At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality support and mentorship to individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
- Company: Positive Futures, a leading organisation dedicated to transforming lives in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, vacation, paid sick days, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values respect, innovation, and empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your own skills and career.
- Qualifications: 6 months experience in health and social care; QCF/NVQ Level 3 preferred.
The predicted salary is between 13800 - 28188 £ per year.
Purpose of Role To provide high quality support to people, and to mentor, coach and act as a strong role model for other staff in delivering high quality support in order to deliver our Mission: Positive Futures for people with a learning disability, acquired brain injury or autism working together to achieve dreams and transform lives.
About The Role
- Providing Person Centred Support Form a positive relationship with the person supported, maintaining appropriate professional boundaries with the people we support and their families. Provide high quality support at all times to every person we support. This means giving each person the individual support they need (as outlined in the individuals person-centred portfolio and, if relevant, their Behaviour Support Plan) to live the life they want.
- Supporting People to be Safe and Healthy Support people to be safe and healthy in all aspects of their lives including: Support people to look after themselves in all aspects of personal care as needed and/or provide personal care if needed, ensuring that people are treated with dignity and respect at all times. Support people to understand and protect themselves from different types of abuse.
- Supporting Independence, Social and Communication Skills Support people to have choice and control over all aspects of their lives. Support people to make decisions based upon informed choices and speak up for themselves and/or seek support from advocacy services where needed. Support people to understand their responsibilities in relation to decision making and lifestyle choices.
- Supporting People to Develop and Maintain Key Skills Support people to understand and fulfil their responsibilities to look after their home in line with any tenancy agreements. Support people with domestic chores such as shopping, preparation of healthy meals, cleaning, gardening, washing clothes and ironing. Support people to manage their medication and finances as independently as possible.
- Coaching, Mentoring and Supervision of Staff Be involved in the induction, coaching and mentoring of staff in relation to active support, empowering the people we support to develop their independence, learn new skills, and have new experiences (including those that involve taking positive risks). Provide mentoring and coaching to staff in relation to managing behaviour which challenges, in line with stress and coping plans and Positive Behaviour Support Plans. Provide support in the use of person-centred thinking tools and person-centred approaches to ensure that the people we support have maximum choice and control and are supported to lead full and valued lives. Take responsibility as Shift Leader offering advice and guidance to other staff as required.
Additional Information
- No driving license or car required.
- This position includes sleepovers.
- Experience and understanding of supporting mental health, challenging behaviours and communication impairments will be valuable.
- A criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from obtaining the position.
- Positive Futures also have a Policy and procedure on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders and Storage & Handling copies of which can be made available upon request.
- We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of religious belief; disability.
Required Criteria
- At least 6 months paid experience supporting people in a health and social care or community setting.
- Experience leading a shift or acting as a key worker, including supervising colleagues and coordinating reviews or plans.
- Experience in confidently using digital systems for records, rota, medication logs and incident reporting.
- Experience of working in line with a Positive Behaviour Support plan, for example supporting stress and coping plans or PBS plans.
- QCF / NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent. Consideration will be given to candidates who do not possess this qualification but are willing to undertake the QCF qualification within an agreed timescale. It is the applicants responsibility to demonstrate how their qualification is equivalent.
About The Company Founded in 1995 (initially under the name United Response NI), we now operate across Northern Ireland offering a wide range of services tailored to individuals with learning disabilities, acquired brain injury or autism and the families who support them. Our services include supported living, peripatetic housing support, shared-lives schemes, residential short breaks and family support. With offices and services located in Bangor, Belfast, Enniskillen, Lisburn, Omagh and beyond, we're committed to making a meaningful difference in local communities.
Company Culture At Positive Futures, we foster a culture of respect, innovation and empowerment. We believe in putting people first - both those we support and our staff. We support staff to grow professionally and personally, and we emphasise collaboration, listening and trust.
Company Benefits Our Staff and people we support are our strength and our people are at the heart of everything we do, those are not just our values it's who we are. Working at Positive Futures means doing work that matters - and being supported by people who genuinely care about your growth and wellbeing. That's why our benefits are built around one simple idea: when you're supported, you can make an even bigger difference to the people we support.
- Vacation
- Paid time off
- Paid sick days
- Retirement plan and/or pension
- Employee development programs
- Sabbatical leave
- Referral bonus
- Competitive salary
- Employee Assistance Scheme
- Wellbeing Scheme
- Blue Light Card
- Social Opportunities
- Annual performance review
- On the job learning
- Progression opportunities
- Access to Health & Wellbeing app
- Bereavement leave
Salary £26,138.00 - £28,188.00 per year
Senior Support Worker (Peripatetic) in Belfast employer: Positive Futures
At Positive Futures, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, innovation, and empowerment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, which includes competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and those we support. Located across Northern Ireland, we offer meaningful work that truly makes a difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities, acquired brain injuries, or autism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker (Peripatetic) 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 Positive Futures.
✨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 Positive Futures!
✨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 Positive Futures, 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 Positive Futures 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 Senior Support Worker (Peripatetic) 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 Positive Futures:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Positive Futures! 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 Positive Futures
✨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.
