Job Title: Family Support SpecialistLocation: Counties of Louth/MeathReports to: Service Co-ordinatorAbout 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 SpecificationEssential: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:€36,372 to €40,798 DOEHours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday, with some evening work required)Contract: Contract of Indefinite DurationIf you are interested in this role, please complete the application form at this link :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.
