Job Title: Family Support Practitioner (Temporary until March 2026)

Employer: Bolster Community

Location: Newry (with travel across Newry & Mourne, Craigavon & Banbridge, and Armagh)

Salary: £25,226.76 per annum (pro-rata for 30 hours/week)

Contract Type: Temporary (with potential for extension, subject to funding)

Hours: Part-time, 30 hours/week

Closing Date: Friday, 22nd August at 12 noon

Job Summary:

Bolster Community is seeking compassionate and motivated Family Support Practitioners to join our team. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact by delivering early intervention and practical support to families facing a variety of challenges across the Southern Trust area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver short-term, practical, and emotional support to families in their homes or community settings.
• Facilitate evidence-based parenting programmes that promote emotional wellbeing and positive parenting.
• Provide hands-on help with form-filling, attending appointments, accessing financial advice, and managing behavioural challenges.
• Support families of children with additional needs, including disabilities.
• Build strong partnerships with schools, health providers, and community organisations.
• Proactively engage families who may be reluctant to access services.
• Facilitate group and peer-support sessions to reduce isolation and increase community connection.
• Advocate for families and signpost them to appropriate services.
• Maintain accurate records and uphold safeguarding standards.
• Commit to reflective practice, training, and continuous professional development.

Essential Criteria:

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g., social work, family support, youth work, education, community development).
• At least 2 years’ experience working with families, children, or young people in a support role.
• Knowledge of child development, safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice.
• Ability to work flexibly across locations and engage with diverse families.
• Full current driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced AccessNI check.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience facilitating parenting programmes or group work.
• Knowledge of local support services and referral pathways.
• Experience working with children with disabilities or additional needs.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary (pro-rata for 30 hours/week)
• 25 days annual leave + statutory holidays (pro-rata)
• 6% employer pension contribution (subject to eligibility)
• Health cash plan (subject to conditions)
• Travel expenses (subject to policy)
• Supportive, values-driven work culture

About Bolster Community:

Bolster Community is an award-winning, not-for-profit organisation based in Newry. Since 2004, we’ve been empowering individuals and families through family support, disability services, and community development. We lead the Newry & Mourne Family Support Hub and are proud to be a trusted voice in the Southern area and beyond.

How to Apply:

Job application form, job description and personal specification can be found on Community NI. You will be redirected to website by clicking APPLY NOW

To apply please complete the application form and return via post to: The Operations Manager, Bolster Community, Unit 1 Killeavy Road, BT35 6EP or via email to: allison@bolstercommunity.org by 12pm Noon on Friday 22nd August