Specialist Support Worker (Safeguarding & Response)

Simon Community NI; Belfast; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization is looking for a Specialist Support Worker to help a small group of 16-21-year-olds with complex needs. You will provide holistic support, building trusting relationships while addressing challenges related to mental health, substance misuse, and education. Your role also includes delivering interventions that promote independence and personal growth. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including employer-funded healthcare and generous annual leave.

Benefits

Pension Scheme

Employer-Funded Healthcare

Generous Annual Leave

Long Service Recognition

Blue Light Card

Qualifications

• Experience supporting vulnerable young people or adults.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.
• Commitment to a non-judgmental, respectful approach.
• Full current driving licence or alternative transport.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, holistic support to young people.
• Build trusting relationships and empower young people.
• Deliver strength-based interventions to promote independence.

Skills

Supporting vulnerable young people

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Job description

Overview

Job ref: SSW/SRC/0925

Job type: Permanent

Quantity of Posts Available: 6.5

Closing date: Tuesday 30 Sep 2025 16:00

Job summary

Specialist Support Worker - Housing First for Youth

We"re looking for a passionate and resilient Specialist Support Worker to join our dynamic service, supporting a small group of 16-21-year-olds who are Looked After Children with complex needs. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference, helping young people live safely and independently within their community, with 24/7 tailored support to promote stability, resilience, and personal growth. This role is varied and rewarding, supporting young people through challenges such as mental health struggles, substance misuse, housing stability, education, and building positive futures.

Responsibilities

• In this role, you will:
• Provide direct, holistic support to young people, working closely with Social Services and Mental Health professionals.
• Build trusting relationships, offer guidance during challenging situations, and empower young people to manage their tenancies, education, and personal goals.
• Deliver strength-based interventions that promote independence, development, and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• What we're looking for:
• Experience supporting vulnerable young people or adults, particularly in areas such as mental health, substance misuse, homelessness, or independent living.
• Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team.
• Commitment to a non-judgmental, respectful, and harm-minimisation approach.
• A full current driving licence or, if a disability prevents driving, an alternative means of transport to enable the duties of the post to be carried out in full.

About Us

At Simon Community, our values define who we are and how we support those in need. We are:

• Non-judgmental in every interaction
• Supportive, meeting people where they are
• Trustworthy, building relationships based on respect
• Dedicated to ending homelessness and improving lives

Why Join Simon Community?

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Pension Scheme
• Employer-Funded Healthcare (Benenden Health & Health Shield)
• Death in Service Benefit
• Generous Annual Leave
• Free Access NI Check
• Occupational Sick Pay
• Health & Wellbeing Initiatives
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Management Development Programmes
• Long Service Recognition
• Blue Light Card (exclusive discounts)
• Accredited as a Great Place to Work (2024)

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