Family Support Specialist, Dundalk

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.

Manage cases by coordinating with various services, creating care plans, and monitoring progress to ensure family members receive the 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 necessary documentation as required by the Service Coordinator and management.

Assist in the recruitment, induction, and retention of volunteers, providing them with necessary 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 organisational 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.

Provide supervision, guidance, and training to volunteers and other personnel.

Assist the Fundraising Team with events and initiatives related to the service.

Undertake additional tasks as assigned by the Service Coordinator, contributing to the overall success of the program.

Person Specification 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 Program (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

This Position is subject to Garda Clearance.

Merchants Quay Ireland is an equal opportunity employer.

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