At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide advocacy support and empower individuals to improve health and social care services.
- Company: Join the Patient and Client Council, making a difference across Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 28 days holiday, ongoing training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping vulnerable people navigate health and social care challenges.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience in advocacy with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 27.1 - 27.1 £ per hour.
The Patient and Client Council (PCC) is currently seeking a Practitioner to deliver high-quality engagement, advocacy, and support services across Northern Ireland based at PCC offices in Belfast, Ballymena, Lurgan, or Omagh. This is a temporary full-time position, starting ASAP and lasting until the 31st of October 2026. The pay rate will be £21.24 - £27.10 per hour.
Within this role, you will:
- Provide one-to-one advocacy support, helping people and families speak up, raise concerns, and solve issues with health and social care services.
- Help people share their experiences of health and social care services and support them to take part in improving those services.
- Manage a caseload and take part in the duty rota, including answering helpline calls and responding to email enquiries.
- Build positive working relationships with health and social care professionals, community and voluntary organisations, and service users to encourage teamwork and shared decision-making.
- Support projects and activities that improve public involvement, engagement, and new ways of working across health and social care services.
This role offers an opportunity to make a real difference by empowering people, ensuring their experiences shape services, and helping to deliver a more responsive and people-centred HSC system.
What We Need From You:
Essential:
- A degree, or a relevant professional qualification with at least 2 years experience working in a paid capacity with vulnerable people, or at least 4 years experience working with vulnerable people who require support to overcome significant challenges.
- Experience liaising with statutory and voluntary agencies.
- Experience developing effective relationships with service providers while balancing advocacy and constructive challenge.
- Advanced communication skills, including empathy and active listening, to build rapport and resolve concerns.
- A current, full UK driving licence and access to a car (unless a disability prevents this and suitable transport is available).
Desirable:
- Knowledge of HSC complaints procedures.
- Experience supporting individuals through complaints, trauma, or crisis.
- Familiarity with safeguarding and multi-agency working.
- A qualification in advocacy or a similar discipline.
What We Will Offer You:
- A minimum of 28 days paid holiday (pro rata)
- Free comprehensive and ongoing annual training courses
- Free uniform if required
- 24 Hour on call service that can be accessed for emergencies
The Next Steps:
Contact Ella Milligan or Ronan Lavery at First Choice Belfast. Apply now via the link. First Choice is an equal opportunities employer.
Patient and Client Council Practitioner in Belfast employer: First Choice Selection Services Ltd
First Choice is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment at Holywell Hospital where you can make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector. With competitive pay, immediate start opportunities, and free parking, we prioritise employee satisfaction and growth, ensuring that our team members thrive in their roles while contributing to effective patient care.
Contact Details:
First Choice Selection Services Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Patient and Client Council Practitioner 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 First Choice Selection Services Ltd, 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 Patient and Client Council Practitioner 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 First Choice Selection Services Ltd. 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 First Choice Selection Services Ltd. 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 First Choice Selection Services Ltd
✨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 First Choice Selection Services Ltd.
✨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 Patient and Client Council Practitioner role at First Choice Selection Services Ltd, 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 First Choice Selection Services Ltd that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
