At a Glance
- Tasks: Support rehabilitation of short-term offenders and help them become responsible citizens.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at EXTERN, focused on community safety and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, generous pension, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career growth and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting others and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 26679 - 31325 £ per year.
We are looking for a passionate, dedicated Keyworker to join our team.
Salary: Grade 5 salary scale: £26,679 - £31,325 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract Status: Permanent (current funding secured until March 2027)
Location: Maghaberry Prison
About the service: The project will support safe and resilient communities by challenging offending behaviour and supporting rehabilitation of short-term offenders. Through sustained and intensive case management, the project will challenge individuals’ behaviour and support them to become active and responsible citizens.
The role of Key Worker will be:
- Delivery of the ‘The Good Lives Model’ of intervention within Maghaberry Prison.
- Completion of a Prisoner Release Plan in conjunction with NIPS Prisoner Development Unit and individual service users.
- Onward referral to relevant stakeholders as appropriate, therefore providing a continuum of support to the client group.
- To work alongside the Rehabilitation Peer Mentors.
- Onward referral on release to Externs Prisoner Support Programme for Mental Health and Addiction support if required.
The Key Workers are responsible for forming professional relationships with referred individuals with the objective of assisting clients to implement changes.
Full details of the role and the essential criteria are detailed in the Job Description and Person Specification available at the following link; Keyworker_PSP_JDPS.pdf
The closing date for all completed applications is: 12:00pm on 20th July 2026.
For informal enquiries please contact 028 90840 555
EXTERN offer a competitive benefits package including:
- 26 days annual leave, increasing to 28 days after 3 years’ service and 32 days after 5 years’ service
- 11 statutory holidays
- Generous pension, employer contribution of 6.5%
- Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay, Maternity Pay and Paternity Pay
- Wellbeing Programmes
- Comprehensive induction and training
- Regular Supervision
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Bike To Work Scheme
EXTERN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
Key Worker (Prisoner Support Programme) NI43/06/26/1v-1 in Belfast employer: Extern
At EXTERN, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As a Key Worker in the Prisoner Support Programme at Maghaberry Prison, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous leave entitlements, and comprehensive training, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals seeking rehabilitation. Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to fostering safe and resilient communities through transformative support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Worker (Prisoner Support Programme) NI43/06/26/1v-1 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 Extern.
✨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 Extern!
✨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 Extern, 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 Extern 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 (Prisoner Support Programme) NI43/06/26/1v-1 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 Extern:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Extern! 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 Extern
✨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.
