Family Support Worker-Droichead Family Resource Centre CLG

Family Support Worker
35 hours per week – full-time; part-time/flexible arrangements may be considered for the right candidate.

The Board of Management of Droichead Family Resource Centre wish to recruit a Family Support Worker for Callan and surrounding catchment area, to provide Family Support services to children, young people and their families. We are seeking a qualified, experienced, motivated Family Support Worker to join our team with a flexible, positive and can-do attitude.

 

Essential Qualifications and Experience

 

  • A relevant Level 7 minimum third-level qualification, such as Family Support, Social Care, Childcare, Education, Health Promotion or another relevant discipline.
  • A minimum of three years post-qualification experience in Family Support in a community-based setting.
  • Full clean driving licence.
  • Working knowledge of the Meitheal National Practice Model.
  • A high level of IT and administrative skills.
  • Evidence of case management and experience of working with a range of organisations.

Application Process:

Please submit a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role together with a current CV to: [email protected]

Closing date: 2.00pm, Friday 11th September 2026.

Droichead Family Resource Centre is committed to providing an inclusive, respectful and accessible service to children, young people, families and the wider community.

 

Droichead Family Resource Centre CLG is an equal opportunity employer.

 

This post is funded by Tusla, Child & Family Agency

 

 

Family Support Worker- Job Description 

 

Employer: Droichead Family Resource Centre, Callan, Co. Kilkenny
Reports to: Project Manager
Hours: 35 hours per week – full-time; part-time/flexible arrangements may be considered for the right candidate.
Contract: Funding dependent, with Tusla – Child and Family Agency as funder.
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

 

Role Purpose

Droichead Family Resource Centre is seeking a committed and experienced Family Support Worker to provide a high-quality, flexible and responsive family support service to children, young people and families in Callan and the surrounding catchment area.

The successful candidate will provide individual and group-based family support, including, parenting programmes and practical interventions. They will manage a caseload, including families with complex needs, and work in partnership with families and relevant statutory, voluntary and community agencies to achieve positive outcomes. A key responsibility will be acting as Lead Practitioner for Meitheal allocations and promoting the Meitheal process within the local community.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide professional, non-judgemental and confidential family support to children, young people and families.
  • Manage an allocated caseload, including families with multiple complex needs.
  • Complete assessments, develop support plans, undertake reviews and monitor family/child progress.
  • Act as Lead Practitioner for Meitheal and participate in Meitheal, Family Support Planning, strategy and other relevant meetings.
  • Deliver one-to-one support in the Family Resource Centre, community and family homes as appropriate.
  • Promote positive parenting and support parents to develop skills in childcare, parenting, home management, budgeting, nutrition, health and wellbeing.
  • Deliver and facilitate parenting programmes, support groups and other agreed interventions.
  • Support families to identify their strengths, needs and goals and increase their confidence, resilience and self-direction.
  • Support families to access appropriate local services and encourage engagement with statutory, voluntary and community supports.
  • Work collaboratively with Tusla, Child & Family Support Networks and other relevant agencies.
  • Promote early intervention, prevention and a community development approach to family support.
  • Identify factors contributing to poverty, disadvantage, inequality and unmet needs within the local community.
  • Contribute to service planning, evaluation, area-based analysis of need and the ongoing development of the Family Resource Centre.
  • Raise the profile of Droichead Family Resource Centre and promote relevant services and community activities.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date case records in accordance with organisational policies, GDPR, Children First and national guidelines.
  • Prepare case reports, service delivery reports and contribute to tracking trends and outcomes.
  • Participate in case management supervision, team meetings, training and professional development.
  • Work within all relevant legislation, policies, procedures, safeguarding requirements and professional standards.
  • Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and culturally sensitive practice.
  • Undertake other relevant duties as required by the Project Manager.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must have:

  • A relevant Level 7 minimum third-level qualification, such as Family Support, Social Care, Childcare, Education, Health Promotion or another relevant discipline.
  • A minimum of three years post-qualification experience in Family Support in a community-based setting.
  • Full clean driving licence.

Candidates must also demonstrate:

  • Experience working with children, young people and families.
  • Proven group facilitation skills.
  • Knowledge of Tusla’s Prevention, Partnership and Family Support, Child Protection and Welfare and Alternative Care approaches.
  • Strong knowledge of Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the Meitheal National Practice Model.
  • Understanding of the impact of poverty and disadvantage on families and parenting.
  • Understanding of children’s holistic developmental needs.
  • Experience of inter-agency and collaborative working.
  • Experience delivering parenting programmes and/or family support groups.
  • Ability to assess needs, develop support plans and measure outcomes.
  • Proven ability to manage a caseload, prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
  • Strong administrative, IT and Microsoft Office skills, with the ability to maintain high-quality case records and reports.
  • Commitment to continuing professional development.

Desirable

  • Experience as a Meitheal Lead Practitioner.
  • Experience working in a community family support service.
  • Experience in community development, equality or advocacy work.
  • Ability to interpret financial/numerical information and make appropriate decisions within established procedures.
  • Experience of making professional decisions while recognising when advice or guidance is required.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

  • Child and family-centred, compassionate and non-judgemental.
  • An excellent communicator and relationship builder.
  • Organised, reliable and able to manage competing demands.
  • Resilient and confident working with complex family circumstances.
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Flexible and responsive to changing family and service needs.
  • Committed to safeguarding, confidentiality, equality, diversity and professional boundaries.
  • Committed to strengths-based, evidence-informed and community-focused practice.

Hours and Conditions

  • 35 hours per week, full-time. Part-time and flexible working arrangements may be considered for the right candidate, subject to service requirements.
  • Working hours will generally fall within the Centre’s operating hours of 9.00am–5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
  • Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends is required. Time off in lieu will be provided; overtime will not be paid.
  • Six-month probationary period, which may be extended.
  • Position is funding dependent.
  • Appointment is subject to satisfactory Garda Vetting and references.
  • Pension: Auto-enrolment pension scheme available in accordance with applicable legislation and eligibility criteria.
  • All duties must be carried out in accordance with Droichead Family Resource Centre policies, GDPR, Children First, relevant legislation and safe professional practice.
  • 28 days holidays per calendar year.

Application

Please submit a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role together with a current CV to: [email protected]

Closing date: 2.00pm, Friday 11th September 2026.

Droichead Family Resource Centre is committed to providing an inclusive, respectful and accessible service to children, young people, families and the wider community.