At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with disabilities in achieving their life and work skills.
- Company: Dynamic charity focused on improving lives of individuals with disabilities.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, 27 days holiday, training opportunities, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a progressive team committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 30332 - 37072 £ per year.
Disability Action is a dynamic and thriving charity committed to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities across Northern Ireland. We provide a wide range of services and support to empower people with disabilities, in employment, skills provision, advocacy and more, ensuring they can live independently and participate fully in society.
As part of our ongoing growth and organisational development, we are seeking a dedicated Health & Wellbeing Officer for the Skills for Life and Work (SfL&W) provision. This pivotal role will support the development and delivery of high-quality, impactful skills learning within our new state-of-the-art DA Skills Hub, ensuring it operates as a vibrant centre for skills development both in person and online.
You will play a key role in sourcing people to gain chosen vocational, technical and life skills for employment and independent living, making a lasting difference to the lives of the people and communities we support. The Health & Wellbeing Officer is responsible for leading and delivering high-quality pastoral care, wellbeing support, and learner intervention services across the Skills for Life and Work (SfLW) program. The postholder will work with learners aged 16-21 of all ages, ensuring barriers to participation, achievement, and progression are identified and addressed through a holistic, learner-centred approach. The successful candidate will report into the DA Skills Delivery Manager.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and co-ordinate pastoral care and wellbeing support across Skills for Life and Work and apprenticeship provision.
- Conduct baseline wellbeing assessments, learner questionnaires, and support screenings to identify learner needs and barriers to learning.
- Develop, implement, monitor, and review individual learner support plans.
- Provide early intervention support using restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
- Support learners experiencing emotional, behavioural, social, attendance, or engagement difficulties.
- Promote resilience, emotional regulation, confidence, self-esteem, and positive mental health.
- Deliver one-to-one wellbeing support within professional and ethical boundaries.
- Provide specialist support for learners with a range of disabilities and support/needs.
- Liaise with schools, SEN Co-ordinators, Educational Psychologists, and transition teams.
- Review Educational Statements, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), or equivalent documentation.
- Ensure appropriate reasonable adjustments and support arrangements are implemented and reviewed throughout programme participation.
- Monitor learner attendance, wellbeing, participation, progress, achievement, and retention.
- Chair and coordinate learner support and case conference meetings.
- Identify emerging concerns and implement appropriate interventions.
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date learner records.
- Build positive relationships with parents, carers, guardians, social workers, and keyworkers.
- Facilitate effective communication between learners, families, staff, and support agencies.
- Support families to understand and respond effectively to the needs of learners with additional support requirements.
- Work closely with external agencies and attend multidisciplinary meetings, case conferences, Looked After Child (LAC) reviews, and support planning meetings.
- Develop effective partnerships with schools, transition officers, SEN departments, and careers staff.
- Support learners transitioning from school into training provision.
- Attend school careers fairs, employability events, open days, and transition meetings.
- Support learners and employers during work placements.
- Act as a member of the organisational Safeguarding and Crisis Management Team.
- Maintain learner records in accordance with GDPR and organisational policies.
Essential Criteria
- Degree-level qualification in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, Youth Work, Education, Health & Wellbeing, or a related discipline.
- Safeguarding qualification or willingness to obtain.
- Training in Mental Health, Trauma-Informed Practice, SEN, or a related area.
- Experience supporting young people and vulnerable learners.
- Experience working with learners with a range of disabilities.
- Knowledge and professional experience of using various IT packages to record and report on activities, in particular Microsoft Office.
Desirable Criteria
- Mental Health First Aid qualification.
- Experience within education, training, employability, or apprenticeship programmes.
- Strong commitment to data protection (e.g. GDPR), confidentiality, and professional standards.
- Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
What we can offer you:
- Hybrid Working
- Death in Service package
- Cash plan
- In house Counselling services
- Training and Development opportunities
- Enhanced Maternity packages
- 27 days paid holidays per year and 11 bank holidays (Based on a full-time role)
Disability Action is an equal opportunities employer committed to providing opportunities for all. We offer salary packages that are reflective of experience and aligned with industry standards, alongside a supportive environment that encourages professional growth.
Health & Wellbeing Officer in Newtownabbey employer: Disability Action
Disability Action is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong commitment to professional development, we offer numerous opportunities for growth in areas such as business development and training, alongside a generous benefits package that includes enhanced maternity leave, hybrid working options, and 27 days of paid holiday. Join us in Belfast to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities while enjoying a collaborative and dynamic workplace culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health & Wellbeing Officer in Newtownabbey
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Disability Action.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Disability Action.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Disability Action, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Health & Wellbeing Officer in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Disability Action.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Disability Action.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Disability Action. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Disability Action. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Disability Action
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Disability Action’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
