At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people through psycho-education and community development.
- Company: Nexus, a leading charity supporting victims of sexual abuse in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and commitment to equality of opportunity.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering young people and creating safer communities.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification in youth work or social work with experience in trauma-informed practice.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
1 x 37 hour contract (Southern and Eastern Region) 1 x 18.5 hour contract (Northern and Western Region)
Responsible to: Project Co-ordinator
Location: Southern and Eastern Nexus HQ, Belfast; Northern and Western Nexus Office, Derry/Londonderry
Contract: 4 years (Fixed Term)
Salary: £27,592.01 - £30,110.24 (pro-rata)
About Nexus
Nexus is a Northern Ireland wide charity and 2024 marked 40 years of providing services in supporting victims and survivors of sexual abuse and abusive relationships. Every year in Northern Ireland there are thousands of sexually violent crimes reported to PSNI, and thousands more that go unreported. Without specialist support like ours, victims of these crimes will find it even harder to deal with the trauma they experience. The impact of this trauma can be devastating and is lifelong. We deliver a range of bespoke and specialised supports and services including:
- Trauma informed counselling to those affected by sexual assault and trauma from age 8
- Post counselling support and follow-up
- A UK wide 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline, which is funded by the Department of Health, Department of Justice, and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland
- Education and Training initiatives delivered to a breadth of organisations, professionals, parents, schools and young people on topics such as consent, child sexual exploitation, handling disclosures and healthy relationships.
Purpose of Role
To deliver one-to-one psychoeducation and community development interventions to young people identified at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation and living in care or secure settings.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver 12 session psycho-education programme on a one-to-one basis
- Support young people to develop safe connections in their local community
- Complete baseline, midpoint, and closing assessments (CORE-YP and Outcomes STAR)
- Develop individual safety and support plans with young people and carers
- Maintain accurate and timely records of sessions, assessments, and outcomes
- Liaise with carers, social workers, and partner agencies to coordinate support
- Build a professional network of trusted partner agencies across the community to support the safe inclusion of young people in their local areas
- Participate in reflective supervision and team development
- Contribute to evaluation and continuous service improvement
Essential Criteria
- Third level Qualification in youth work, counselling, psychology or social work with 2 years post qualifying experience supporting vulnerable children and young people OR Educated to A-Level standard with 5 years' experience supporting vulnerable children and young people
- Working knowledge of trauma informed practice
- Experience working with young people affected by trauma or exploitation
- Demonstrable working knowledge and compliance with safeguarding legislation
- Ability to effectively complete risk assessments and implement appropriate risk mitigation approaches, risk management, and trauma-informed care
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are required due to the travel requirements of the role. We will consider alternative arrangements or reasonable adjustments for applicants who are unable to drive because of a disability
Desirable
- Training in trauma-informed or restorative practice
- A requirement of this role is registration with NISCC. Candidates must be registered with NISCC or be willing to register within the first six months of appointment
- Experience using CORE-YP, Outcomes STAR or similar assessment tools
Application details
ACCESS NI (Criminal Conviction Checks for Regulated Activity Posts) The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced Access NI check. The Access NI Code of Practice is available to applicants on request. Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent a person being employed by Nexus NI. If you are unsure what this is, please consult this website: As per Access NI Code of Practice Nexus NI has a policy on the recruitment of Ex-offenders which is available on request by sending an email to: All information disclosed will be handled in accordance with the Nexus NI policy on Keeping Information Safe which is available on request by sending an email to: 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.
To Apply
Please note CV's 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 17th July 2026 at 12pm.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Worker in Newtownabbey
✨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 Nexus NI.
✨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 Nexus NI!
✨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 Nexus NI, 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 Nexus NI 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 Project Worker in Newtownabbey
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 Nexus NI:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Nexus NI! 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 Nexus NI
✨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.
