Job Title:
Family Support Specialist Location:
Midlands (Laois/Offaly)
Reports to:
Midlands Drug and Alcohol Service Coordinator About this Role:The 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.
We can provide outreach-based appointments to ensure accessible support for all.
The main objective of this role is to provide evidence-based support for families affected by familial drug use
Main ResponsibilitiesIndividual Support:
Work directly with individuals impacted by a family member's drug or alcohol use, offering emotional support and practical assistance
Group Work:
Facilitate family support groups using evidence-based approaches
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:
Provide evidence-based interventions, such as counselling, educational workshops, and therapeutic activities, to support families impacted by 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 impacted by substance abuse
Identifying Gaps:
Identify potential gaps in services and resources for families 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.
Undertake additional tasks as assigned by the Service Coordinator, contributing to the overall success of the service delivery.
Person SpecificationEssential:
Level 7 qualification in Social Care/Social Studies, Counselling, Psychology, or a related field.3 years of frontline experience in addiction-related services or family support.
Experience in group facilitation.
Knowledge of family programmes (e.g., Triple P, SFP, Parenting Plus).Understanding of National Drug & Alcohol Strategy and National Drug Rehabilitation Framework.
Knowledge of evidence-based family support approaches (e.g., 5-Step, CRAFT).Full driving license.
Desirable:
Accreditation in family support approaches (5 STEP, CRAFT).Experience in developing programs using community development principles.
Knowledge of additional family/parenting programs (e.g., Parents Under Pressure).
Salary:
€33,860 to €37,980 DOEHours: 39 hours per week (Monday – Friday, with some evening work required)
Contract:
Contract of Indefinite Duration
Closing Date: 6th Februrary 2025 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 Programme.