hidden harm caseload providing short-term support to families affected or experiencing issues in relation to family drug and alcohol use.
- Co-ordination of parenting programmes across the region.
- Contribute to assessments of the needs of children and young people, taking a strengths-based and solution focused approach, incorporating the voice of the child.
- Work with partner agencies to ensure a robust and safe support plan for the work and including as appropriate family members and significant others.
- Engage in direct work which may include individual, group work, or other appropriate methods.
- Provide flexible practical and emotional support for young people to empower them and develop coping strategies.
- Work closely and collaboratively with other stakeholders including representation externally.
- Provide advice to managers and other colleagues, through attendance at reviews, team meetings, and supervision and via telephone conversations.
- Improve outcomes for children and families by reducing the impact of drug and alcohol related harm on family life and promote positive family involvement in recovery.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with family members whilst promoting recovery from drug and alcohol use.
- To ensure actions are completed in line with the National Drug Strategy, ‘Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery’.
- To identify themes and gaps in regional service provision and develop tailored strategies to address these issues in drug and alcohol family support in the region.
- Design, implement and evaluate effective education and training programmes tailored to meet the needs of families experiencing substance misuse & impacted by Hidden Harm.
- To build and maintain relationships with existing networks and participate where appropriate and liaise with other agencies to support and advocate for families and young people on a needs led basis.
- Participate on networks and committees and work as part of an integrated network of professionals supporting families.
- Enhance the capacity of professionals in the area of drug/alcohol and family support i.e. training awareness events, conferences, seminars etc.
- Keep written records and produce reports, as requested.
- Report on the NDTRS system.
- Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job and participate in appropriate training activities.
- To undertake other duties as may be requested by the line manager from time to time.
- Training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this job.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/or experience
Essential:
- 3rd level qualification in a related field.
- 3 years+ frontline paid experience in family support setting.
- Excellent knowledge of Children’s First and other relevant legislation.
- Excellent knowledge of Hidden Harm.
- Open and innovative approach to work .
- Experience of interagency working in a similar setting.
- Excellent knowledge of broad range of evidence based interventions.
- Experience in care plan development and formal assessment.
- Driver’s license & access to car.
- Excellent communication skills & team work.
- Proven record of working to a client centered non-judgmental ethos.
Desirable:
- Training/accreditation in 5 Step, and/or similar interventions.
- Knowledge of family programmes such as Triple P, SFP, M-PACT, Parenting Plus etc., Circles of Security, Parenting Under Pressure etc.
- Experience of group facilitation.
Garda Vetting will apply.
Under 18s work may be required.
Flexibility will be required in working hours (needs based) and could include occasional out of hours work.
Application Process
Please send Cover letter (clearly stating the job you are applying for) and CV to
Ms. Maev Gallagher:
maev.gallagher@hse.ie with subject line: Hidden Harm Coordinator, Sligo/Leitrim
Application by 5pm on Friday the 8th of November 2024.
No late applications will be accepted.