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Job description

The Family Support Worker will provide practical, emotional, and developmental support to families accessing Mourne Sure Start through 1:1 support in the home, delivering parenting programmes and workshops, including the Little Oysters additional needs programmes. The post holder will work closely with parents to promote positive parenting and child development and provide a wrap-around, coordinated service across different programmes. They will work alongside Play Development and health professionals to ensure consistent, high-quality support for families and contribute to maintaining accurate records and reporting outcomes. Bolster Community is a practical, hands-on charity working alongside individuals, families and communities to help them get through and get ahead. Since 2004, we’ve supported people facing life’s challenges, from early years through to later years through our Family, Ability and Seniors services and our social enterprises, Acorn and Bolster Training. We are committed to delivering inclusive, impactful and creative solutions that strengthen people and communities across the Newry, Mourne and Down area and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical and emotional support to parents and children in their own homes, which will include support with issues such as child development, behaviour management, diet and nutrition, play, health and safety issues, and household management.
• Work with the Little Oysters programme to provide a coordinated, wrap-around service for families.
• Support parents and children, promoting positive parenting and child development.
• Support the planning and delivery of family-focused activities and programmes.
• Engage with families to encourage participation and foster learning and development opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of family engagement, progress, and outcomes.
• Provide reports to the Play Development & Services Coordinator as required.
• Liaise with health visitors, therapists, and other professionals to support children and families.
• Build positive, professional relationships with families to enhance engagement and early intervention.
• Follow safeguarding and child protection procedures and report concerns appropriately.
• Contribute to a safe and nurturing environment for all children and families
• Collaborate with Play Development staff and external agencies to ensure consistent, child-centred support.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the role, including evening and weekend hours when necessary.
• Experience of working with families 1:1 in their own home.
• QCF/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent/higher qualification in Education, Childcare, Social Care or Health related subject.
• Experience of agreeing clear boundaries around expectations and responsibilities with and between project beneficiaries and project management.
• Excellent communication skills including written, verbal, and digital - with an ability to interact with a wide range of people.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records, reporting, and monitoring outcomes.
• A full current driving licence with access to a car or access to transport to fulfil the requirements of the post.

Desirable Skills

• Experience of working in a Sure Start Project.
• Experience of contributing to group work and/or delivery of evidence-based programmes for parents and children.
• Experience of working with children with additional needs and supporting inclusive practice.

Further Information

Salary: £25,233 per annum pro rata. Benefits: Pension: 6% employer contribution (subject to conditions) Annual Leave: 25 days per annum and Statutory Holidays (pro-rata for part-time posts) Allowances: Travel Expenses will be paid according to Bolster Community rates (subject to conditions) To apply for this role please email completed application forms to allison@bolstercommunity.org by 12pm on Friday 15 May. Shortlisting will be based on the evidence that you supply on your application form to satisfactorily demonstrate how, and to what extent, you meet the above criteria. The Shortlisting Panel will not make assumptions as to your circumstances, qualifications, and experience. Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be required to demonstrate how, and to what extent, they meet some or all of the competencies listed below during their interview. 1. Effective Communication Keeps people well informed and communicates messages clearly and concisely. Listens carefully, evaluates other opinions and can communicates successfully. Engages in the exchange of ideas, information and feedback within their role. 2. Leadership Demonstrates leadership attributes within their role towards their colleagues, volunteers, clients and customers. Acts as a positive role model and supports a climate of continuous improvement. Understands the strategic direction of SureStart, taking the opportunity to challenge and compromise as appropriate. Demonstrates commitment to achieving SureStart strategy and operational objectives through their communications, actions and personal objectives. 3. Clarity of Purpose Delivers results on time, within constraints and in line with organisational strategy, policy and procedure. Strives to exceed the expectations and requirements of clients, internal and external customers; acts with customers in mind and values the importance of providing high-quality customer service. 4. Ongoing Commitment to Development Demonstrates required job knowledge and understanding to successfully and competently fulfil or exceed the requirements of their post. Challenges self to continually develop and improve performance to maximise their potential and job knowledge by proactively contributing to the culture of innovation, excellence and teamwork. 5. Team and Partnership Working Demonstrates collaboration within and across teams. Develops and encourages effective partnerships and a positive team atmosphere, both internally and externally, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery based on shared outcomes. 6. Wellbeing for all Actively involved in maintaining their own wellbeing. Contributes to the conditions to develop and promote health and wellbeing for staff. Promotes a safe and supportive working environment for staff. This Job description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works.