Family Support Assistant in Carrickfergus

The Family Group and Baby Bank Assistant will support the delivery of group sessions for families with young children, helping to create a welcoming, safe, and stimulating environment. The post holder will assist with preparing activities and snacks, maintaining hygiene and cleanliness, and supporting the operation of the Baby Bank through sorting donations and preparing referral packs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the set‑up and take‑down of group sessions, ensuring the space is prepared and welcoming.
• Prepare snacks for group sessions and ensure the group room is cleaned and tidied after each session.
• Support the delivery of a secure, stimulating, and varied programme of play and learning (including stories, art, and craft activities) for children within the Family Group, ensuring their safety and well‑being at all times.
• Be responsive to parents and children, building positive, supportive relationships with them.
• Help plan and participate in special events, learning opportunities, and outings for supported families.
• Be vigilant about the upkeep of delivery spaces and equipment, maintaining good standards of hygiene and safety.
• Assist in maintaining records and contribute to monitoring and evaluation as required.
• Support the running of Baby Bank sessions, including sorting and organising donations, preparing referral packs, and maintaining a welcoming environment for families.
• Attend meetings and training sessions, contributing to team discussions as appropriate.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as required to support the effective running of the programme.

Skills and Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification (e.g. Childcare, Health and Social Care, Youth Work, or a related field).
• Experience of working or volunteering with children, families, or community groups.
• Understanding of the needs of families with young children and the challenges they may face.
• Ability to assist in planning and delivering play and learning activities in a supportive and inclusive way.
• Good organisational skills, including the ability to process, record, and collate information accurately.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, parents, colleagues, and volunteers.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, and to take direction when required.
• Aware of safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional boundaries when working with families.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and anti‑discriminatory practice.
• Ability to manage time effectively, use initiative, and maintain a tidy and safe working environment.
• Willingness to participate in training, supervision, and team meetings as part of ongoing development.

Further Information

• Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week.
• Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach.
• Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment.
• The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.