Project Worker, Family Support (IPAS)- Ennis, Co. Clare – 5 Year FTC (Full Time)

This  project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union

Family Support Practitioner for families living in IPAS accommodation centres to support the pathway for integrated community-based child and family support services. This ESF+ co-financed post is funded for 5 years. This ESF+ Action is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the EU’s main instrument for investing in people, focusing on improving employment and education opportunities as well as enhancing social inclusion and tackling poverty.

The ESF+ is implemented by Member States in partnership with the European Commission and the ESF+ Managing Authority in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has responsibility for implementation of the ESF+ in Ireland.

Job purpose/objective:

• Provide support that improves the quality of life for families in state provided accommodation such as (but not limited to) IPAS accommodation centres, Emergency accommodation centres, National Reception Centre, National Hub, Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres, while promoting the personal, social and educational development of children, young people and their parents always keeping the child at the forefront of the work.
• Work in partnership with Tusla services, community based statutory agencies and community and voluntary service providers, IPAS accommodation providers, local Child and Family Support Networks and Children and Young People Services Committees.
• Support/provide the Meitheal early intervention practice model to coordinate a child centred approach to individual family needs led support, and to deliver evidence-based parenting programmes.
• Assess the needs of the children and the families engaging with the project using Barnardos Assessment Framework and Meitheal.
• Plan, implement and review programmes for children/young people/carers/families based on an assessment of their individual and group needs.
• Change and adapt to new programmes and models of service in line with evidence based research and required training.
• To be vigilant for signs of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and any concerns regarding the welfare of children. To record concerns promptly and accurately. To consult with the Designated Person and take appropriate action in accordance with Barnardos Child Protection policy.
• Work with children/young people/carers/families in a variety of ways, including group work, individual work and family work, centre based and outreach work.
• To key work individual children/young people/carers/families in order to meet their needs and to advocate on their behalf.
• Liaise effectively with families and other statutory, community and voluntary bodies and to attend and contribute to reviews, case conferences and court as required.
• Work in partnership with other Barnardos services to best meet the needs of children and families by collaborating resources with planned interventions targeting groups/families of shared need.
• Keep regular records in relation to all aspects of work and prepare reports as required.
• Gather information statistics and prepare reports as required, including administration of databases as appropriate to the role.
• Identify and document to the line manager any unmet needs of children/young people/carers/families within the service and to participate in the advocacy work of the agency.

Requirements specific to this post:

• Assist in enabling parents/guardians/carers/families to sustain the safe care of their children.
• Work with a caseload/workload assigned by their line manager. This may involve working closely with a number of families with varying support needs.
• The level of work required will take into account the varying complexity of families & travel requirements.
• Change and adapt to new programmes and models of service in line with evidence-based research and required training.
• Deliver agreed intervention programmes as required.
• Work in a flexible manner with the family in meeting their changing needs through the use of consultation, plans, reviews and feedback.
• Work in partnership with families to increase their skills in such areas as childcare, budgeting, home management, nutrition, and health care, through individual or group work.
• Aim to enhance positive parenting skills.
• Liaise with the person on health/emotional/parenting issues and child abuse and report concerns as appropriate.
• Assist in linking families with local/appropriate services and agencies. Encourage their attendance at these services.
• Work within current legislation, relevant policies and procedures, guidelines and protocols within the designated team/service and the child and family agency-Tusla.
• Adhere to the supervision policy.
• Contribute to an area-based analysis of unmet need.
• Share knowledge with other team members to maintain standards.
• Actively participate as a member of the designated team/service.
• Attend meetings as appropriate to their allocated work e.g., Meitheal meetings, Family Support planning meetings, Child Protection conferences, strategy meetings, children in care reviews.
• Seek the advice of relevant personnel when appropriate/as required.
• Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace.
• Participate as Lead practitioners and support workers in the Meitheal process.
• Be active members of the local Child & Family Support Networks & the Team Around the Child
• Work with children and families living in IPAS accommodation centres using the range of service offered.
• Collaborate with line manager in developing the role of the Family Support Practitioner and the team.
• Engage with line manager and ESF+ Project Officer in respect of ESF+ reporting requirements and provide relevant information as required.