Family Liaison Manager

PURPOSE OF JOB

SBHI is seeking an experienced, motivated, and compassionate Family Liaison Manager to lead, coordinate, and support a team of eight Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) who provide person-centred services to individuals and families affected by Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus across Ireland.

This leadership role is central to ensuring high-quality, consistent, and effective support for members and families, while also developing the service, guiding staff, and fostering strong partnerships with health, education, and community stakeholders. The Family Liaison Manager will provide operational oversight, staff supervision, and strategic input to enhance SBHI’s impact on members’ lives throughout all life stages.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership, guidance, and day-to-day management of the Family Liaison Officer team.

• Supervise, coach, and support FLOs to ensure delivery of a consistent, high-quality, person-centred service.

• Oversee caseload management across the team, ensuring effective allocation of resources and regional coverage.

• Lead recruitment, induction, training, and ongoing professional development for FLOs.

• Monitor performance through supervision, case reviews, and regular team meetings.

• Ensure accurate record-keeping, reporting, and compliance with safeguarding, data protection, and organisational policies.

• Support the planning and delivery of SBHI events, programmes, and initiatives, ensuring regional and national coordination.

• Act as the escalation point for complex or sensitive cases, providing additional advocacy or support as required.

• Develop strong working relationships with external agencies (HSE, schools, hospitals, community organisations, local authorities) to strengthen pathways of support.

• Represent the FLO service to SBHI senior management, contributing to strategic planning and service development.

• Collaborate with SBHI Branches, volunteers, and other departments to promote community-led initiatives and wider organisational goals.

• Maintain a visible presence in the field by shadowing FLOs, attending key events, and engaging with members.

• Promote a positive image of SBHI and the FLO service to members, donors, stakeholders, and the wider public.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The role requires travel across multiple regions to support and supervise the FLO team.

• Flexible hours may be necessary, including occasional evenings and weekends.

• Combines independent working with collaborative team leadership and cross-departmental work.

• Engagements may occur in varied settings including homes, clinics, hospitals, schools, and SBHI events.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

• Relevant third-level qualification in Social Care, Social Work, Nursing, Disability Services, Education, Management, or related field.

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a leadership or management role within social care, disability, or community services.

• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing service delivery in a client-focused setting.

• Strong organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and support a dispersed team.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.

• Proficiency in report writing, data handling, and use of case management systems.

• Ability to build partnerships and advocate effectively with external agencies.

• Full clean driving licence and access to a vehicle.

• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel as needed.

Desired

• Experience in the community/voluntary/charity sector.

• Familiarity with the challenges faced by individuals with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus.

• Knowledge of relevant national policies and frameworks in disability, education, employment, and health.

• Experience in service development, quality assurance, or evaluation.

• Training in staff supervision, safeguarding, or trauma-informed practice.