At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals in accessing healthcare and improve their confidence in using health services.
- Company: Join Depaul, a charity dedicated to ending homelessness and supporting marginalised communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days of annual leave, paid sick leave, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in the health sector.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of homelessness or addiction, plus good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25394 - 25394 £ per year.
Depaul Homeless Health Peer Advocacy Programme
Temporary role to cover a period of long term leave (expected to end December 2026).
Working hours: Full time 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Salary: £25,394.88 per annum.
Employee Benefits
- Enhanced Annual Leave – 35 days per year, increasing with length of service
- Paid Sick Leave
- Company maternity and paternity pay
- Contributory pension scheme
- Health Cash Back & Rewards Plan
- Christmas Savers club
- Bluelight discount card
Plus many opportunities to learn and develop within the organisation.
Why work for us?
Depaul is a cross‑border charity supporting some of the most marginalised individuals, couples and families experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to end homelessness and change the lives of those affected by it. We are a values‑led organisation and aim, at all times, to live and breathe these values in our everyday work.
Our values are based on four key principles:
- We celebrate the potential of people
- We put our words into action
- We aim to take a wider role in civil society
- We believe in rights and responsibilities
About the programme
The aim of this service is to reduce unplanned use of health services, missed appointments and to re‑engage and retain individuals in specialist care services. The Homeless Health Peer Advocacy programme works directly with homeless services such as hostels to support vulnerable individuals to access health care.
About the role
We are looking for an individual who has lived experience of homelessness, addiction or personal experience of supporting a close relative with the same. Peer Advocates accompany service users to and from health appointments and help them better understand their health needs and receive appropriate support. We work to improve service users’ confidence in using health services and increase their ability to access healthcare independently.
Main duties
- Work alongside different referring agencies such as the homeless nurse, the Addictions Treatment unit and a host of voluntary and/or health related agencies
- Participate in assessing new referrals referred into the service with the line manager
- Accompany and advocate for people at healthcare appointments – including GP, hospital, dental, mental health and others
- Provide clear and effective handovers to service users’ key workers after appointment support
- Use a check‑in/check‑out system with the line manager before and after appointments
- Help health care providers make contact with service users and notify them of their appointments
- Focus on building the skills and confidence to enable service users to continue accessing health services independently
- Facilitate health promotion groups
- Engage in lived experience groups and support the development of Depaul’s lived experience group
- Engage in supporting different research as appropriate and assist with assessing service users’ health outcomes through questionnaires
- Attend different homeless services highlighting the HHPA service to staff and service users
- Attend team meetings and any training organised by the line manager identified as beneficial for progression in the role
- Adhere to all Depaul policies and local procedures
- Adhere fully to organisational risk management procedures, especially in relation to assessing risk and lone working
- Ensure that all service users’ information is recorded and stored as required (OTIS database or other records) and in line with data protection regulations and Depaul’s confidentiality policy
- Respect service users’ right to confidentiality as per the Depaul confidentiality policy and code of conduct
- Promote respect, diversity and equal opportunities
- Attend supervision sessions with the line manager to discuss professional development
The above list is not exhaustive; additional areas of responsibility may be added over time.
Skills of a Peer Advocate
- Have lived experience of homelessness and/or addictions or supporting a close relative with the same
- Be willing to travel to different locations; occasional travel to different counties in Ireland may be required
- Good time management skills
- Have good written and verbal communication skills
- Be secure in recovery if relevant
- Basic IT skills
Qualities of a Peer Advocate
- Be committed and reliable
- Understand the importance of boundaries and be comfortable asking for support when needed
- Be keen to learn new skills
- Be a good listener interested in others and what they have to offer
- Be confident speaking about own experiences
- Treat others in a non‑judgemental way and with respect
- Be comfortable working alone with service users and be aware of any risks that may arise
Experience
- 1 year paid relevant work experience or 2 years relevant volunteering experience
Knowledge
- Have an understanding of homelessness and the issues that can lead to homelessness
- Have an understanding of what supports can be offered in homeless services to promote positive futures
- Have knowledge of statutory and voluntary sector resources available to people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness
- Understand importance of health and safety standards in the delivery of services on a day‑to‑day basis
- Knowledge of relevant statutory and voluntary agencies and the ability to network and liaise with all relevant bodies
- Knowledge and willingness to work within the guidelines of Depaul’s vision, mission and values
Circumstances
Availability: Monday to Friday and must be flexible between 8:30 and 18:00.
Must have access to a car and a full driving licence.
Access NI
This post is subject to an enhanced Access NI check. A criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with Depaul; this will depend on the nature of the position and background information.
NISCC
This post is subject to NISCC registration. If you hold a valid registration it must be completed within your probationary period.
Equal Opportunities
Depaul strives to create a diverse and inclusive programme and is committed to ensuring equality of access to our opportunities and equality of treatment for our volunteers in all our policies and practices. We welcome applications from individuals aged 18 and over from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Our privacy policy can be viewed at https://ie.depaulcharity.org/about-us/careers/.
Locations
Homeless Health Peer Advocacy Support Worker (Temp) in Derry, Londonderry employer: CIH International Housing Group
Porchlight is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals in North Kent. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous annual leave, a supportive pension scheme, and access to mental health resources, all within a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our focus on professional development ensures that our staff have ample opportunities for growth while working in a hands-on role that truly makes a difference in the community.
Contact Details:
CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Homeless Health Peer Advocacy Support Worker (Temp) in Derry, Londonderry
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to CIH International Housing Group, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of CIH International Housing Group. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at CIH International Housing Group. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with CIH International Housing Group.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Homeless Health Peer Advocacy Support Worker (Temp) role at CIH International Housing Group, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show CIH International Housing Group that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
