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Childhood Matters

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Family Support Worker – Part time

Job Title:

Family Support Worker – Part time

Hours:

Hours are a mix of day and night shifts (7am-3.30pm; 3pm-11.30pm and 11pm-7.30am) on rolling roster to include weekend work) and flexibility to undertake additional hours when reasonably required.

Salary:

The Salary scale for the whole time equivalent of this post is: Aligned with the HSE Social Care Salary Scale October 2024

Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum point of the scale and will not be subject to negotiation.

Location:

The initial vacancy Childhood Matters, Blackrock.

Closing date is:

03rd of November 2025 @12 noon

Reporting to:

Family Support Worker will report to the Parent & Infant Unit Manager

Who we are:

Childhood Matters is a not-for-profit organisation aimed at improving developmental and life outcomes for children 0-18 years old. We also work directly with parents and foster carers to support and develop parenting in challenging contexts. As an organisation we strive to positive impact the wider professional network we operate within through external training, research and professional development opportunities.

We are committed to embedding an evidence-based culture of trauma-informed care and therapeutic practice and hold ourselves to high standards in all engagement with service users, colleagues and stakeholders alike. We are committed to research and evaluation and continually assess the effectiveness of our service through independent research and partnership with third level institutions. We strive to be a positive place to work, providing staff with reflective practice, regular supervision and a training budget.

With offices and services in Blackrock, Blackpool, Clonakilty and Farranree we employ 130 staff across all departments. We offer competitive salary packages as well as benefits including enhanced maternity leave; pension contribution scheme; health care plans; flexible working hours; internal and externally provided training opportunities, and competitive annual leave entitlement.

Job Title Family Support Worker – Part time (80hours over four week Rota)
Department Parent & Infant Unit
Applications considered Via Application Form Only – CV’s will not be accepted (Download Application Form)

 

Opening date for Applications 23rd of  October 2025
Closing Date for Applications 03rd of November 2025 @12 noon
Proposed Interview date(s) 11th of November, Blackrock Cork

–       may be subject to change based on volume of candidates and availability of Service resources.

Location of Post The initial vacancy Childhood Matters, Blackrock.

 

Details of Service Childhood Matters is a not-for-profit organisation that provides child and family services aimed at supporting positive childhood outcomes, developing parenting capacity, strengthening family resilience, and contributing to healthier, more sustainable communities.

 

·         Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

·         CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

·         Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

·         The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

·         Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

·         Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 10-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety and Aftercare is incorporated into this project

·         Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

·         Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

·         Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

 

 

 

Purpose of Role:

 

The Parent and Infant Unit is a residential support and assessment service for parents with infant children. While living on the unit, parents take part in a parenting assessment while also engaging in a programme of therapeutic support and key working tailored to meet their individual needs. The Family Support Worker provides assistance, developmental guidance and monitoring to each of the families though their residential bespoke placement.

 

Reporting Relationship Family Support Worker will report to the Parent & Infant Unit Manager
Duties and Responsibilities Main Duties and Responsibilities

•         Support, understand, and record parents’ ability to meet the emotional, physical and basic care needs of their children whilst working according to psychologically-informed care plans

•         Work in partnership with our multidisciplinary team in the development and progression of individualised care plan for clients

•         Impart formal and informal feedback aimed to help parents adjust to parenthood and develop their parenting skills and emotional connection with their child(ren)

•         Undertake assigned parenting development intervention to include group play, baby sensory work, parenting demonstration, psychoeducation on developmental awareness/attachment/mentalizing capacity

•         Work in partnership with the wider team in the context of understanding resident parents and infants supporting positive parenting at all times.

•         To provide childcare for children whilst their parents/carers attend groups and individual sessions

•         Contribute toward trauma informed working environment for both clients and colleagues

•         Demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm to developing skillset in niche area of service provision within Irish context though ongoing professional development and reflective supervision

•         Actively participate in team meetings.

•         Cleaning duties

 

 

Administration and Accountability

•         To make written logs on a regular basis on the progress of development of the children and their families.

•         Reporting and recording any incidents, that may happen to the / children and their families or are caused by them.

•         Ensure Child protection procedures are followed

•         To keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.

•         To implement the Childhood Matters procedures and policies.

•         To undertake ongoing professional training and development.

•         To attend regular supervision with the designated supervisor.

•         To perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

 

Team Work /Training & Professional Development

 

 

•         Participate in working within a team centered consistent approach.

•         Participate in further training and development as required.

•         Working with other professionals and external stakeholders

•         Participate in regular team meetings, reflective practice, complex case discussions etc Engage in reflective and evidence-based practice.

•         Be responsible for own health and wellbeing in order to carry out the duties of the role / is committed to managing own work / life balance.

•         Keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.

 

Health & Safety

·         Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

 

Eligibility Criteria Qualifications Applicants must by the closing date of application have the following:

 

·         Minimum of NFQ Level 5 qualification social care, social science, Early Years, psychotherapy, Counselling, Psychology or equivalent is required.

·         Verification of garda Clearance

·         Validation of three references.

Other requirements of the role

 

 

 

 

Essential

 

Experience;

•         Experience of working therapeutically with clients

•         Experience in conflict resolution mediation

•         Experience in lone working

•         Experienced in record keeping and report writing

 

Skills, knowledge and abilities;

•         Ability to work in a people centered and needs led manner

•         Knowledge of child development and family dynamics

•         Understanding of the relevant legislation, best practice and issues relevant to the area of Children’s services and Family Support

•         Excellent communication, IT and report writing skills

•         Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

•         Adaptable and flexible with regard to service development and working hours

 

Desirable

 

•         Experience of legal responsibilities with regard to child protection and child care

•         Knowledge around Trauma informed Care approaches

•         Trained in Parenting Programmes or other relevant trainings to the post

•         A full clean driver’s license

 

Tenure The current vacancy available is a Part- time post

 

 

Remuneration The Salary scale for the whole time equivalent of this post is:

 

Aligned with the HSE Social Care Salary Scale October 2024

 

Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum point of the scale and will not be subject to negotiation.

Working Week

Hours are a mix of day and night shifts (7am-3.30pm; 3pm-11.30pm and 11pm-7.30am) on rolling roster to include weekend work) and flexibility to undertake additional hours when reasonably required.

Annual Leave The annual leave associated with the whole time equivalent of this post is: 12 days pro rata

 

Probation A probationary period of 6 months will apply
Additional Benefits •           Defined contribution pension scheme.

•           Enhanced maternity and paternity benefit

•           Additional Annual leave days

•           Comprehensive annual CPD schedule

•           Financial support for further education

Relief Family Support/ Social Care Worker

Job Title:

Relief Family Support/ Social Care Worker

Hours:

Hours are a mix of day and night shifts, and can be eight-hour shifts (7am-3.30pm; 3pm-11.30pm and 11pm-7.30am) or 12hour shifts (7.30am to 7.30pm and 7.30pm to 7.30am) on rolling roster to include weekend work) and flexibility to undertake additional hours when reasonably required.

Salary:

The Salary for this post is: €16.35 Hourly rate

Location:

Childhood Matters, Blackrock and EPOS House Ballincollig.

Closing date is:

03rd November 2025 @12 noon

Reporting to:

The Relief Family Support/ Social Care Worker will report to the Parent & Infant Unit Manager and the EPOS Manager

Who we are:

Childhood Matters is a not-for-profit organisation aimed at improving developmental and life outcomes for children 0-18 years old. We also work directly with parents and foster carers to support and develop parenting in challenging contexts. As an organisation we strive to positive impact the wider professional network we operate within through external training, research and professional development opportunities.

We are committed to embedding an evidence-based culture of trauma-informed care and therapeutic practice and hold ourselves to high standards in all engagement with service users, colleagues and stakeholders alike. We are committed to research and evaluation and continually assess the effectiveness of our service through independent research and partnership with third level institutions. We strive to be a positive place to work, providing staff with reflective practice, regular supervision and a training budget.

 

With offices and services in Blackrock, Blackpool, Clonakilty and Farranree we employ 130 staff across all departments. We offer competitive salary packages as well as benefits including enhanced maternity leave; pension contribution scheme; health care plans; flexible working hours; internal and externally provided training opportunities, and competitive annual leave entitlement.

Job Title Relief Family Support/ Social Care Worker
Department Parent & Infant Unit/Placement Support Project EPOS House
Applications considered Via Application Form Only – CV’s will not be accepted.  (Download Application Form)

 

Opening date for Applications 22nd October 2025
Closing Date for Applications 03rd November 2025 @12 noon
Proposed Interview date(s) 11th of November, Blackrock Cork

–       may be subject to change based on volume of candidates and availability of Service resources.

Location of Post Childhood Matters, Blackrock and EPOS House Ballincollig

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Details of Service

Childhood Matters is a not-for-profit organisation that provides child and family services aimed

at supporting positive childhood outcomes, developing parenting capacity, strengthening family resilience, and contributing to healthier, more sustainable communities.

 

Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

 

CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

 

Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

 

The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

 

Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

 

Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 10-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety (EPOS) and Aftercare is incorporated into this project

 

Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

 

Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

 

Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

 

 

Purpose of Role:

 

The relief role is across two services; the Parent and Infant unit and the EPOS residential House.

 

The Parent and Infant Unit is a residential support and assessment service for parents with infant children. While living on the unit, parents take part in a parenting assessment while also engaging in a programme of therapeutic support and key working tailored to meet their individual needs. The Social Care team provide assistance, developmental guidance and monitoring to each of the families though their residential bespoke placement.

 

The Emergency Place of Safety (EPOS House) is based in a suburb of the city centre, it is a residential house where we provide care and accommodation for children in the care of Tusla for a maximum of 29 nights. The house can accommodate up to 2 yp at any given time. We are a trauma informed team who prides itself on providing child centered, solution focused, safe and nurturing care in a home like environment so that every young person in our care feels valued, listened to, supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential.

 

Reporting Relationship The Relief Family Support/ Social Care Worker will report to the Parent & Infant Unit Manager and the EPOS Manager
Duties and Responsibilities Main Duties and Responsibilities

•         Support, understand, and record parents’ ability to meet the emotional, physical and basic care needs of their children whilst working according to psychologically-informed care plans

•         Implement care plans, ensuring the written and verbal reporting of general needs and individual concerns of the clients well being.

•         Arrange and actively engage in age appropriate education, play and other activities with the children in our care.

•         Understand, support and engage with young people out of home, offering them care and boundaries relevant to their age and stage of development

•         Work in partnership with our multidisciplinary team in the development and progression of individualised care plan for clients

•         Impart formal and informal feedback aimed to help parents adjust to parenthood and develop their parenting skills and emotional connection with their child(ren)

•         Undertake assigned parenting development intervention to include group play, baby sensory work, parenting demonstration, psychoeducation on developmental awareness/attachment/mentalizing capacity

•         Work in partnership with the wider team in the context of understanding resident adults, infants, children and adolescents

•         To provide childcare for children

•         Contribute toward trauma informed working environment for both clients and colleagues

•         Demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm to developing skillset in niche area of service provision within Irish context though ongoing professional development and reflective supervision

•         Contribute to team discussions and Actively participate in team meetings.

•         Cleaning duties

 

 

 

 

Administration and Accountability

•         To make written logs on a regular basis on the progress of development of the children and their families.

•         Reporting and recording any incidents, that may happen to the / children and their families or are caused by them.

•         Ensure Child protection procedures are followed

•         To keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.

•         To implement the Childhood Matters procedures and policies.

•         To undertake ongoing professional training and development.

•         To attend regular supervision with the designated supervisor.

•         To perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

 

Team Work /Training & Professional Development

•         Participate in working within a team centered consistent approach.

•         Participate in further training and development as required.

•         Working with other professionals and external stakeholders

•         Participate in regular team meetings, reflective practice, complex case discussions etc Engage in reflective and evidence-based practice.

•         Be responsible for own health and wellbeing in order to carry out the duties of the role / is committed to managing own work / life balance.

•         Keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.

 

Health & Safety

·         Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

 

Eligibility Criteria Qualifications Applicants must by the closing date of application have the following:

 

·         Minimum of NFQ Level 5 qualification social care, social science, Early Years, psychotherapy, Counselling, Psychology or equivalent is required.

·         Verification of garda Clearance

·         Validation of three references.

Other requirements of the role

 

 

 

 

Essential

 

Experience;

•         Experience of working therapeutically with clients

•         Experience in conflict resolution mediation

•         Experience in lone working

•         Experienced in record keeping and report writing

 

Skills, knowledge and abilities;

•         Ability to work in a people centered and needs led manner

•         Knowledge of child development and family dynamics

•         Understanding of the relevant legislation, best practice and issues relevant to the area of Children’s services and Family Support

•         Excellent communication, IT and report writing skills

•         Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

•         Adaptable and flexible with regard to service development and working hours

 

Desirable

 

•         Experience of legal responsibilities with regard to child protection and child care

•         Knowledge around Trauma informed Care approaches

•         Trained in Parenting Programmes or other relevant trainings to the post

A full clean driver’s license

Tenure The current vacancy available is a Relief post

 

 

Remuneration The Salary for this post is:

 

  €16.35 Hourly rate

Working Week

Hours are a mix of day and night shifts, and can be eight-hour shifts (7am-3.30pm; 3pm-11.30pm and 11pm-7.30am) or 12hour shifts (7.30am to 7.30pm and 7.30pm to 7.30am) on rolling roster to include weekend work) and flexibility to undertake additional hours when reasonably required.

Annual Leave The annual leave associated with the whole time equivalent of this post is: 8% of hours worked

 

Probation  

N.A

Additional Benefits  

•           Comprehensive annual CPD schedule

•           Staff parking

 

Project Worker – Young Parents Support Programme.

Job Title:

Project Worker – Young Parents Support Programme.

Hours:

Working Week The standard working week applying to the whole time equivalent of this post is: 24 hours.

Salary:

Aligned with the HSE Social Care Salary Scale (October 2024).

Location:

Location of Post-The initial vacancy Bessborough

Closing date is:

15th October 2025 @12 noon

Reporting to:

Family Support Services Manager

Who we are:

Childhood Matters is a not-for-profit organisation aimed at improving developmental and life outcomes for children 0-18 years old. We also work directly with parents and foster carers to support and develop parenting in challenging contexts. As an organisation we strive to positive impact the wider professional network we operate within through external training, research and professional development opportunities.

We are committed to embedding an evidence-based culture of trauma-informed care and therapeutic practice and hold ourselves to high standards in all engagement with service users, colleagues and stakeholders alike. We are committed to research and evaluation and continually assess the effectiveness of our service through independent research and partnership with third level institutions. We strive to be a positive place to work, providing staff with reflective practice, regular supervision and a training budget.

With offices and services in Blackrock, Blackpool, Clonakilty and Farranree we employ 130 staff across all departments. We offer competitive salary packages as well as benefits including enhanced maternity leave; pension contribution scheme; health care plans; flexible working hours; internal and externally provided training opportunities, and competitive annual leave entitlement.

Job Title Project Worker
Department Young Parent Support Programme
Applications considered Via Application Only (Download)
Opening date for Applications 1st October 2025
Closing Date for Applications 15th October 2025 @12 noon
Proposed Interview date(s) 23rd October 2025 , Blackrock Cork

–       may be subject to change based on volume of candidates and availability of Service resources.

Location of Post The initial vacancy Bessborough

 

Details of Service Childhood Matters is a not-for-profit organisation that provides child and family services aimed at supporting positive childhood outcomes, developing parenting capacity, strengthening family resilience, and contributing to healthier, more sustainable communities.

 

·         Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

·         CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

·         Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

·         The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

·         Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

·         Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 10-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety and Aftercare is incorporated into this project

·         Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

·         Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

·         Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

 

 

 

Purpose of Role:

 

The Young Parents Support Programme -YPSP for short – is a support service for young mothers, fathers and their families from pregnancy and right through the first 1000 days of the child’s life.

We offer support, information and advocacy in all areas of a young parent’s life including health, relationships, parenting, child care, social welfare entitlements, education, training and anything else about which the mother or father is concerned.

We work with those who are pregnant or parenting up to 25 years of age. Through funding from the School Completion Programme we can support young parents to remain in or return to education.

Our project workers engage with young parents and their babies through home visiting, community visits and onsite meetings. The service provided is tailored to the arising needs in a particular family. Families can be supported through various other forums such as Child Protection Case Conferences, Network meetings and Court.

Reporting Relationship The Project Worker will report to the Family Support Services Manager
Duties and Responsibilities Main Duties and Responsibilities

Working with Children/Young People/Families

 

•         To participate in the development and implementation of assessments and tailored interventions and to ensure appropriate recording of same.

•         To promote the rights and responsibilities of each child/young person within the service.

•         Assist in supporting parents/guardians/ families to sustain the safe care of their children in the home setting.

•         To liaise with the parent, family, general services and other agencies on behalf of the client.

•         To attend meetings in relation to the care and developments of the children and their families

•         Participate in the completion of preliminary assessments, safety planning as required under Children’s First this should be done in consultation with the relevant line manager.

•         Compliance with relevant Childhood Matters policies.

•         Attendance at Court when required.

•         Home visiting and Lone working.

 

 

 

Administration and Accountability

•         To attend team meetings and to report to the Family Support Service Manager on matters affecting the delivery of service.

•         To make written reports to the Family Support Service Manager and social work department where required on a regular basis on the progress of development of the children and their families.

•         Reporting and recording any incidents, that may happen to the / children and their families or are caused by them.

•         Ensure Child protection procedures are followed

•         To keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.

•         To implement the Childhood Matters procedures and policies.

•         To undertake ongoing professional training and development.

•         To attend regular supervision with the designated supervisor.

•         To perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

 

Team Work /Training & Professional Development

 

 

•         Participate in working within a team centered consistent approach.

•         Participate in further training and development as required.

•         Working with other professionals and external stakeholders

•         Participate in regular team meetings, reflective practice, complex case discussions etc Engage in reflective and evidence-based practice.

•         Be responsible for own health and wellbeing in order to carry out the duties of the role / is committed to managing own work / life balance.

•         Keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.

 

Health & Safety

·         Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

 

Eligibility Criteria Qualifications Applicants must by the closing date of application have the following:

 

·         Minimum of NFQ Level 7 qualification in social care/family support/addiction studies/social science or a related field

Or

·         Be registered in the Social Care Workers Register maintained by CORU.

·         Verification of garda Clearance

·         Validation of three references.

·         A full clean driver’s license

Other requirements of the role

 

 

 

 

Essential

 

Experience;

•         Experience in conflict resolution mediation

•         Experience in lone working/case management

•         Experienced in record keeping and report writing

 

Skills, knowledge and abilities;

•         Ability to work in a people centered and needs led manner

•         Knowledge of child development and family dynamics

•         Understanding of the relevant legislation, best practice and issues relevant to the area of Children’s services

•         Ability to network, develop links and engage with statutory sector and local community

•         Excellent communication, IT and report writing skills

•         Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

•         Adaptable and flexible with regard to service development and working hours

 

Desirable

 

•         Group work with children and families

•         Experience of working therapeutically with clients

•         Experience of legal responsibilities with regard to child protection and child care

•         Experience in home visiting

•         Knowledge around Trauma informed Care approaches

•         Informed of signs of safety

•         Trained in Parenting Programmes or other relevant trainings to the post

 

Tenure The current vacancies available are permanent/temporary and whole time/part- time.

 

 

Remuneration The Salary scale for the whole time equivalent of this post is:

 

Aligned with the HSE Social Care Salary Scale October 2024

 

Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum point of the scale and will not be subject to negotiation.

Working Week The standard working week applying to the whole time equivalent of this post is: 24 hours.
Annual Leave The annual leave associated with the whole time equivalent of this post is: 25 days pro rata

 

Probation A probationary period of 6 months will apply
Additional Benefits •           Defined contribution pension scheme.

•           Enhanced maternity and paternity benefit

•           Additional Annual leave days

•           Comprehensive annual CPD schedule

•           Financial support for further education

Family Development Practitioner (West Cork)

Job Title:

Family Development Practitioner.

Hours:

The standard working week applying to the whole time equivalent of this post is: 37.5 hours.

Salary:

Aligned with the HSE Social Care Salary Scale (October 2024).

Location:

Clonakilty – Outreach throughout West Cork

Closing date is:

15th October 2025 @12 noon

Reporting to:

Family Support Services Manager

Who we are:

 

Childhood Matters is a not-for-profit organisation aimed at improving developmental and life outcomes for children 0-18 years old. We also work directly with parents and foster carers to support and develop parenting in challenging contexts. As an organisation we strive to positive impact the wider professional network we operate within through external training, research and professional development opportunities.

We are committed to embedding an evidence-based culture of trauma-informed care and therapeutic practice and hold ourselves to high standards in all engagement with service users, colleagues and stakeholders alike. We are committed to research and evaluation and continually assess the effectiveness of our service through independent research and partnership with third level institutions. We strive to be a positive place to work, providing staff with reflective practice, regular supervision and a training budget.

With offices and services in Blackrock, Blackpool, Clonakilty and Farranree we employ 130 staff across all departments. We offer competitive salary packages as well as benefits including enhanced maternity leave; pension contribution scheme; health care plans; flexible working hours; internal and externally provided training opportunities, and competitive annual leave entitlement.

 

Job Title Family Development Practitioner
Department Limetree
Applications considered Via Application Form Only – CV’s will not be accepted (Download Application Form)

 

Opening date for Applications 1st October 2025
Closing Date for Applications 15th October 2025 @12 noon
Proposed Interview date(s) 23rd October 2025, Blackrock Cork

–       may be subject to change based on volume of candidates and availability of Service resources.

Location of Post Clonakilty – Outreach throughout West Cork

 

Details of Service Childhood Matters is a not-for-profit organisation that provides child and family services aimed at supporting positive childhood outcomes, developing parenting capacity, strengthening family resilience, and contributing to healthier, more sustainable communities.

 

·         Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

·         CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

·         Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

·         The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

·         Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

·         Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 10-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety and Aftercare is incorporated into this project

·         Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

·         Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

·         Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

 

 

 

Purpose of Role:

 

The role of Family Development Practitioner is to provide intensive family support to those referred to the service. All referrals come from the Child Protection Social Work team or through CCA. The eligibility criteria for referral is where children are at risk of coming into care. The family have to be identified as being at a level 3 or 4 on the Hardikar Scale.

 

Limetree works with a family through home visiting, direct work with children and supervising access. The role also requires the staff member to attend Child Protection Case Conferences and Court where applicable.

 

Limetree visits a family 2 to 3 times per week while carrying out an assessment for a 6-8-week period. Following this the family are signposted to other services or Limetree carry out an intervention depending on the findings of the assessment and the needs of the family. These visits can occur out of out of normal working hours (depending client’s needs)

 

Limetree also supervises access on site at Childhood Matters or in the community. Staff assess the access, offering parenting support and make recommendations around duration and frequency of access dependent on the findings of their assessment.

 

Reporting Relationship The Family Development Practitioner will report to the Family Support Services Manager
Duties and Responsibilities Main Duties and Responsibilities

Working with Children/Young People/Families

 

•         To participate in the development and implementation of assessments and tailored interventions and to ensure appropriate recording of same.

•         To promote the rights and responsibilities of each child/young person within the service.

•         Assist in supporting parents/guardians/ families to sustain the safe care of their children in the home setting.

•         To liaise with the parent, family, general services and other agencies on behalf of the client.

•         To attend meetings in relation to the care and developments of the children and their families

•         Participate in the completion of preliminary assessments, safety planning as required under Children’s First this should be done in consultation with the relevant line manager.

•         Compliance with relevant Childhood Matters policies.

•         Attendance at Court when required.

•         Direct work with children/young people/parents/guardians/foster carers etc.

•         Facilitating and supporting family contact for children in care.

•         Lone working.

 

 

 

Administration and Accountability

•         To attend team meetings and to report to the Family Support Service Manager on matters affecting the delivery of service.

•         To make written reports to the Family Support Service Manager and social work department on a regular basis on the progress of development of the children and their families.

•         Reporting and recording any incidents, that may happen to the / children and their families or are caused by them.

•         Ensure Child protection procedures are followed

•         To keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.

•         To implement the Childhood Matters procedures and policies.

•         To undertake ongoing professional training and development.

•         To attend regular supervision with the designated supervisor.

•         To perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

 

Team Work /Training & Professional Development

 

 

•         Participate in working within a team centered consistent approach.

•         Participate in further training and development as required.

•         Working with other professionals and external stakeholders

•         Participate in regular team meetings, reflective practice, complex case discussions etc Engage in reflective and evidence-based practice.

•         Be responsible for own health and wellbeing in order to carry out the duties of the role / is committed to managing own work / life balance.

•         Keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.

 

Health & Safety

·         Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

 

Eligibility Criteria Qualifications Applicants must by the closing date of application have the following:

 

·         Minimum of NFQ Level 7 qualification in social care/family support/addiction studies/social science or a related field

Or

·         Be registered in the Social Care Workers Register maintained by CORU.

·         Verification of garda Clearance

·         Validation of three references.

·         A full clean driver’s license

Other requirements of the role

 

 

 

 

Essential

 

Experience;

•         Three years’ experience in child/family support/ social care/work

•         Experience in conflict resolution mediation

•         Experience in lone working/case management

•         Experienced in record keeping and report writing

 

Skills, knowledge and abilities;

•         Ability to work in a people centered and needs led manner

•         Knowledge of child development and family dynamics

•         Understanding of the relevant legislation, best practice and issues relevant to the area of Children’s services and Family Support

•         Ability to network, develop links and engage with statutory sector and local community

•         Excellent communication, IT and report writing skills

•         Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

•         Adaptable and flexible with regard to service development and working hours

 

Desirable

 

•         Group work with children and families

•         Experience of working therapeutically with clients

•         Experience of legal responsibilities with regard to child protection and child care

•         Experience in home visiting

•         Knowledge around Trauma informed Care approaches

•         Informed of signs of safety

•         Trained in Parenting Programmes or other relevant trainings to the post

 

Tenure The current vacancies available are permanent/temporary and whole time/part- time.

 

 

Remuneration The Salary scale for the whole time equivalent of this post is:

 

Aligned with the HSE Social Care Salary Scale October 2024

 

Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum point of the scale and will not be subject to negotiation.

Working Week The standard working week applying to the whole time equivalent of this post is: 37.5 hours.
Annual Leave The annual leave associated with the whole time equivalent of this post is: 25 days pro rata

 

Probation A probationary period of 6 months will apply
Additional Benefits •           Defined contribution pension scheme.

•           Enhanced maternity and paternity benefit

•           Additional Annual leave days

•           Comprehensive annual CPD schedule

•           Financial support for further education

Family Development Practitioner (Blackrock)

Job Title:

Family Development Practitioner.

Hours:

The standard working week applying to the whole time equivalent of this post is: 37.5 hours.

Salary:

Aligned with the HSE Social Care Salary Scale (October 2024).

Location:

The initial vacancy Bessborough

Closing date is:

15th October 2025 @12 noon

Reporting to:

Family Support Services Manager

Who we are:

Childhood Matters is a not-for-profit organisation aimed at improving developmental and life outcomes for children 0-18 years old. We also work directly with parents and foster carers to support and develop parenting in challenging contexts. As an organisation we strive to positive impact the wider professional network we operate within through external training, research and professional development opportunities.

We are committed to embedding an evidence-based culture of trauma-informed care and therapeutic practice and hold ourselves to high standards in all engagement with service users, colleagues and stakeholders alike. We are committed to research and evaluation and continually assess the effectiveness of our service through independent research and partnership with third level institutions. We strive to be a positive place to work, providing staff with reflective practice, regular supervision and a training budget.

 

With offices and services in Blackrock, Blackpool, Clonakilty and Farranree we employ 130 staff across all departments. We offer competitive salary packages as well as benefits including enhanced maternity leave; pension contribution scheme; health care plans; flexible working hours; internal and externally provided training opportunities, and competitive annual leave entitlement.

 

Job Title Family Development Practitioner
Department Limetree
Applications considered Via Application Form Only – CV’s will not be accepted (Download Application Form)

 

Opening date for Applications 1st October 2025
Closing Date for Applications 15th October 2025 @12 noon
Proposed Interview date(s) 23rd October 2025, Blackrock Cork

–       may be subject to change based on volume of candidates and availability of Service resources.

Location of Post The initial vacancy Bessborough

 

Details of Service Childhood Matters is a not-for-profit organisation that provides child and family services aimed at supporting positive childhood outcomes, developing parenting capacity, strengthening family resilience, and contributing to healthier, more sustainable communities.

 

·         Parent and Infant Unit: Nationwide parenting capacity-building and assessment residential service for complex parents and infant situations where distinct child protection concerns.

·         CHIPPS: CHIPPS is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service for children and young people in care.

·         Young Parents Support Programme: The Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP for short) is the only targeted community-based support service for young parents in Ireland.

·         The Limetree Project: Therapeutic community-based family support and family contact project, in partnership with South Lee & West Cork Social Work Department to include out of hours service.

·         Supervised Contact: Contact Service provides structured supports and interventions for children who are in the care of TUSLA to have contact with their parents, siblings and other family members.

·         Placement Support Project: This project is aimed at stabilizing at-risk foster placements, and supporting family reunification through intensive multidisciplinary support over a 10-week period, and the provision of a stability roadmap specifically tailored to the family. Emergency place of safety and Aftercare is incorporated into this project

·         Crèche & Preschool: Award-winning Community Crèche and Childcare facility to include afterschool programme with a current capacity of 124 children.

·         Secondary School One Year Leaving Certificate programme in partnerships with Cork Education and Training Board, providing parents opportunity to advance education when using clinical family services

·         Employment Support Service: Vocational training for long term unemployed individuals within therapeutic and trauma-informed environment.

 

 

 

Purpose of Role:

 

 The role of Family Development Practitioner is to provide intensive family support to those referred to the service. All referrals come from the Child Protection Social Work team or through CCA. The eligibility criteria for referral is where children are at risk of coming into care. The family have to be identified as being at a level 3 or 4 on the Hardikar Scale.

 

Limetree works with a family through home visiting, direct work with children and supervising access. The role also requires the staff member to attend Child Protection Case Conferences and Court where applicable.

 

Limetree visits a family 2 to 3 times per week while carrying out an assessment for a 6-8-week period. Following this the family are signposted to other services or Limetree carry out an intervention depending on the findings of the assessment and the needs of the family. These visits can occur out of out of normal working hours (depending client’s needs)

 

Limetree also supervises access on site at Childhood Matters or in the community. Staff assess the access, offering parenting support and make recommendations around duration and frequency of access dependent on the findings of their assessment.

 

Reporting Relationship The Family Development Practitioner will report to the Family Support Services Manager
Duties and Responsibilities Main Duties and Responsibilities

Working with Children/Young People/Families

 

•         To participate in the development and implementation of assessments and tailored interventions and to ensure appropriate recording of same.

•         To promote the rights and responsibilities of each child/young person within the service.

•         Assist in supporting parents/guardians/ families to sustain the safe care of their children in the home setting.

•         To liaise with the parent, family, general services and other agencies on behalf of the client.

•         To attend meetings in relation to the care and developments of the children and their families

•         Participate in the completion of preliminary assessments, safety planning as required under Children’s First this should be done in consultation with the relevant line manager.

•         Compliance with relevant Childhood Matters policies.

•         Attendance at Court when required.

•         Direct work with children/young people/parents/guardians/foster carers etc.

•         Facilitating and supporting family contact for children in care.

•         Lone working.

 

 

 

Administration and Accountability

•         To attend team meetings and to report to the Family Support Service Manager on matters affecting the delivery of service.

•         To make written reports to the Family Support Service Manager and social work department on a regular basis on the progress of development of the children and their families.

•         Reporting and recording any incidents, that may happen to the / children and their families or are caused by them.

•         Ensure Child protection procedures are followed

•         To keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.

•         To implement the Childhood Matters procedures and policies.

•         To undertake ongoing professional training and development.

•         To attend regular supervision with the designated supervisor.

•         To perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

 

Team Work /Training & Professional Development

 

 

•         Participate in working within a team centered consistent approach.

•         Participate in further training and development as required.

•         Working with other professionals and external stakeholders

•         Participate in regular team meetings, reflective practice, complex case discussions etc Engage in reflective and evidence-based practice.

•         Be responsible for own health and wellbeing in order to carry out the duties of the role / is committed to managing own work / life balance.

•         Keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.

 

Health & Safety

·         Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

 

Eligibility Criteria Qualifications Applicants must by the closing date of application have the following:

 

·         Minimum of NFQ Level 7 qualification in social care/family support/addiction studies/social science or a related field

Or

·         Be registered in the Social Care Workers Register maintained by CORU.

·         Verification of garda Clearance

·         Validation of three references.

·         A full clean driver’s license

Other requirements of the role

 

 

 

 

Essential

 

Experience;

•         Three years’ experience in child/family support/ social care/work

•         Experience in conflict resolution mediation

•         Experience in lone working/case management

•         Experienced in record keeping and report writing

 

Skills, knowledge and abilities;

•         Ability to work in a people centered and needs led manner

•         Knowledge of child development and family dynamics

•         Understanding of the relevant legislation, best practice and issues relevant to the area of Children’s services and Family Support

•         Ability to network, develop links and engage with statutory sector and local community

•         Excellent communication, IT and report writing skills

•         Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

•         Adaptable and flexible with regard to service development and working hours

 

Desirable

 

•         Group work with children and families

•         Experience of working therapeutically with clients

•         Experience of legal responsibilities with regard to child protection and child care

•         Experience in home visiting

•         Knowledge around Trauma informed Care approaches

•         Informed of signs of safety

•         Trained in Parenting Programmes or other relevant trainings to the post

 

Tenure The current vacancies available are permanent/temporary and whole time/part- time.

 

 

Remuneration The Salary scale for the whole time equivalent of this post is:

 

Aligned with the HSE Social Care Salary Scale October 2024

 

Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum point of the scale and will not be subject to negotiation.

Working Week The standard working week applying to the whole time equivalent of this post is: 37.5 hours.
Annual Leave The annual leave associated with the whole time equivalent of this post is: 25 days pro rata

 

Probation A probationary period of 6 months will apply
Additional Benefits •           Defined contribution pension scheme.

•           Enhanced maternity and paternity benefit

•           Additional Annual leave days

•           Comprehensive annual CPD schedule

•           Financial support for further education

Clinical Lead – CHIPPS (Senior Grade Allied Health Professionals/Clinical Specialist)

Job Title:

Clinical Lead – CHIPPS (Senior Grade Allied Health Professionals/Clinical Specialist)

Hours:

Salary:

HSE Consolidated Pay Scale October 2024, salary and grade dependent on experience.

Location:

Cork City & County (hybrid working model may apply)

Closing date is:

5pm on Tuesday 02nd September 2025.

Reporting to:

Director of Services, Childhood Matters

Purpose of the Role

The Clinical Lead will provide senior clinical leadership to Childhood Matters’ Children’s Intervention and Prevention Pathways Service (CHIPPS). This includes responsibility for clinical governance, case allocation, and progression, while also carrying a defined clinical caseload. The role is central to ensuring timely access to evidence-based interventions for children in care, and in response to a significant waiting list and complex presenting needs.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Service Delivery

  • Lead CHIPPS’ multidisciplinary team in delivering trauma-informed, attachment-based interventions for children in care.
  • Provide strategic and operational leadership for CHIPPS in alignment with Childhood Matters’ clinical and organisational frameworks. Manage case allocation, progression, and service flow to ensure timely and equitable access.
  • Maintain oversight of clinical risk management and safeguarding in line with best practice and regulatory standards.

Direct Clinical Work

  • Hold and manage a defined caseload (minimum 40–50% of role), delivering high- quality assessment and therapeutic intervention to children, young people, and
  • Provide specialist consultation, joint work, and co-therapy with social care colleagues and allied professionals.
  • Actively contribute to reducing the CHIPPS waiting list through innovative models (e.g. consultation, group work, joint assessments).

Supervision, Training & Team Development

  • Provide clinical supervision and reflective practice to staff, trainees, and allied health/social care professionals.
  • Contribute to the induction, training, and continuous professional development of the CHIPPS team.
  • Foster a supportive, collaborative, and learning

Research, Evaluation & Service Development

  • Lead service evaluation, outcome monitoring, and research projects to

strengthen CHIPPS’ evidence base.

  • Use data and evaluation to innovate service responses and manage waiting list
  • Contribute to local and national policy forums to promote trauma-informed care for children in care.

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

  • Act as the primary clinical point of contact for Tusla, HSE, Courts, and other partner agencies in relation to CHIPPS.
  • Represent Childhood Matters at inter-agency meetings, forums, and national policy discussions.
  • Promote the CHIPPS model externally through training, conferences, and

Person Specification

Essential

  • Post-graduate qualification in Clinical Psychology (PSI recognised, or equivalent), or other relevant professional qualifications such as Occupational Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy.
  • Eligible for appointment at Senior Grade under HSE consolidated
  • Significant post-qualification experience working with children and families affected by trauma, attachment difficulties, and care experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience, including case management, clinical supervision, and service development.
  • Proven ability to deliver assessments and interventions with complex
  • Strong understanding of child protection, safeguarding, and inter-agency
  • Excellent communication, report writing, and influencing

Desirable

  • Experience of service evaluation, research, and
  • Expertise in systemic/relational approaches and multidisciplinary
  • Demonstrated to commitment and further training in area of developmental trauma
  • Knowledge of Tusla/HSE care pathways and relevant Irish policy

 

 

Additional Information

This is a permanent post subject to funding.

The role requires flexibility, including some out-of-hours and travel across Cork city and county.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain Garda vetting as a condition of their initial and continued employment.

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter to hr@childhood-matters.ie. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 02nd September 2025.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, disability, age, gender expression or sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or national origin, marital or civil partnership status or culture. Childhood Matters is committed, where possible, to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

All documentation received by Childhood Matters will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2003 and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR; 2018). The information will only be used by Childhood Matters in the processing of job applications and for ongoing administrative purposes with job candidates.

Further Education Employment Initiatives

Employees of Childhood Matters have been supported through the organisation to gain undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level qualifications in psychology, social care, child protection, infant mental health and early years from:

  • University College Cork
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • Cork Institute of Technology
  • The Tavistcok and Prtma
  • Metanoia University

We are also open to third level placement students in areas of psychology, social care and social work.