At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals who inject drugs with harm reduction advice and access to essential services.
- Company: Join Extern, a compassionate organisation making a real difference in Belfast.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, generous pension, and enhanced sick pay.
- Other info: Fixed-term role with excellent training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in the community while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in support work or a passion for helping vulnerable individuals.
The predicted salary is between 26679 - 31325 £ per year.
Post: Keyworker Street Injecting Support Service NI64/08/26/1v-2
Salary: Grade 5 salary scale: £26,679 - £31,325 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract Status: Fixed Term Until 31st May 2027
Location: Belfast City Centre
About the service:
Extern SISS delivers outreach support to people who inject drugs (PWID) in Belfast city centre to access services such as housing and health care. The team also removes inappropriately discarded injecting equipment in the community and engages with stakeholders, city centre businesses and other support agencies with the aim of reducing the impact of injecting drug use, developing partnership working and providing advice and guidance on problematic substance use issues and responding to overdose incidents. Keyworkers will offer PWID bespoke harm reduction advice, 1-1 listening ear support, and signposting to local support services.
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 SISS 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 and is delivered using a trauma informed approach.
Full details of the role and the essential criteria are detailed in the Job Description and Person Specification available at the following link; KeyworkerSISSJDPSJuly26.pdf
The closing date for all completed applications is: 12:00pm on 3rd September 2026.
For informal enquiries please contact.
EXTERN offers 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 - Street Injecting Support Service 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 - Street Injecting Support Service in Belfast
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Extern, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Keyworker - Street Injecting Support Service in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Extern. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Extern. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Extern
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Extern.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Keyworker - Street Injecting Support Service role at Extern, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Extern that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
