At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with harm reduction advice and promote safe injecting practices.
- Company: Join a compassionate team at Extern, dedicated to making a difference in Belfast.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, generous pension, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while supporting vulnerable individuals.
- Qualifications: Experience in support roles and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 26679 - 31325 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 5 salary scale: £26,679 - £31,325 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract Status: Permanent
Location: Belfast City Centre
About the service: Keyworkers in Belfast Extern Needle Syringe Exchange Service (NSES) promote access to clean injecting equipment and exchange of used equipment to people who inject drugs (PWID) using a trauma informed, person-centred ethos. The team provide bespoke harm reduction advice, 1-1 listening ear support, BBV screening and Naloxone (with basic training on how to administer) and respond to opiate overdose in the city centre area. Information about safer injecting practices is a key function of this role with the aim of reducing risks associated with IV/ polysubstance use. The service operating hours are 9am-9pm Mon-Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. Successful postholders will be included in the project rota. Extern NEX service operates a low threshold, high tolerance approach to practice with service users who are often marginalised and vulnerable. The service promotes core values of respect, support and acceptance.
Full details of the role and the essential criteria are detailed in the Job Description and Person Specification available at the following link; Keyworker_NEX_JDPS.pdf
The closing date for all completed applications is: 12:00pm on 29th 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
- Life Assurance and Wellbeing Programmes
- Comprehensive induction and training
- Regular Supervision
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Bike To Work Scheme
Extern IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
Keyworker - Needle Exchange (NI48/07/26/1v-1) in Belfast employer: Extern
EXTERN is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its Key Workers at Maghaberry Prison. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, comprehensive training, and generous benefits such as enhanced leave and pension contributions, EXTERN empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact in the rehabilitation of offenders while promoting personal and professional growth. Join us in creating safer communities through transformative support and guidance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Keyworker - Needle Exchange (NI48/07/26/1v-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 Keyworker - Needle Exchange (NI48/07/26/1v-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.
