At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people affected by parental substance use and mental health issues through one-to-one and group sessions.
- Company: ASCERT, a leading charity in Northern Ireland focused on community support.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, hybrid working, competitive pension, and staff wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Third-level qualification in Health & Social Care or related field and experience in relevant services.
The predicted salary is between 31536 - 31536 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid working based in ASCERT's Omagh office, part home working, and operating across the Western Health & Social Care Trust (WHSCT) area. Includes some regional travel.
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: SCP Point 18 £31,536 per annum, plus 4% pension
Contract: Fixed-term until 30th September 2029 (with possible extension subject to further funding)
About ASCERT
ASCERT is a leading Northern Ireland charity providing support to young people, adults, families and professionals affected by drug and alcohol use, mental health and related issues. Each year, ASCERT supports more than 15,000 people through prevention and early intervention, treatment, recovery, training and community support services.
About the Role
The Steps to Cope Hidden Harm Service is a regional service supporting young people aged 11-25 who are impacted by parental substance use and/or parental mental health problems. Living with alcohol, drug or mental health issues within the family can significantly affect a young person's wellbeing and development. These experiences are recognised as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and are often described as Hidden Harm because the impact on young people frequently goes unseen and unsupported. The service provides direct support to young people, helping them strengthen their resilience and develop positive coping strategies through the Steps to Cope evidence-based psychosocial intervention model. Full training in the model will be provided.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide confidential one-to-one and group support to young people using the Steps to Cope intervention model
- Provide advice and support to family members
- Deliver information, education and awareness sessions to young people, families and professionals
- Support the development of digital content and interactive resources for young people
- Encourage and support participation by young people with lived experience in the development, implementation and evaluation of the project
- Carry out assessments to ensure interventions are tailored to individual needs and circumstances
- Ensure high-quality service delivery in line with service objectives, specifications and KPIs
- Promote the service and its referral pathways to a wide range of stakeholders
- Develop strong working relationships with partner organisations to support onward referrals
- Work collaboratively with ASCERT colleagues, referrers and partner agencies
- Provide regular reports and maintain accurate, confidential case records
- Participate in monitoring and evaluation activities
- Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions and relevant training
- Assist with the induction of new staff, volunteers and students
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role
Professional Development
- Maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal
- Work in accordance with professional codes of conduct and ASCERT policies and procedures
Essential Criteria
- Recognised third-level qualification in a related discipline such as Health & Social Care, Social Work, Counselling or Youth Work
- Minimum two years' experience working with alcohol, substance use or mental health issues
- Experience of needs assessment and the design and delivery of substance use or mental health services
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and case recording
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied workload
- Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
- Ability to travel regionally with access to a car and a full UK driving licence, or guaranteed access to suitable alternative transport
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and with partner organisations
- Commitment to ASCERT's values, equality, diversity and inclusion
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, with notice
Desirable Criteria
- Relevant qualification in substance use or mental health (e.g. OCN/OCR/CCEA Level 2 or above)
- Experience working with young people affected by parental substance use or mental health issues
- Advanced Motivational Interviewing (MI) training
- Completion of Steps to Cope Practitioner Training
Key Worker - Remote in Omagh employer: ASCERT
ASCERT is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people and families affected by substance use and mental health issues. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, ASCERT offers generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, a supportive hybrid working environment, and opportunities for professional development through training and staff recognition programmes. Working from the Omagh office and across the Western Health & Social Care Trust area, employees are part of a collaborative and inclusive culture that values diversity and fosters personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Worker - Remote in Omagh
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at ASCERT.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from ASCERT!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like ASCERT, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at ASCERT or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Key Worker - Remote in Omagh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to ASCERT:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to ASCERT! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ASCERT
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
