Early Intervention Practitioner - Job Description

Northside Family Resource Centre has been part of the community since 1987, working alongside local families to create opportunities, strengthen supports, and improve quality of life in the area. The Early Intervention Practitioner plays a key role in this work by supporting children and parents in our early years service. Reporting to the Coordinator of Community and Family Services, the practitioner helps identify needs, carries out assessments, provides one‑to‑one support, and links families with the right services at the right time. This role is about making early, meaningful interventions that help children thrive and ensure families feel supported, understood, and connected.

Northside FRC recognises that many children in our community face real challenges in accessing the supports they need. This role is part of our commitment to closing that gap early by placing a dedicated specialist within our early years service to work directly with children and families. The successful applicant will uphold the highest standards of safety and care by following our Child Protection Policy at all times and acting immediately on any concerns. They will also maintain strict confidentiality, treating all information about children, families, and staff with professionalism, respect, and sensitivity in addition to the following responsibilities:

Needs assessment

Work closely with Early Years Coordinator and Team Leaders to identify children and families in need of support and interventions.
Assess needs of families and children attending the early years’ service
Monitor and manage referrals from staff and parents

Intervention

Prioritise need and devise intervention plans
Identify opportunities for service development to meet the needs of children and families
Provide ongoing individual support to parents and children, linking them with other services as required
Design and deliver CPD for staff
Devise and run information sessions for parents.
Make referrals to other services where appropriate
Keep detailed records of all interventions with children and parents.

General

Develop and deliver a research project on this initiative in cooperation with the Management Team
Promote the pilot locally, regionally and nationally
Seek long-term funding opportunities to secure a sustainable model
Access appropriate professional support and supervision
Additional tasks that may be deemed necessary by the Management Team.

Early Intervention Practitioner - Personal Specification

Essential

A qualification to, at least, NFQ Level 8 in Behavioural Therapy; Speech and language Therapy; Play/Music/Creative Therapy Occupational Therapy; or equivalent
Minimum of 2 years post qualifying experience
Membership of appropriate professional body
Knowledge and experience of working with vulnerable families.
Excellent report writing skills.
Good computer skills.

Desirable

Experience of working with a Voluntary Board of Directors.
Experience of working with multiple cultures and a variety of target groups.
Management Training.
Post-graduate Qualification in a related field
Research and report writing experience

Early Intervention Practitioner - Terms of Employment

Accountability

The Early Intervention Practitioner will report to and be responsible to the Coordinator of Community and Family Services and ultimately the Voluntary Board of Management through the CEO.

Hours of Work

The post will be full-time i.e., 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday between 8a.m. and 6p.m. A reduced working week is an option.
The Early Intervention Practitioner will be expected to be flexible about evening and weekend work for which overtime will not be paid but time-off-in-lieu will be granted.
This role is a specified purpose contract (Maternity Leave Cover) subject to continued funding.
There is an expectation the Practitioner will work across sites as required all of which are located on the Northside of Limerick City.
A six-month probation period will apply.

Contract Type

This role is a specified purpose contract for Maternity leave cover.

Salary

The salary scale will be no less than €40,400 per annum and will be offered at a level that is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Pension

Employer contribution matching double the employee contribution up to a maximum of 5% of gross salary, subject to funding, post probationary period and granting of permanency.

Confidentiality

The Practitioner will be expected to always observe confidentiality in relation to the business of the Family Resource Centre.

Benefits

25 days annual leave pro rata plus public holidays, 2 company privilege days, and up to 14 days paid sick pay.

Professional Supports

CPD and access to coaching; support for accredited training where appropriate.

Confidentiality and Professional Standards

The successful candidate must observe confidentiality, professional boundaries and Centre policies including safeguarding, equality and data protection.

Garda Vetting

The position is subject to the completion of a satisfactory Garda Vetting process.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the application form for this role on our Hire Hive Careers Page found through www.northsidefrc.ie/vacancies. Please do not send CVs – only completed application forms submitted through HireHive will be accepted.

Northside Family Resource Centre is an equal opportunities employer.