At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people affected by sexual exploitation through trauma-informed care.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at SEEN, making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to impact young lives positively.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of safeguarding vulnerable youth and enhancing their emotional wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification in Social Work or relevant social science degree required.
The predicted salary is between 32786 - 32786 £ per year.
Location: Belfast
Contract type: Permanent (Fixed term funded post)
End date: 30 November 2026
Hours: 37
Salary: £32,786
Closing Date: 15 July 2026
Interview Date: TBC
SEEN works with children, young people and their families who are affected by child sexual exploitation. We offer a service to males and females aged approximately 10 up to the age of 18, offering 1-1 support that addresses trauma and is socio-educative. The Service covers all 5 Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts and referrals are made through the CSE Lead Social Worker in each Trust. SEEN also offers a consultation service to professionals and carers in relation to child sexual exploitation.
Objectives of Service
- Children and young people are safe from harm
- Children and young people will be better able to recognise exploitation/abuse including on the internet
- Enhanced safe adult-child relationships
- Children and young people experience an improvement in their emotional wellbeing
SEEN is now recruiting a practitioner to work in the Northern and Western Health and Social Care Trust areas. The working days and office base will be agreed as appropriate to the needs of the Service and successful candidate.
If this role is of interest to you, then please apply and we look forward to hearing from you. Please read the Job Description and Additional Information Page for the in-depth responsibilities of this role, and when completing your application link please refer to your Skills, Knowledge and Experience in these areas and with an understanding of the context of this role.
Applicants must demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria when completing the application form to secure an interview. The following must be evidenced on the application form:
- Professional qualification in Social Work recognised by Northern Ireland Social Care Council and registered with the Council OR Professional qualification in Youth & Community Work OR relevant social science degree OR equivalent.
- Demonstrable experience of childhood adversity, trauma and abuse and its impact on children, young people and families and the links to current sexual exploitation, risk and going missing (assessed further at interview).
- Demonstrable experience of direct work with young people who are vulnerable, at risk of or have been impacted by sexual exploitation (assessed further at interview).
- Demonstrable experience of working in a multi-disciplinary context including presenting reports to case conferences, liaising with Social Services, Youth Justice, PSNI and contributing to decision making around safeguarding children and young people (assessed further at interview).
The post holder must have access to a car. A full driving licence and appropriate business insurance are essential, and evidence of these documents will be required if appointed.
Contact Email: recruitment.supportteam@barnardos.org.uk
PW3/ Senior Practitioner – Children’s Services in Belfast employer: Employers for Disability NI
SEEN is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people affected by sexual exploitation. Located in Belfast, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development, offering opportunities for growth within a multi-disciplinary team. Our commitment to safeguarding and enhancing the emotional well-being of vulnerable individuals makes this role not only rewarding but also vital in creating safer communities.
Contact Details:
Employers for Disability NI Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PW3/ Senior Practitioner – Children’s Services in Belfast
✨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 Employers for Disability NI.
✨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 Employers for Disability NI!
✨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 Employers for Disability NI, 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 Employers for Disability NI 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 PW3/ Senior Practitioner – Children’s Services in Belfast
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 Employers for Disability NI:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Employers for Disability NI! 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 Employers for Disability NI
✨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.
