Family Support Worker

About the Organisation

Respond is among Ireland’s major housing associations, delivering social housing and homelessness services. The organisation is expanding quickly in response to the housing crisis and is seeking a motivated professional with the right experience and commitment to support its mission of building strong, caring communities with quality housing for everyone.

Respond is also dedicated to equal employment opportunity and to building a more diverse team. Applications are encouraged from people of all cultures, nationalities and genders, as well as from those who have experienced social exclusion. Candidates are welcome to apply even if they do not meet every listed requirement.

Role Overview

The position is for a Family Support Worker based in Dublin and reporting to the National Manager for Family Support and Specialist Services. The role is a full-time onsite position with a 39-hour working week.

Purpose of the Role

This role focuses on developing, maintaining and coordinating family support services in line with the organisation’s family support strategy and associated guidelines.

Key Duties

• Carry out regular needs assessments for families living in Respond estates and for other families referred to Family Support.
• Create, deliver and review both one-to-one and group-based programmes for families in accordance with the family support strategy.
• Support the setup, growth and delivery of family-focused initiatives through Respond Support services where needed.
• Work with external agencies to ensure families receive coordinated and integrated support.
• Advocate for families both inside the organisation and with outside bodies regarding their needs and challenges.
• Develop relationships and represent Respond Support to community, statutory, private and funding organisations.
• Research and apply for suitable services, funding or other supports required to implement the family support strategy.
• Prepare reports as needed and contribute to team meetings.
• Serve as the designated person under Respond’s Child Protection Policy.
• Carry out any additional duties assigned from time to time.

Requirements

• Degree qualification in Family Support or Social Care.
• Full driving licence and access to a car for work purposes.
• Strong report-writing and administrative ability.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Capacity to show leadership and organisational skills in a social service setting.
• Good understanding of social issues and the challenges faced by families and individuals.
• Respectful, non-judgmental approach when working with people.
• Experience facilitating groups and delivering structured programmes.
• Confidence to work independently and take initiative.
• Fluent English.
• Additional third-level education is desirable.
• Experience coordinating and developing social projects is desirable.
• Trauma-informed approach with confidence and empathy is desirable.
• Several years of experience supporting families is desirable.
• Ability to act as an ambassador on family-related issues.
• Willingness to work outside standard hours when required.
• Knowledge and understanding of health and safety is desirable.
• 1 to 3 years of relevant experience is required.

Employment Terms

This is a 39-hour per week full-time role. The closing date for applications is 23 July 2026.

Salary

The advertised pay range is €39,000 to €50,000 per year. Offers are generally made toward the lower to middle part of the range, depending on skills and experience.

Additional Information

The organisation welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and encourages candidates who may not meet every criterion to still apply if they believe they are a strong match for the role.