Job Description: Family Support Worker
Purple House Cancer Support Centre wishes to recruit a Family Support Worker to work as an effective member of the services team to deliver therapeutic services designed to meet the psychosocial needs of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer, their siblings, and families.
The role is based in Purple House Cancer Support Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow.
About Us
Purple House Cancer Support is at the forefront in providing a range of professional support services to people of all ages affected by Cancer in Ireland.
Founded in 1990, our aim is to help rebuild the lives of families affected by Cancer. Purple House is at the heart of the community.
About the Role
This is an opportunity for you to contribute to the organisation meeting the needs of our current stage in growth and development.
The role of Family Support Worker is an important one in Purple House as you will be a vital player in the delivery of our cancer support services.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide high-quality care based on the assessed needs of individuals and families within the whole family concept.
* Maintain confidential and accurate case records for all direct work with individuals and families receiving Purple House services.
* Delve scheduled support plans in partnership with individuals and families, adhering to a rights-based approach.
* Offer engaging, age-appropriate support to individuals and families.
* The ability to deliver evidence-based programs through group and one to one work. Training will be provided for specific programs.
* Prepare written reports to an agreed standard, reviewing individual and group work to measure and demonstrate impact and outcomes.
* Contribute to the development of new ideas and proposals as services expand within the community.
* Collaborate effectively as part of the client care team.
* Establish and maintain strong working relationships with Multi-Disciplinary Teams at relevant hospitals and shared care centres.
Compliance Duties
* Ensure awareness of and adherence to all Purple House policies and procedures that govern service delivery and apply to the entire organisation.
General Duties
* To attend weekly client clinical meetings, prepare material and fully contribute to casework discussions.
* To be available for planning, review, supervision, support and appraisal meetings.
* To be available for on-going professional development / training opportunities and to attend all mandatory training.
* To promote Purple House Cancer Support services available to adults, children and young people and their families.
* To represent Purple House Cancer Support as delegated by your line manager.
* To perform any other reasonable duties and specific projects deemed to be within the post-holder's competence, as assigned by management to contribute to the overall aims of Purple House Cancer Support.
Competencies, Knowledge and Skills
* Third level degree in Childcare, Social Work/Care, Psychology (or relevant disciplines), Education, Community and Youth work (or equivalent relevant discipline)
* A minimum of three years' experience of working with families
* Experience working with clients aged under 18 years old is essential - training / qualification in this area is required
* Excellent communication skills with a professional approach to the role
* Provide services to children, young people and families and give the support that is needed to build good relationships with internal and external stakeholders
* Through knowledge of safeguarding and safe practice in working with children, families and agencies
* Ability to work independently, manage workload and engage effectively with colleagues.
* The ability to listen to and involve children, young people and parents in decision making
* Ability to reflect on practice in order to facilitate personal learning, professional development and service improvement
* Demonstrate great warmth and the ability to empathise
* Strong interpersonal & communication skills
* Ability to work co-operatively as part of a team
* Strong time management skills and capacity to prioritize competing demands
* Ability to foster good working relationships with external agencies and organisations
* Ability to fulfil obligations as per the Children First Act 2015
* Oncology-related training or Postgraduate Course (desirable)
* Compassionate approach with a deep understanding of cancer
Employee Benefits
* Competitive salary based on agreed working hours.
* Group pension scheme (Upon completion of probation period)
* Life Assurance Cover (Upon completion of probation period)
* 21 Days Annual Leave (Pro rata for this part time role)
We have a duty of care to all our Staff, Therapists and Volunteers to provide staff support and supervision on an ongoing basis to help you deal effectively with the emotional impact of your Role in a Community Cancer Support Centre.
The services that are available to our teams include:
Weekly Relaxation Classes for Staff
Use of our gym facilities after hours
One to One and group supervision to support you with your work
Annual team building days