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Job description

The Family Support team provide a key service within the wider SureStart multidisciplinary team. A key part of this job is to support parents to be and parents in their role as their children’s main educators supporting them to overcome any challenges that they may be facing which impact on this important role. In order to do this a Family Support Worker may provide one to one support to families or signpost them to the relevant agency for any required support. The Family Support Worker will inform, encourage, and support parents and parents-to-be to access SureStart Services and will link them with other key members of the SureStart team as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• The Family Support Worker will deliver appropriate services and training programmes to improve outcomes for families and children within the Sure Start catchment area.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• NVQ Level III in Health and Social Care/Childcare or Level III Award in Community Development or equivalent.
• Two years’ experience developing and delivering early support interventions to children, parents and families;
• Or two years’ experience of working with community/voluntary/statutory groups promoting health and wellbeing in a SureStart area or similar area.

Desirable Skills

• A Level 5 qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education, Health and Social Care, Community Development or equivalent.
• Knowledge of safeguarding/child protection issues and procedures.
• Knowledge of the issues relating to young children and families and the SureStart aim’s and objectives and how these can be achieved.
• Experience of promoting the involvement of fathers in the care and education of their young children.
• A full current driving licence enabling the holder to drive in NI and have the use of a vehicle for official purposes or have access to a form of transport that will enable the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full.

Further Information

Do you have a passion for making a meaningful impact in early childhood education? Do you believe in the power of play to unlock potential? Be part of our team and help shape the futures of children by fostering growth and learning through purposeful opportunities. At Early Years, we are committed to fostering growth for both the children and our staff. Joining means an opportunity to enhance your skills, make a meaningful difference, and collaborate with a team that upholds dedication, compassion, and excellence in early years care and education. In return, Early Years provides a comprehensive rewards package, including a competitive salary, 36 days of annual leave (pro-rata), inclusive of statutory/public holidays, a contributory pension scheme, options to purchase additional leave, and access to healthcare schemes. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Monday 26 January 2026. For shortlisted applicants it is anticipated that interviews will take place Tuesday 10 February 2026. A reserve list may be held for a period of up to six months for the same or similar roles if this applies to you, we’ll let you know via email. Should you need to contact us, please use the following methods: Email: monitoringofficer@early-years.org. Phone: 028 9038 7905. Early Years is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing flexible friendly working conditions. As Protestants and males are currently known to be under-represented in the Organisation, we would particularly welcome applications from these groups.