Practical Family Support Worker

General Information

Why work at Barnardos?

• Barnardos offers a competitive salary – recognising the experience you bring to the role
• Generous annual leave entitlements plus discretionary Company days
• Positive working environment with family friendly ethos and work – life balance policy
• Tax saver and bike to work schemes in operation
• Employee pension scheme with employer contribution
• Company Sick Pay Scheme
• An opportunity to help improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families by working in a trauma informed way
• Access to regular trauma informed support and supervision
• Ongoing support and access to training and professional development opportunities
• An opportunity to be part of a supportive team
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program for employees and their immediate family members
• Regular Breath, Body and mind sessions to support staff well-being

Job Description

Job Purpose

Core Job Requirements

• To work in collaboration with the Project Leader and Project Worker in identifying and implementing the practical support needs of the Traveller Mother’s and their families referred to the service.
• To engage with the Traveller Mother’s and their families to develop a practical family support plan in collaboration with the Project Worker/ Project Leader.
• To offer practical advice and support to Traveller Mother’s and their families, by way of guidance, supporting access to services and entitlements, and providing practical family support around parenting skills and household management. For example, budgeting, home management, routines, hygiene and nutrition, play, etc.
• To provide practical supports to Traveller Mother’s and their families regarding the care needs of their children whilst they complete their sentence i.e. Completing paperwork regarding payments, entitlements, planning and support regarding access visits etc.
• To support Traveller Mother’s and their families with completing relevant paperwork and attending necessary appointments where required throughout their involvement in the criminal justice system.
• To provide practical support to Traveller Mother’s and their families to access and engage with local relevant services that will positively enhance their re-integration into their community, upon release from prison– addiction services, mental health services, and adult education services.
• To work as a part of an integrated approach, designed to meet the families identified needs, working collaboratively with relevant agencies both within the Criminal Justice System and in the community and in collaboration and consultation with the Project Worker and Project Leader.
• To work closely with the Project Leader in relation to the work and in responding to changes in circumstances / needs that might occur during the course of the work, adapting the practical family support plan accordingly ie. Change in children’s care arrangements, or early release from prison, temporary release from prison, extended sentences etc.
• To be vigilant for signs or concerns of physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect or regarding the welfare of children. To immediately bring any concerns to the attention of the child’s Key Worker and the Designated Person and in keeping with Barnardos Child Protection Policy. To record concerns promptly and accurately.
• To assist Project Staff in the delivery of other programmes within the project.
• To gather information /statistics and prepare reports as required, including administration of databases as appropriate to the role.
• To identify and report to Project Leader any unmet needs of children/ young people/ carers/ families within the service and to participate in the advocacy work of the agency, where appropriate.
• To be vigilant to and aware of newly emerging needs of the Traveller women or their families and, to communicate these to the Project Worker/ Project Leader and, where agreed, incorporate these into the family support plan in consultation with the Project Worker/ Project Leader.

Requirements Specific to this Post

• Ability to work closely with Traveller Mother’s and their families throughout their engagement in the Criminal Justice System – Pre-sentence, probation, pre-release and post-release.
• Ability to work from their own initiative and to consult where appropriate.
• To work as part of a team, liaise and co-work with their Project Leader, Project Worker and other agencies both within the criminal justice system, prisons and community.
• To ensure commitment to the delivery of a quality service to Traveller Mother’s in the Criminal Justice System, their children and families.
• To ensure confidentiality is adhered to at all times in relation to information on children, families, staff and all other matters within the project.
• Good computer skills are essential.

Person Specification

Personal Attributes

• Ability to connect and form supportive relationships with Traveller Mother’s involved in the Criminal Justice System and their families
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• To have the necessary skills and knowledge to engage Traveller women and their families
• Understanding the issues of confidentiality and working within the Criminal Justice System/ community and the ability to establish appropriate professional boundaries
• Flexibility and adaptability is essential for this post
• To have life experience and experience of participating in a community is desirable

Experience

• A minimum of two years’ experience of working with children and families who experience disadvantage, discrimination and poverty is essential.
• An excellent understanding of issues affecting the Travelling community, women in prison and the impact of having a parent in prison can have on a child
• Experience of working with families in collaboration with other services
• Experience of planning, implementing and reviewing programmes with parents, children and their families

Qualifications

• FETAC Level 5 in working with children is essential.
• Experience of delivering individual or group work programmes to children in the community or Criminal Justice System.
• Training in specific group work approaches, along with knowledge of the Travelling Community in Ireland, attachment and child development would be an advantage.

Barnardos is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

Application Procedure

Download your application form