Job Title: Family Support Specialist Location: Counties of Louth/Meath Reports to: Service Co-ordinator About 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 Work directly with individuals impacted by a family member’s drug or alcohol use, offering emotional support and practical assistance. Conduct comprehensive assessments to understand the needs of family members, evaluating their situation and identifying appropriate interventions. Develop one‑on‑one supportive relationships with clients, providing guidance, advocacy, and support. Co‑ordinate case management, creating care plans, and monitoring progress to ensure that family members receive appropriate support. Collaborate with clients to develop tailored care plans that address their specific needs and goals. 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 Build and maintain relationships with local service providers, including health services, addiction treatment centres, and community organisations. Engage with community stakeholders to create a network of support for families and children affected by substance abuse. Identify potential gaps in services and resources for families in Louth and Meath and work collaboratively to find solutions. Source and organise external support services, such as legal advice, financial assistance, and healthcare, to address specific issues faced by family members. Administrative Duties Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of client interactions, assessments, and progress using electronic systems. Prepare regular reports, statistics, and other documentation as required by the Service Coordinator and management. Assist in recruitment, induction, and retention of volunteers, providing them with support and supervision. Compliance Quality Ensure all activities comply with organisational policies, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and health and safety. Manage incidents and emergencies effectively, following protocols and documenting details appropriately. Ensure consistent delivery of high‑quality services in line with National Standards for Better Safer Healthcare. Additional Responsibilities Attend internal and external meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities as required. Supervise, guide, and train volunteers and other personnel. Assist the Fundraising Team with events and initiatives related to the service. Undertake extra tasks as assigned by the Service Coordinator, contributing to the overall success of the program. Essential 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 programmes (e.g., Triple P, SFP, Parenting Plus). Understanding of National Drug Alcohol Strategy and National Drug Rehabilitation Framework. Full clean driver’s licence. Knowledge of evidence‑based family support approaches (e.g., 5‑Step, CRAFT). Desirable Accreditation in family support approaches. Experience in developing programmes using community development principles. Knowledge of additional family/parenting programmes (e.g., Parents Under Pressure). Benefits 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 programme. Paid family leave (maternity, paternity, parental, adoptive, force majeure, compassionate leave). Educational assistance (study and examination leave). Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Health Wellness Programme. Salary: €36,372 to €40,798 DOE Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday, with some evening work required) Contract: Contract of Indefinite Duration Merchants Quay Ireland is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr
