WCTS Specialist Therapeutic Worker in Belfast

Salary: £29,244.32

Contract: Fixed Term

Hours: 35 per week (varied shifts)

Location: Nelson Street, Belfast (with travel)

Employee Benefits:

• Enhanced Annual Leave – 35 days per year, increasing as your length of service increases
• Paid Sick Leave
• Company maternity & 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

About the Role:

WCTS is an innovative service that supports women who find themselves in the criminal justice system helping them to integrate back into their communities. The Specialist Therapeutic Worker at Depaul will provide unique, person-centred, trauma-informed support to women in prison and subsequently transitioning into the community. This role focuses on addressing the psychological, emotional, and practical needs; with a thorough understanding of women’s wellbeing, substance misuse, gender-based violence, abuse and exploitation, mental and physical health challenges, housing support, and community reintegration.

The Specialist Therapeutic Worker will work collaboratively with statutory and voluntary agencies, creating robust working partnerships internally and externally, participating in multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) meetings and providing therapeutic support, advocacy, practical assistance and accessing appropriate referral pathways to support. The aim is to empower women to overcome barriers and achieve lasting stability, independence, and well-being in the community.

This role requires a strong understanding of the criminal justice system and the unique challenges women face when integrating back into the community and understanding of post-prison processes.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Person-Centred Support: Provide trauma-informed, person-centred support to women transitioning from prison to community life. Assess the safety, well-being, and individual needs of each woman, identifying risks and developing flexible, responsive support plans tailored to individual’s unique situation. Conduct comprehensive assessments using a trauma-informed, person-centred approach to understand and provide appropriate support to women’s mental and physical health and substance use needs. Develop, implement, and monitor individualized support plans, providing ongoing emotional and practical support to empower women toward stability and independence. Collaborate with each woman to assess her needs, and work with external agencies (e.g., healthcare providers, probation services) to create adaptable, holistic support plans that address mental health, recovery.
• Therapeutic Support for Mental Health and Substance Misuse: Connect women to appropriate mental health services and or substance misuse support, including specialized counselling and rehabilitation programs. Build trust and provide therapeutic support, recognizing the impact of trauma on emotional resilience and behaviour. Offer crisis intervention and ensure timely access or referrals to mental health and or addiction services, ensuring women feel safe in addressing their trauma. Support women with mental health or addiction issues to overcome barriers related to trauma, housing instability, and access to necessary statutory and social services.
• In reach/Outreach and Engagement: Collaboration with External Agencies in regard to service users, pre and post release. Build and maintain professional relationships with local agencies, statutory and voluntary agencies, stakeholders, support providers, and other agencies that can support women’s mental health and or addiction issues. Engage with women in both structured and informal settings, offering a safe space for them to discuss challenges and receive emotional support.
• Health & Safety: Ensure health and safety standards are met, in line with organisational policies, creating a safe and supportive environment for both staff and service users. Conduct regular health, safety, and well-being checks, managing risks in the service with appropriate security measures.
• Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintain accurate, confidential case files using an electronic client management system. Document service user progress and other relevant information in line with Depaul’s data protection standards. Prepare and submit regular internal & external reports on client outcomes and emerging needs, collaborating with the team to assess and improve service delivery.
• Team Collaboration and Professionalism: Contribute actively to team efforts, attending handovers, team meetings, core training, and supporting colleagues in providing consistent support to women. Uphold Depaul’s values and standards, ensuring high-quality service delivery and professionalism at all times.
• Continuous Professional Development: Engage in regular supervision and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills, particularly in trauma-informed care and supporting women’s wellbeing.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria:

• Qualifications and Experience: A relevant qualification in either, social work, criminal justice, psychology, health and social care or a related field (or equivalent discipline). Minimum of 2 years of experience working in either; criminal justice, homelessness, mental health, addiction based services or social care, with a focus on women or marginalized groups. Strong understanding of the criminal justice system, including prison systems, probation, and reoffending. Experience working with women in prison or post-release, providing support around mental health, addiction, and reintegration. In-depth knowledge of homelessness issues, mental health, substance misuse, harm reduction and gender based violence.
• Skills and Abilities: Excellent case management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage a caseload effectively. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with clients and external agencies. Ability to assess risks and vulnerabilities and implement appropriate support plans. Strong advocacy and negotiation skills to support women in securing necessary resources and services. Understanding of the gendered nature of women’s experiences in the criminal justice system and the specific challenges they face.
• Personal Qualities: Empathetic, non-judgmental, and compassionate approach to working with vulnerable women. Resilient and able to handle difficult and sometimes high-pressure situations. Committed to working in a trauma-informed, strengths-based manner. A commitment to the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion, particularly as they relate to women in the justice system.
• Additional Knowledge and Skills: Deep understanding of trauma-informed care and its application when working with women, particularly those who have experienced gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and other forms of trauma. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting, empathetic, and non-judgmental relationships with clients. Understanding of the impacts of trauma on women’s behaviour, emotional health, and decision-making. Experience in crisis intervention, mental health, and addiction services, with a commitment to promoting safety and emotional resilience. Proficiency in case management software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Circumstances:

• Access to a car insured for business purposes during working hours, and a valid driving licence.
• This Post is subject to an Enhanced 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.
• This post is subject to NISCC registration, if you do hold a valid registration this must be completed within your probationary period.

Depaul Ireland are an Equal Opportunities employer.

Closing Date: 26/06/2026