Family Support Worker jobs

Job Title:Family Support Specialist

Location: Midlands (covering Counties Laois/Offaly)

Reports to: Service Manager

Who We Are –

Merchants Quay Ireland is a national voluntary organisation who helps people who are Homeless and those caught in addiction. We provide frontline services, practical supports, pathways towards recovery and innovative responses to the issues of drug use and homelessness in Ireland.

Our Vision is one of an “inclusive society” where the integration and well-being of all is supported, and everyone is treated with Dignity and Respect. Our Mission is to work as a collaborative community to reduce the harm caused by addiction and homelessness. We provide accessible, high quality and effective services, which meet the complex needs in a non-judgemental and compassionate way.

We are currently hiring for the role of Family Support Specialist in our Midlands Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service (DATS).

About this Role:

The 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. We also provide outreach-based appointments to ensure accessible support for all. The main objective of this role is to provide evidence-based support for families affected by familial drug use.

Midlands Family Support Service – What is it?

The Midlands Family Support Service offers a free confidential, non-judgemental and supportive service in counties of Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeathto any family member, partner or friend impacted by a loved one’s problematic use of alcohol and drugs. Clients are supported through one-to-one evidenced based interventions and family support groups.

Main Responsibilities

• Individual Support: Work directly with individuals impacted by a family member’s drug or alcohol use, offering emotional support and practical assistance.

• Assessments: Conduct comprehensive assessments to understand the needs of family members, evaluating their situation and identifying appropriate interventions.

• Key Working: Develop one-on-one supportive relationships with clients, providing guidance, advocacy, and support.

• Case Management: Manage cases by coordinating with various services, creating care plans, and monitoring progress to ensure that family members receive the appropriate support.

• Care Plan Development: Collaborate with clients to develop tailored care plans that address their specific needs and goals.

• Interventions: 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:

• Service Provider Relationships: Build and maintain relationships with local service providers, including health services, addiction treatment centres, and community organisations.

• Community Stakeholders: Engage with community stakeholders to create a network of support for families and children affected by substance abuse.

• Identifying Gaps: Identify potential gaps in services and resources for families and work collaboratively to find solutions.

• External Support Coordination: Source and organize external support services, such as legal advice, financial assistance, and healthcare, to address specific issues faced by family members.

Administrative Duties:

• Client Records: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions, assessments, and progress using electronic systems.

• Report Preparation: Prepare regular reports, statistics, and other necessary documentation as required by the Service Coordinator and management.

• Volunteer Support: Assist in the recruitment, induction, and retention of volunteers, providing them with the necessary support and supervision.

Compliance Quality:

• Policy Adherence: Ensure all activities comply with organizational policies, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and health and safety.

• Incident Management: Manage incidents and emergencies effectively, following organizational protocols and documenting details appropriately.

• Quality Standards: Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality services in line with National Standards for Better Safer Healthcare.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Meetings Training: Attend internal and external meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities as required.

• Volunteer Supervision: Provide supervision, guidance, and training to volunteers and other personnel.

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

• Ad-hoc Duties: 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 a related field.

• 3+ years of frontline experience in addiction-related services or family support.

• Experience in group facilitation.

• Knowledge of family programs (e.g., Triple P, SFP, Parenting Plus).

• Understanding of National Drug Alcohol Strategy and National Drug Rehabilitation Framework.

• Full clean driver’s license.

• Knowledge of evidence-based family support approaches (e.g., 5-Step, CRAFT, SMART Family Friends).

Desirable:

• Accreditation in family support approaches.

• Experience in developing programs using community development principles.

• Knowledge of additional family/parenting programs (e.g., Parents Under Pressure).

Salary: €37,099 - 41,614

Hours:37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday, with some evening work required)

Contract: Contract of Indefinite Duration

Benefits MQI Offer:

• Fulfilling and challenging work.

• Sick Pay Scheme.

• Minimum 172.5 hours of annual leave.

• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (after 6 months, plus Death in Service benefit).

• Line management supervision.

• Learning and development program.

• Paid family leave (maternity, paternity, parental, adoptive, force majeure, compassionate leave).

• Educational assistance (study and examination leave).

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Health Wellness Program.

Additional Information:

• Management reserves the right to amend or change this job description as required.

• This position is subject to Garda Vetting Clearance, and background checks.

• Merchants Quay Ireland is an equal opportunity employer.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI):

Merchants Quay Ireland is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that values and respects all individuals. We believe in the strength that diversity brings to our team and are dedicated to promoting equality of opportunity and fostering a culture of inclusion.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and strive to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and free from bias.

Our commitment to EDI is reflected in our policies and practices, ensuring a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.

Application Process:

If you are interested in this position, please click the link below to apply by the 20th of November 2026.