Upstream NI Schools Project Worker

MACS Supporting Children & Young People; Belfast; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Northern Ireland is seeking a Project Worker for their innovative Upstream NI initiative aimed at preventing youth homelessness. In this role, you will work directly within schools to provide early intervention support, helping to identify at-risk young people and coordinate tailored interventions. The position offers a competitive salary, flexible working options, and the chance to make a significant impact on the lives of young people in crisis. The role is full-time and fixed term, with potential for extension based on funding.

Benefits

Pension contribution of 4%

Up to 41 days annual leave

Enhanced paid leave for Sick, Maternity and Carers leave

Paid training days

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering support to young people and families.
• Ability to collaborate with various stakeholders.
• Understanding of the issues leading to youth homelessness.

Responsibilities

• Delivering early intervention support to prevent youth homelessness.
• Identifying at-risk young people within educational settings.
• Coordinating tailored interventions with external services.

Skills

Person-centred support

Collaboration with school staff

Understanding of youth homelessness

Universal screening tool usage

Strengths-based approach

Education

Relevant degree in social work or related field

Job description

UPSTREAM NI SCHOOLS PROJECT WORKER Are you passionate about supporting young people before they reach crisis point? Join MACS as a Project Worker forUpstream NI, a new schools-based initiative preventing youth homelessness before crisis hits. As an Upstream NI Schools-Based Project Worker, you will play a vital role in delivering an innovative, early intervention model aimed at preventing youth homelessness across schools in Northern Ireland. Working directly within educational settings, you will use a universal screening tool to identify young people who may be at risk of housing instability or crisis. You will provide person‑centred, strengths‑based support to young people and their families, helping to address underlying issues before they accelerate. Collaborating closely with school staff, families, and external services, you will coordinate tailored interventions that promote wellbeing, resilience, and long‑term housing security. This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering approach inspired by international best practice and adapted to meet the specific needs of young people in Northern Ireland. Please see full Job Description and Person specification for essential skills and knowledge required for the post on the MACS portal via the GETGOT recruitment platform and submit your CV to apply. You will also find Recruitment Guidance notes and Why Work for MACS documents with more information, or email if you have any further queries. Posts Available: Full Time, Fixed Term post (12 months with possibility of extension, subject to funding) Salary: £27,334 per annum Benefits: MACS Pension contribution of 4% of salary; up to 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays); enhanced paid leave for Sick, Maternity and Carers leave; paid training days per year; Flexible and remote working options available. Closing Date: Monday 2nd February 2026 at 9:30am. MACS is committed to equality of opportunity and to selection on merit and all offers of employment are subject to an Access NI Disclosure Check.