Part-time Support Worker (21 hours)
(based in Limerick City)
Founded in 2009, The Children’s Grief Centre provides one-to-one support for school-aged children and young people (4-18yrs) affected by loss through death, separation, or divorce. We offer a safe and supportive place for children, young people, and their families who are grieving. Children are given the opportunity to look at feelings associated with loss and learn that they are not alone. We aim to help children overcome obstacles that prevent them from leading full lives.
We are now looking for an empathetic and dedicated Support Worker to join our team of professionals in making a positive impact in the lives of children facing grief. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a compassionate and nurturing environment for children navigating through challenging times.
Essential Criteria
1. Relevant professional qualification (Counselling/Psychotherapy/Play Therapy/Social Care or related discipline).
2. Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience of working with Children and Young People post qualification.
3. Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism in the face of highly emotive and distressing problems.
4. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with children and their families.
5. Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
6. Competent working knowledge of computers/IT technology.
If you meet the essential criteria, please send your CV and cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation for applying to reception@childrensgriefcentre.ie no later than Friday 14th Feb 2024. The Children’s Grief Centre is an equal opportunities employer. Garda Vetting will apply. Late applications will not be accepted. Informal inquiries can be made to Mairead O’Keeffe CEO on 061 224627.
JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title: Support Worker
Salary: Depends on experience and qualifications.
Hours: 21 hours working 3 days a week, 9.30am – 5pm
12-month contract with 3 months’ probation. All hours will be onsite in Limerick.
Location: Children’s Grief Centre, Mount St Vincent, O’Connell Avenue, Limerick.
Tel: 061 224 627 or 087 985 1733
Reports to: CEO
Job Summary: Working as part of a growing team of staff and volunteers, you will be providing support to children and young people who have suffered a loss through bereavement or separation/divorce.
Core Responsibilities:
* Foster a safe and welcoming atmosphere for children to express their feelings and emotions.
* Provide effective support to children, young people, and families in the Mid-West region affected by loss through death, separation, and divorce.
* Support children and young people on a one-to-one basis.
* Maintain open communication with families to address their specific needs and concerns.
* Positively promote the service to other agencies and funding providers.
* Produce and maintain relevant client and service statistics, as well as maintain expenses and all other organisational records as required.
* Provide relevant service reports as required.
Practice Responsibilities:
* Be responsible for the provision of a support service for children, young people, and families.
* Engage flexibly with children and their carers to promote constructive working relationships.
* Ensure all safeguarding training is relevant and up to date.
* Liaise effectively with other agencies to promote and develop the service.
Organisational Responsibilities:
* Positively engage with line management.
* Maintain open communication with colleagues and provide information within the time and format required.
Administration Responsibilities:
* Maintain accurate and confidential records and provide statistical returns as required.
* Maintain confidentiality for and with clients (individual and organisational).
General Responsibilities:
* Cooperate fully with the implementation of Health and Safety arrangements/standards.
* Adhere to all of Children’s Grief Centre’s policies and codes of conduct.
* Take responsibility for professional development, including attending monthly client supervision provided by the Centre.
* Engage in performance appraisal to maximise your potential and meet the demands of the post.
Personal Attributes:
* Committed to delivering a quality service to young people and their families.
* Empathy and compassion.
* Patience to allow a child to open up and heal.
* Active listening skills allowing children the space to express their thoughts and emotions.
* Flexibility to adapt to different situations.
#J-18808-Ljbffr