Sessional Helpline Operator in Belfast

Department: Domestic & Sexual Abuse (DSA) Helpline

Location: Hybrid role with various shifts within each operating window:

• Office-based: 08:00 - 20:00 (Monday - Friday)
• Home-based (remote): 20:00 - 08:00 (Monday - Friday)
• Home-based (remote): 24/7 (Saturday and Sunday)

Working Pattern: Shift-based working including days, evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays, in line with service rota requirements.

Hours: Varied

Salary: £14.00 per hour (45p per hour shift premium paid for unsocial hours: 7pm to 7am weekdays)

Reports To: Helpline Co-ordinator

Job Purpose: At Nexus we host the Domestic & Sexual Abuse (DSA) Helpline on behalf of the Departments of Communities, Health & Justice. Our Helpline Operators play a crucial role within the Organisation as they deliver the 24-hour Confidential Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the service. We deliver and facilitate the best possible service to our clients through the consistent and professional implementation of Nexus policies and procedures. The primary responsibility of this role is to receive and handle calls during the operating hours, offering empathetic assistance, guidance, and signposting to appropriate support agencies. The successful candidate will be committed to maintaining confidentiality, handling calls sensitively, and adhering to data protection and safeguarding requirements at all times. You will report to our Shift Co-ordinator who will support you in every aspect of the role. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals impacted by domestic and sexual abuse, providing essential support and resources. If you are passionate about helping others and possess the necessary skills and experience, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role.

Working Pattern and Availability: This is a sessional role within a 24-hour helpline service, operating across days, nights, weekends, and public holidays. The helpline always provides critical support to callers, and maintaining consistent, reliable cover is essential to safe and effective service delivery. As a sessional helpline operator, you will be required to declare your availability across the full operating window of the service. This enables us to plan rotas effectively and ensure appropriate cover during peak periods, as well as to support cover for employed staff during annual leave, sickness, or other absences. Availability is a key requirement of this role. While we recognise the need for flexibility, applicants must be able to demonstrate a willingness to contribute to service continuity by offering regular and dependable availability, including at times of higher demand. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide details of your availability across the 24-hour operating period.

Our Commitment: We are committed to working collaboratively and supportively with our sessional team. Clear communication about availability helps us ensure that callers receive timely, compassionate support whenever they reach out, while also allowing us to plan fairly and transparently across all team members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receive and manage incoming calls from individuals affected by domestic abuse during overnight hours.
• Provide empathetic and non-judgmental support to callers, actively listening to their concerns and offering appropriate guidance and resources.
• Effectively signpost callers to relevant support agencies, including local shelters, counselling services, legal assistance, and other community resources.
• Complete accurate records of each call, ensuring all necessary information is documented in accordance with data protection regulations and Nexus policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion, adhering to safeguarding requirements and Nexus policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with other helpline operators and support staff to ensure seamless service delivery and coordination of resources.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills related to domestic abuse support.
• Remain up to date on current legislation, policies, and best practices related to domestic abuse and crisis intervention.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of helpline services by providing feedback, suggestions, and participating in team meetings or debriefings.
• Follow established protocols for escalating high-risk or emergency situations to appropriate authorities or emergency services as needed.

Qualifications and Skills:

Essential Criteria:

• 3 years experience in working with staff and projects in Counselling, Psychotherapy, Health and Social Care, Social Work or equivalent.
• Previous experience of working on a helpline or crisis intervention role, as a volunteer or in a paid capacity particularly in the field of domestic abuse support, is preferred.
• Demonstrable excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong active listening skills and the ability to provide effective support and guidance to callers.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
• Problem-solving abilities and the capacity to make quick decisions.
• Proficiency with relevant software and tools used in helpline operations.
• Knowledge of industry-specific policies and procedures.
• Experience working in a similar helpline or customer service setting.
• Minimum of 2 years experience working with Microsoft computer packages.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Relevant training or certifications in crisis intervention, counselling, or social work are advantageous.

Desirable Criteria:

• Computer literacy including software scheduling and systems such as SPSS and VCC Call handling.
• Experience of working within the education/health/social care/voluntary Sector.
• Previous experience preferably in a call centre or customer service environment.
• Knowledge of relevant support services and resources available for individuals affected by domestic abuse.
• Understanding of data protection regulations and commitment to maintaining confidentiality and privacy of callers.
• Ability to work independently during overnight shifts, demonstrating reliability and sound judgment.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and willingness to work collaboratively within a team environment.

Terms & Conditions: Attendance at a formal induction and ongoing training will be required.

Application details: The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced Access NI check. Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent a person being employed by Nexus NI. A full, clean driving licence is required for this role due to the need to travel between locations as part of normal duties. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals with disabilities. If a disability prevents you from holding a driving licence, we will consider reasonable adjustments in line with our obligations. However, applicants should be able to demonstrate that they can meet the mobility requirements of the post through alternative means, such as access to public transport or other suitable travel arrangements.

This job description is not incorporated into the employee's contract of employment. It is intended as a guide and should not be viewed as an inflexible specification. It may be varied from time to time in the light of strategic developments following discussion with the post holder.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as Black and minority ethnic groups, male, disabled people, and people from the LGBTQIA+ community are currently under-represented, we would particularly welcome applications from the above-mentioned communities and backgrounds. Selection will be made on merit.

To Apply: Please note CVs alone are not accepted. Please visit our website and download the supplementary questions for this role and submit this form along with your CV. Information on how to apply is on our website. Deadlines for applications is Friday 26th August 2026 at 12pm.