Over all purpose of the position(s)
To provide the required response to families referred to the service as agreed with the manager.
To support identified families in need.
To implement Aster Family Support programmes and interventions.
To provide practical supports that enable parents, carers and individuals to improve outcomes for themselves and their families.
Be able to report and describe safeguarding concerns to the manager.
Main Duties
The provision of a seamless service to families when working in partnership with other agencies and services.
Working in partnerships with families in their own homes and their communities to raise awareness of the services provided by Aster Family Support.
Delivering practical home-based supports and interventions as described in documents, policies & procedures relating to the service.
Providing information about other services available to support families in the children’s centre area and assist parents/carers in accessing these.
Ensuring Aster Family Support services are well publicised throughout the area and participation in the development of the programmes we offer through presentations promoting the programmes etc.
Keeping accurate and up to date records for monitoring and development purposes.
Facilitating appropriate information sharing between, staff and other relevant agencies whilst working within the correct legislative and information sharing framework.
Contributing to the monitoring and evaluation of all interventions, programmes and services by collecting data and statistics as required.
Supporting other staff members, volunteers and assistants as required.
Delivering Aster Family Support services in a welcoming, inclusive manner which actively promotes anti discriminatory practices by having due regard for and giving respect to each child’s and family’s racial or ethnic origin, ability, gender, sexual orientation or material advantage;
Working in partnership with agencies, other services and the community to identify and deliver quality services to children and families using our service, especially those who are hard to reach.
Working with both statutory and non-statutory organisations to ensure best outcomes for the families we work with.
Meeting regularly with the manager and engaging in supervision.
Participating in team & project meetings and training, keeping up to date with current issues and social policy informing every day practice.
Adhering to Aster Family Support policies and procedures and having full regard for child protection and safe practice issues and to report and describe safeguarding concerns to the manager in the appropriate circumstances.
Carrying out duties as requested by the manager or those appointed by the manager.
Working closely with colleagues and providing absence cover when necessary.
Flexibility around working hours is a requirement as evening and weekend work will be a feature of these positions.
Reporting to: General manager of Aster Family Support
Rate of Pay: The starting rate for this position is €33,462 (pro rata)
Education & Training
A recognised third level qualification in; social care or related discipline i.e., addiction, social work, psychology, education or equivalent.
Relevant work experience in the voluntary and community sector.
High level of computer skills.
Children First & Child Protection knowledge and training.
Participation in training and development courses relevant to the work.

Knowledge
Thorough knowledge of safeguarding and safe practices in working with children, families and agencies.
A strong understanding of evidence-based parenting programmes.
A familiarity of the dynamics of sexual abuse and violence within families.
Good working knowledge of Child Protection Legislation and Guidelines & Tusla’s National Outcomes for Children and Families.
Knowledge and understanding of the impact of an inter disciplinary approach when working with families.
Knowledge and understanding of Data Protection, GDPR and Confidentiality issues.

Experience
Experience as a practitioner, in planning and providing 1 to 1 support and group interventions to children and their families and carers; including those identified as being vulnerable, using an outcomes focussed approach.
Experience in the community/voluntary sector.
Experience of working effectively in multi-agency partnerships and settings.
Experience of conducting outreach work/home visiting.
Experience and understanding of the issues of working in an area of disadvantage.

Skills and Attributes
The ability to listen to and involve children, young people and parents in decision making processes.
The ability to deliver evidence-based parenting programmes through group and 1 to 1 work.
The ability to make informed assessments of need, and to formulate, monitor and successfully implement appropriate plans, in consultation with families and the manager.
The ability to record case work in a professional and timely manner.
Sufficient IT skills to deliver high quality practice and communicate in an office that uses Microsoft Office applications.
Provide services to children, young people and families and give the support that is needed to build good relationships with these and internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to work to a high standard with clear and agreed boundaries that enable them to meet project and organisation targets.
Ability to work on your own initiative to identify and resolve problems quickly while acknowledging when to seek support from others.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to demonstrate a strong commitment to the values of Aster Family Support to enhance the lives of the children and families we work with.
The ability to work effectively under pressure and handle changing priorities.
Confidentiality
All information acquired by you in the course of your work with Aster Family Support, especially that of clients or their families, must be treated with strict confidentiality both during and after termination of your employment, except where such information can and should be shared in confidence with professionals from other services involved in the care of the client & their children particularly in relation to any Child Protection & Welfare concerns.

Performance
As part of a performance management system you will participate in regular support & supervision meetings with your manager.
You will undertake any training which Aster Family Support considers necessary for your further development.
Policies and Procedures
You must read and be aware of the Policies and Procedures of Aster Family Support as outlined in the Staff Handbook.

Family Support Worker Job
Please apply by emailing completed application form together with cover letter & Data Protection Statement to info@asterfamilysupport.ie The subject line of the email should contain ‘Application for Family Support Worker’.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5.00pm Friday 4th of November 2022. Enquiries will be handled by email only. Applications will be shortlisted and it is planned to hold interviews the week of the 14th of November 2022. Only interview candidate’s will be contacted by the service with regard to their applications.