Family Support Specialist

Job Title: Family Support Specialist

Location:                             Counties of Louth/Meath

Reports to:     Service Co-ordinator

About this Role:

The Northeast Family Support Service offers a free, confidential, non-judgemental, and supportive service. Our mission is to support any family member, partner, or friend impacted by a loved one’s addiction. With offices in Dundalk and Drogheda, we also provide outreach-based appointments throughout counties Louth and Meath to ensure accessible support for all. The main objective of this role is to provide evidence-based support for families in the Louth- Meath Regions affected by familial drug use. 

Direct Support:

• Individual Support: Work directly with individuals impacted by a family member’s drug or alcohol use, offering emotional support and practical assistance.

• Assessments: Conduct comprehensive assessments to understand the needs of family members, evaluating their situation and identifying appropriate interventions.

• Key Working: Develop one-on-one supportive relationships with clients, providing guidance, advocacy, and support.

• Case Management: Manage cases by coordinating with various services, creating care plans, and monitoring progress to ensure that family members receive the appropriate support.

• Care Plan Development: Collaborate with clients to develop tailored care plans that address their specific needs and goals.

• Interventions: Deliver evidence-based interventions, such as counselling, educational workshops, and therapeutic activities, to support clients in coping with their loved one’s addiction.

Community & Collaboration:

• Service Provider Relationships: Build and maintain relationships with local service providers, including health services, addiction treatment centres, and community organizations.

• Community Stakeholders: Engage with community stakeholders to create a network of support for families and children affected by substance abuse.

• Identifying Gaps: Identify potential gaps in services and resources for families in Louth and Meath and work collaboratively to find solutions.

• External Support Coordination: Source and organize external support services, such as legal advice, financial assistance, and healthcare, to address specific issues faced by family members. 

Administrative Duties:

• Client Records: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions, assessments, and progress using electronic systems.

• Report Preparation: Prepare regular reports, statistics, and other necessary documentation as required by the Service Coordinator and management.

• Volunteer Support: Assist in the recruitment, induction, and retention of volunteers, providing them with the necessary support and supervision.

Compliance & Quality:

• Policy Adherence: Ensure all activities comply with organizational policies, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and health and safety.

• Incident Management: Manage incidents and emergencies effectively, following organizational protocols and documenting details appropriately.

• Quality Standards: Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality services in line with National Standards for Better Safer Healthcare.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Meetings & Training: Attend internal and external meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities as required.

• Volunteer Supervision: Provide supervision, guidance, and training to volunteers and other personnel.

• Fundraising Support: Assist the Fundraising Team with events and initiatives related to the service.

• Ad-hoc Duties: Undertake additional tasks as assigned by the Service Coordinator, contributing to the overall success of the program.

  
  

Person Specification

Essential:

• Minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care/Social Studies, Counselling, Psychology, or related field.

• 3+ years of frontline experience in addiction-related services or family support.

• Experience in group facilitation.

• Knowledge of family programs (e.g., Triple P, SFP, Parenting Plus).

• Understanding of National Drug & Alcohol Strategy and National Drug Rehabilitation Framework.

• Full clean driver’s license.

• Knowledge of evidence-based family support approaches (e.g., 5-Step, CRAFT).

Desirable:

• Accreditation in family support approaches.

• Experience in developing programs using community development principles.

• Knowledge of additional family/parenting programs (e.g., Parents Under Pressure).

  
  

Benefits MQI Offer : 

• Fulfilling and challenging work.

• Sick Pay Scheme.

• Minimum 23 days of annual leave.

• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (after 6 months, plus Death in Service benefit).

• Line management supervision.

• Learning and development program.

• Paid family leave (maternity, paternity, parental, adoptive, force majeure, compassionate leave).

• Educational assistance (study and examination leave).

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Health & Wellness Program.

  
  

  
  

  Salary:€35,659 to €39,998 DOE

  Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday, with some evening work required)

  Contract: Contract of Indefinite Duration

If you are interested in this role, please complete the application form at this link : https://merchants-quay-ireland.hirehive.com/family-support-specialist-louth-meath-oJodCJ

Management reserve the right to amend or change this job description as required.

This Position is subject to Garda Clearance.

Merchants Quay Ireland is an equal opportunity employer.