Support Worker

Depaul; Belfast; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization seeks a Support Worker to assist women transitioning from prison into housing. The role involves providing emotional and practical support, ensuring safety, and addressing housing-related concerns. The ideal candidate will have experience with vulnerable individuals and strong interpersonal skills. This position is crucial for empowering service users and aiding their recovery journey.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year’s experience working with vulnerable individuals.
• Experience in crisis intervention and providing emotional support.

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional support to women transitioning from prison.
• Respond to urgent issues and ensure safety of service users.
• Maintain accurate records of incidents and support provided.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Level 2 qualification in a social care field

Job description

Grade Support Worker - £23,291.88 pa

Reporting to Local Management Team

Location Depaul Nelson Street, Belfast, BT15 1BH

Contract Fixed term- 3 years

Scope of Responsibility

As a Support Worker at Depaul, you will provide vital support to women transitioning from prison into housing and their local communities. This role is focused on ensuring that service users have access to emergency support and assistance. You will be responsible for responding to service users' needs, offering emotional support, addressing neighbourhood concerns, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of individuals in accommodation.

You will work in a response-based capacity, helping women manage any challenges or issues that may arise, including housing difficulties, emotional distress, and neighbourhood-related concerns. Your role will be crucial in providing a safe and supportive environment, and ensuring that service users can access the help they need.

Hours

35 hours per week, rota based across 7 days including mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Overall Work Objectives

Service User Support:

● Provide emotional support to women, ensuring they feel safe, listened to, and supported in managing any crises or emotional challenges.

● Respond to any urgent issues or incidents that arise, including housing-related concerns, neighbourhood disturbances, or personal difficulties.

● Assist in ensuring the safety and security of all service users in the accommodation, following Depaul's health and safety protocols and responding promptly to any risks or emergencies.

● Monitor and assess the wellbeing of service users, ensuring that any identified needs are addressed promptly.

● Offer practical support to service users, including helping with any immediate housing or personal challenges, such as providing information, signposting to appropriate services, or assisting with basic needs.

Neighbourhood & Housing Support:

● Ensure that any reports of disturbances or safety concerns are addressed in a timely and professional manner, liaising with relevant authorities or external agencies where needed.

Emotional and Practical Support:

● Offer emotional support to women during challenging times, ensuring they have someone to talk to and feel supported in managing their mental health and wellbeing.

● Encourage service users to engage with other services where appropriate, such as Depaul’s in-house wellbeing resources or external agencies offering mental health support.

Administrative Duties:

● Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of any incidents, concerns, or support provided during the shift.

● Complete incident reports, wellbeing checks, and any other administrative tasks as required by Depaul’s policies and procedures.

● Ensure that all documentation is completed thoroughly and in line with confidentiality and data protection regulations.

Team Collaboration:

● Communicate effectively with daytime team members, ensuring that any important developments, concerns, or actions taken during the shift are handed over clearly and accurately.

Person Requirements

CRITERIA:

• Essential:

• ○ A Level 2 qualification in a social care field (such as NVQ or GCSEs) is required.
• ○ At least 1 year’s paid experience working with vulnerable individuals, particularly in housing, community outreach, or support roles.
• ○ Experience in crisis intervention and providing emotional support to individuals in distress is desirable.
• Skills:
• ●Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting relationships and provide effective emotional support.
• ●Ability to remain calm and professional in potentially challenging or emergency situations.
• ●Good written and verbal communication skills to effectively document incidents and communicate with the team.
• ●Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to make quick decisions and respond appropriately to incidents.
• Knowledge:
• ●A good understanding of housing issues, homelessness, and community integration.
• ●Knowledge of services available for vulnerable individuals, including statutory and voluntary resources.
• ●Understanding of crisis intervention, risk management, and safeguarding procedures.
• ●Awareness of Health and Safety guidelines and the importance of maintaining a safe service environment.
• Other Requirements:
• ●Ability to work independently and manage responsibilities during night shifts.
• ●Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, as part of a rota system.
• ● Commitment to Depaul’s values, including respect, empowerment, and service user participation.
• ● Enhanced DBS/Access NI check is required (a criminal record may not necessarily disqualify you, depending on the nature and circumstances).
  

• Working Environment:

• The role requires working directly with service users in their accommodation settings and the community.

• You will be expected to work shifts as part of a flexible rota system, providing support during days, evenings and weekends.

• Depaul is committed to providing equal opportunities and a supportive working environment. If you are passionate about supporting vulnerable women during their transition from prison into their community and housing, and providing emotional and practical support during night-time hours, we would love to hear from you.

• This Support Worker role is essential in ensuring that service users feel safe, supported, and empowered and you will play a critical role in their ongoing journey to recovery and integration.

Access NI

This Post is subject to a Basic Access NI check. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with Depaul. This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences or other information contained on a disclosure certificate.

Closing date for applications: 30th May 2025

Dependent on the number of applications, we may contact applicants before the closing date. Please check your spam/junk folders.