Contract Type:    Specific Purpose Contract — covering carer's leave

Duration:    Initially 6 months with possibility of extension

Hours:    35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary:    Dependent on Experience

Annual Leave:    25 days per annum (pro rata for part-time)

Location:    Shannow Family Resource Centre, The Cloisters, Abbeydorney, Co.Kerry

Reporting To:    Manager, Shannow Family Resource Centre

Garda Vetting:    Required — position is subject to satisfactory Garda Vetting.

About Shannow Family Resource Centre

Shannow Family Resource Centre is a TUSLA-funded service providing family support and community development services to families and individuals in the villages of Abbeydorney, Kilflynn, Killahan, and Lixnaw in County Kerry. We are a small, community-focused organisation committed to building the confidence and capacity of local families and communities.

Overall Purpose of the Role

The Family Support / Community Development Worker will work with the Manager to implement the Centre's work plan. The successful candidate will work in the community to determine the needs within the area and build the confidence and capacity of individuals, families and groups through supporting and developing relevant programmes and activities. The role also involves networking with service providers and other agencies and active participation in relevant interagency work.

Key Areas of Work

• Implement TUSLA's five national outcomes for children and young people and deliver a range of family and parent supports in line with the Centre's Work plan
• Work collaboratively as part of the Meitheal Programme and support interagency cooperation with statutory and voluntary agencies
• Provide information and support to individuals, families and groups experiencing disadvantage
• Develop and support community initiatives and groups that address local needs and build community capacity
• Organise and facilitate training, outreach and community events
• Promote local target group involvement in the Centre and raise the profile of the Centre and its services
• Identify factors leading to disadvantage and work with the Manager and Board to raise awareness
• Facilitate networking at local and regional level and support funding applications as required
• Work closely with the Manager to support voluntary and community activities that address disadvantage and inequality
• Document work on an ongoing basis and prepare regular progress reports for the Manager and Board of Directors
• Participate in planning, review, evaluation and relevant training
• Any other duties as assigned by the Manager

Hours of Work

The post is full-time — 35 hours per week. Core hours are 9.30am 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, unless otherwise agreed with the Manager. The post holder will be expected to be flexible about evening and weekend work as required. Overtime will not be paid for such hours but time off in lieu will be granted.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant third-level qualification in Social Care, Early Childhood, Youth Work, Family Support, Community Development, Social Science, Applied Social Studies, Youth and Community Work, or a related discipline
• A minimum of 2 years' experience in community development practice, with a specific focus on working with families and children in a community or social care setting.
• Knowledge of the TUSLA Family Resource Centre Programme and the national outcomes for children and young people
• Understanding of the Meitheal Programme and interagency working
• Knowledge of community development values and principles
• Experience of partnership and interagency working
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a small team.