TITLE: FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICER
REPORTING TO: Head of Family Support
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Full time, *.5 hours per week
(5 days a week). There will be a requirement for occasional “out of
hours” work. (Toil Policy)
LOCATION: Debra's office is based at Butterfly Cottage, 8 Clanwilliam
Terrace, Dublin 2. Hybrid working available after probationary period
(max. 2 days WFH a week).
TRAVEL: There may be an occasional need to travel to families living
with EB or peer events as part of the role.
DEBRA Ireland is an ambitious patient led charity with a powerful case
for support. We are very clear about where we need to be within the
next five years and are passionate about achievement and excellence.
DEBRA Ireland is the national charity established in **Apply on the
website** to provide patient support services and to drive research
into treatments and cures for those living with the genetic skin
condition, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). Patients who have EB, have skin
that is as delicate and fragile as the wings of a butterfly, and just
as easily damaged. The condition is extremely painful and, in some
cases, leads to disability and deformity.
We are currently looking for a Family Support Officer. This role is
central to supporting those affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa and
their families. Candidates who have previous experience in a similar
role and knowledge of the charitable sector are an advantage.
Applicant will need to be a team player, a self-starter, have strong
communications skills (verbal & written), strong administration
skills. Relevant experience in a Social Care setting would be an
advantage.
The post of Family Support Officer is an integral part of the family
support team, helping to provide support to families living with EB.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ADMINISTRATIVE
* Lead administrative function for the service.
* Manage phone and email queries for the family support service.
* Manage all correspondence to people with EB/families via post,
email, text.
* Manage and process monthly invoices and Debra support grants.
* Checking and submitting invoices, grant payments, expense claims
etc to Finance for payment.
* Prepare reports for management and external stakeholders.
* Ensure accurate monitoring and reporting of service metrics and
evaluation.
* Develop, maintain, and improve policies and procedures as needed
for the support team.
* Maintain the CRM system for the support team.
EVENTS/PROJECT MANAGEMENT/DEVELOPMENT
* Project manage events for the EB community throughout the year.
This would also involve attending events out of regular office hours
as required. ( TOIL policy in place)
* Co-facilitate peer support groups.
* Co-manage and facilitate Debra’s lived experience advisory panel
workshops throughout the year.
* Co-develop/design digital and print information and resources for
the EB community (information sheets, leaflets, website, emails)
* Provide content for the website, blogs and social media in
conjunction with the communications team.
EB SUPPORT
* Provide phone support and information to individuals with EB and
their families on queries around Debra grants, events, practical
supports.
* Provide practical support to people with EB/families in accessing
national and community services and entitlements i.e., government
grants, welfare, equipment, respite, education, counselling, social
work, bereavement supports.
* Provide information and support to professionals in health
services, social services, local authority, community services,
schools, etc.
* Raise awareness and advocate on behalf of individuals with EB and
their families on key issues such as housing needs, social inclusion,
education, and employment.
OTHER
* Collaborate with other EB organisations and Debra’s worldwide.
* Assist other teams within Debra on various projects such as
fundraising, communications, national advocacy, and EB research.
* Attend regular training and conferences to educate and upskill in
areas of EB, chronic illness, psychosocial needs, resources and
supports, mental health, bereavement, etc.
* Suitable candidate will be Garda Vetted.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL
* Experience of working in an officer support role or similar.
* Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage users,
carers, and staff in other agencies.
* A self-starter who can embrace both working on their own
initiative and as a team player.
* Conscientious with exceptional attention to detail.
* Administrative skills with strong computer skills.
* Must have a clean full driving licence.
DESIRABLE
* Database experience training would be an advantage.
* Experience or knowledge of working with people with a physical
disability.
* Experience of working in the charity sector.
* Experience in social care or HR or equivalent.
BENEFITS
* Annual leave of * days.
* Five discretionary leave days: Good Friday, Christmas Eve, working
days between Christmas and New Year.
* Employer-matched Pension Scheme up to 6%, following 6-month
probationary period.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Opportunity for flexible/hybrid working.
* Bike to Work Scheme.
APPLICATIONS
Please email your CV and accompanying cover letter outlining your
suitability for the role to * by 5pm on Monday,
*th May *, with the
subject line as follows: First Name Last Name – Family Support
Officer. Informal queries to *. The position is
subject to Garda clearance and reference check. Candidates must be
legally entitled to work in Ireland at the time of application. Debra
is an equal opportunities employer. Management reserves the right to
amend or change this job description as required.
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Health
