Family Support Specialist

About Merchants Quay Ireland

Merchants Quay Ireland is a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness and addiction. We offer frontline services, practical support, recovery pathways, and innovative solutions addressing drug use and homelessness challenges in Ireland. Our vision embraces an inclusive society where well-being and dignity are upheld for all. Our mission is to collaboratively reduce harm caused by addiction and homelessness through accessible, compassionate, non-judgmental, high-quality services tailored to complex needs.

Role Overview

The Northeast Family Support Service provides free, confidential, and supportive assistance to family members, partners, and friends affected by a loved one's addiction. Operating from Dundalk and Drogheda with outreach across Louth and Meath, this role focuses on delivering evidence-based support to families impacted by drug use in these regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Offer direct emotional and practical support to individuals affected by family member substance use.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify client needs and appropriate interventions.
• Establish one-on-one supportive relationships through key working, including guidance and advocacy.
• Coordinate case management including care plan development and progress monitoring.
• Provide evidence-based interventions such as counselling, workshops, and therapeutic activities.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with service providers, health, addiction, and community organizations.
• Engage community stakeholders to establish a network of support for affected families.
• Identify service gaps and collaboratively develop solutions to meet family needs.
• Arrange external support services including legal, financial, and healthcare assistance as needed.
• Maintain accurate client records and prepare reports as required.
• Support volunteer recruitment, induction, retention, supervision, and training.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies including safeguarding, confidentiality, and health and safety.
• Manage incidents and emergencies following organizational protocols and documentation requirements.
• Ensure service delivery adheres to national quality standards.
• Participate in meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Assist fundraising initiatives related to the service.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the Service Coordinator.

Person Requirements

• Minimum qualification at Level 7 in Social Care, Social Studies, Counselling, Psychology, or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years of frontline experience within addiction services or family support settings.
• Proven group facilitation skills.
• Familiarity with family support programs such as Triple P, SFP, and Parenting Plus.
• Understanding of the National Drug Alcohol Strategy and National Drug Rehabilitation Framework.
• Possession of a full clean driver’s license.
• Knowledge of evidence-based family support methodologies like 5-Step and CRAFT.
• Desirable: accreditation in family support methods, experience developing community-based programs, and knowledge of additional parenting programs including Parents Under Pressure.

Compensation and Working Conditions

• Annual salary range between 36,372 and 40,798 Euros, depending on experience.
• Work week consists of 37.5 hours from Monday to Friday, with some evening shifts.
• Employment on a contract of indefinite duration.
• Subject to Garda clearance background check.

Benefits

• Satisfying and challenging work environment.
• Sick pay scheme.
• Minimum 23 days annual leave entitlement.
• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme available after six months, including Death in Service coverage.
• Ongoing line management supervision.
• Access to learning and professional development programs.
• Paid family leave options including maternity, paternity, parental, adoptive, force majeure, and compassionate leave.
• Educational assistance including study and exam leave.
• Employee Assistance Program and Health and Wellness initiatives.

Additional Information

Applications must be submitted by 5th August 2026. Management reserves the right to modify the job description as needed. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities.