Social Worker (Shared Lives) TLNT1_NI in Belfast

Purpose of Role: The Social Worker will recruit, assess, support, train Shared Lives Carers and match with adults with a learning disability. Placements will be monitored ensuring compliance with Adult Placement regulatory requirements, draft standards and best practice.

About The Role

Main Responsibilities:

• To work as part of a Team to deliver a high quality professional Shared Lives Service.
• Work within the requirements of relevant legislation, regulation, policy and best practice.
• Utilize person centred thinking tools and person-centred approaches in all areas of Service Delivery.
• Assist in the monitoring of Service quality, to include contributing to the development and review of Service Improvement Plans.
• Promote the Families Matter Shared Lives Service as a preferred service model and in doing so attract new Shared Lives Carers.
• Recruitment of Shared Lives Carers.
• Carry out professional assessments of carers and deliver to panel.
• Provide ongoing monitoring and support to carers.
• Setting up and reviewing of Short Term and Long-Term Placements.
• Assess the training needs of Shared Lives Carers and develop and deliver training as required.
• Carry out Annual Health and Safety Checks of Placements.
• Completing Annual Financial Placement Reviews.
• Promote and protect the rights of Shared Lives Carers and the people who are supported and ensure confidentiality is maintained.

Access NI: An Enhanced Access NI Disclosure Check will be required for this position. A criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from obtaining the position. Positive Futures adheres to the Access NI Code of Practice, a copy of which can be made available upon request. Positive Futures also have a Policy and procedure on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders and Storage.

Required Criteria:

• A professional social work qualification (Degree in Social Work, Diploma in Social Work or equivalent).
• Experience of working collaboratively with multi-agency partners in social work practice, including supporting children, adults or vulnerable individuals in a sensitive and person-centred manner.
• Experience of undertaking social work assessments, report writing and presenting assessment reports.
• Hold a full, valid, UK/EU/EEA driving licence and have access to a car insured for business purposes to travel across Northern Ireland or require consideration of reasonable adjustments in respect of disability to meet the travel requirements of the position.
• Be registered, or eligible for registration on appointment, as a Social Worker on Part 1 of the NISCC register without condition.

Desired Criteria:

• At least 1 year's paid experience of working with individuals with a learning disability.
• Experience of using standard office IT applications such as SharePoint, Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Shared Lives model.
• Knowledge of person-centred planning models.

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. We focus on enabling people to live as equal citizens, develop independence and realise their hopes and dreams. With offices and services located in Bangor, Belfast, Enniskillen, Lisburn, Omagh and beyond, we are 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 create environments where colleagues feel valued, where ideas for improvement are welcomed, and where continuous learning is encouraged. We support staff to grow professionally and personally, and we emphasise collaboration, listening and trust. Working with us means being part of a team that genuinely cares, is proactive in shaping futures and embraces the possibility in every situation.

Company Benefits: Our Staff and people we support are our strength and our people are at the heart of everything we do. Working at Positive Futures means doing work that matters - and being supported by people who genuinely care about your growth and wellbeing. We want you to feel valued, encouraged and set up to thrive, both in and outside of your role. 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. Benefits include 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, and access to health.