About Anam Cara

Anam Cara is an all-Ireland charity dedicated to providing support services to parents who have experienced the devastating loss of a child.  Established in 2006, the organisation was founded by parents who had themselves endured such loss and recognised the need for accessible, compassionate support networks. We work to support parents through the intense grief, deep challenges and difficult milestones, to ensure no bereaved parent or sibling feels alone after the loss of a child.

Anam Cara offers a range of services aimed at addressing the emotional and practical needs of grieving parents, including:

1.     Peer Support Groups

2.     Information Evenings and Resources

3.     Online Support Groups

4.     Family and Individual Support

5.     Referrals and Signposting

Core Philosophy

We believe that no parent should have to face the loss of a child alone.  We emphasise empathy, understanding, and creating a non-judgmental space for grieving parents to express themselves and heal. Anam Cara believes deeply in our values of quality, compassion, empathy, inclusivity, trust and collaboration.

The name Anam Cara translates to "Soul Friend" in Irish, reflecting the charity's mission to provide deep, meaningful companionship and support during the hardest of times.

Why Join Us?

·       Be part of a compassionate, purpose-driven team making a real difference in the lives of grieving families.

·       Flexible and empowering working environment.

·       Huge scope for professional growth.

About the Role

We are a small, committed team with a big mission: to ensure no bereaved parent feels alone. The Services Support Administrator will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of Anam Cara's support services, events, and outreach activities. This role is vital to maintaining high-quality service delivery, supporting the team, and helping us meet the needs of bereaved parents across Ireland.

The successful candidate will be passionate about people, compassionate, highly motivated, and organised. They will be comfortable driving work independently as well as collaborating as part of our small, dynamic team, and demonstrate an empathy and commitment to Anam Cara's mission and the impact of our work.

Key Responsibilities:

1.     Administrative Support:

o  Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Operations Manager and wider services team.

o  Maintain accurate records of services, events, and participant information.

o  Manage and update the CRM/database to ensure efficient tracking and reporting in accordance with GDPR and Anam Cara's data policy.

2.     Event Coordination:

o  Assist in the organisation and coordination of online and in-person support group meetings, Bereavement Information Evenings, workshops, and national events.

o  Liaise with parents, partners, suppliers, and facilitators to ensure events run smoothly.

o  Manage event materials, including preparation of services packs, and ensure their availability on-site or for distribution.

o  Participate in and/or assist with relevant Anam Cara Group events as required, to include Professional seminars and workshops, Volunteer Training Events, and Anam Cara Training Workshops. 

3.     Communication and Outreach:

o  Respond to enquiries from parents, service partners, and volunteers via phone and email with sensitivity, compassion, and professionalism.

o  Distribute informational materials and manage correspondence for upcoming events and services.

o  Support the preparation of newsletters, email campaigns, and social media updates.

4.     Volunteer Coordination:

o  Support the Operations Manager in the induction and training of volunteer parents, as well as the annual training and review workshops and other training initiatives for professional facilitators and volunteer parents. 

o  Provide support to volunteers, including managing schedules and distributing resources.

o  Maintain communication with volunteers to ensure they feel supported and engaged.

5.     Data and Reporting:

o  Compile service usage and feedback reports for internal review and funding requirements.

o  Ensure compliance with GDPR and confidentiality protocols.

6.     General Support:

o  Participate in team meetings and contribute to the development of services and strategies.

o  Provide general office administrative support, including ordering supplies and managing mail.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.  The Services Support Administrator may perform other related duties to meet the on-going needs of the organisation.

Person Specification

Skills & Experience:

·       Proven experience in an administrative role a significant advantage, ideally in a nonprofit or services-focused organisation. However, all levels of education and experience will be considered.

·       Experience supporting events and/or working with volunteers.

·       Excellent planning and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.

·       Excellent IT skills with strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience with CRM systems. Experience with Salesforce and Canva an advantage.

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive enquiries.

·       Strong interpersonal skills and a compassionate, empathetic approach.

·       Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise time and resources and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic working environment.

·       Fluency in written and spoken English essential.

·       Understanding of GDPR and data protection best practices.

·       Familiarity with the charity sector or bereavement support services is an advantage.

Personal Attributes:

·       Demonstratable passion and commitment to Anam Cara's values of quality, compassion, empathy, inclusivity, trust and collaboration.

·       Genuine understanding of and sensitivity to Anam Cara's mission and the needs of bereaved families.

·       Discretion, professionalism, and emotional resilience when dealing with sensitive issues.

·       Willing and able to work outside of normal hours to attend occasional evening or weekend events.

·       Ability to work independently and proactively in a small team environment.

·       Warm, compassionate, collaborative, and enthusiastic.

Terms

·       This is a permanent 4-day per week or equivalent (28 hours worked flexible across the week) role, following a 6-month probationary period. 

·       Many of our staff work flexibly, including part-time or flexible hours. Please talk to us about the flexibility you need. We cannot promise to be able to accommodate every request, however we will do our best to find a working arrangement that works for both you and Anam Cara.

·       Anam Cara currently operate a hybrid working model, with flexibility to work part of the week from our office base Tallaght and the remainder of each week working from home. Please note that due to the nature of the role and our commitment as an all-island charity, some travel and weekend work may be required.

·       Salary €32-€36k pro-rata (€25,600-€28,800 for 4-day week), commensurate with experience.

·       20 days annual leave.

·       Up to 5% matched contributory Pension following completion of probationary period.

·       Support for professional development and training.

·       Free car parking on site.

·       Paid sick leave entitlement.

·       Bike to Work Scheme.

·       Employee wellbeing support program.

How to Apply

Please email your CV and tailored cover letter outlining your suitability and experience for the role to m.reynolds@anamcara.ie by 5pm on Thursday 13^th February 2025. All candidates will receive a confirmation of application. Candidates will be contacted with next steps on Monday, 17^th February 2025. Interviews scheduled to take place in person in Dublin on Thursday 20^th February 2025.

Informal enquiries welcomed and will be treated with strictest confidentiality. Please contact Michelle Reynolds, CEO, at m.reynolds@anamcara.ie. 

Position is subject to reference check.  Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Ireland at the time of application.