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- Tasks: Support individuals to build independence and enhance their quality of life.
- Company: Join Positive Futures, a leading organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, vacation, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a caring team that values respect, innovation, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: QCF Level 2/3 or relevant experience in health and social care required.
The predicted salary is between 26500 - 28500 £ per year.
Being a Specialist Support Worker is about using your skills to make a real and lasting difference in someone's life. You'll support a person in their own home to build independence, develop communication, and shape a life that reflects their choices and goals. This role involves getting to know each person in depth, how they communicate, what matters to them, and what can make day-to-day life easier or more difficult. You'll use Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) in a practical way, adjusting your approach based on what you learn and what the situation calls for.
You won't do this alone; at Positive Futures, our dedicated PBS Team work alongside all of our services, offering hands-on coaching, training and guidance, to support you in delivering high-quality, person-centred support. This includes support with PBS planning, reflective practice, and on-the-floor coaching, helping you and your team continuously develop and strengthen practice.
You’ll be supported by a dedicated specialist leadership team, including Specialist Senior Support Workers, Specialist Deputy Managers, and Specialist Service Manager. The Ormiston team is already so proud of the progress achieved so far, alongside the person we support, who continues to build confidence, independence and a life shaped by their own choices. We are now recruiting for full-time and part-time roles to expand this unique service further, creating additional capacity to support more people in the same way. This is an opportunity to join a service at a unique time, where strong foundations are already in place, and where your contribution will directly support continued growth, achievement and quality of life for the people we support.
About The Role
- 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 individual's Person Centred Portfolio and their Behaviour Support Plan, to live the life they want.
- Learn about the person and share that knowledge with others who are also supporting the person.
- Assist in the development, implementation and evaluation of Person Centred Portfolios (PCPs).
- Support people to use alternative communication systems which enable them to make choices and have control over all aspects of their lives.
- Support people to understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to decision making and lifestyle choices.
- Enable people to participate in, and contribute to, their local community as active citizens (e.g. involvement in social, leisure and community-based activities, engagement in volunteering, training, and work experience opportunities as desired).
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 & 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; political opinion; sex; sexual orientation; marital or civil partnership status; racial group; age; disability.
Required Criteria
- QCF Level 2 / 3, Psychology Degree, Psychology Masters Degree or 3 Years Experience in a health and social care setting.
- 1-2 Years Experience in a health and social care setting, alongside one of the above qualifications.
- At least 1 years' experience of working with people with a learning disability OR autism.
- At least 1 years' experience in managing behaviours of concern through the implementation of Positive Behaviour Support.
- Be registered, or be eligible for registration on appointment, on the appropriate part of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) or other relevant professional body.
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'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 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.
- 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: £26,500.00 - £28,500.00 per year.
Specialist Support Worker (Waking Nights) in Belfast employer: Positive Futures
Contact Detail:
Positive Futures Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Support Worker (Waking Nights) in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend local events, and connect with others on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to the role. Think about how your experience aligns with the values of Positive Futures and be ready to share specific examples that showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for supporting individuals with learning disabilities or autism. During interviews, express why this work matters to you and how you can contribute to creating a positive impact in their lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Positive Futures team.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Support Worker (Waking Nights) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting others shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in people's lives, so share your experiences and motivations that led you to apply for this role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your qualifications and any relevant experience in health and social care, especially with individuals with learning disabilities or autism.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Positive Futures.
How to prepare for a job interview at Positive Futures
✨Know Your Person-Centred Approach
Before the interview, brush up on the principles of person-centred care and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). Be ready to discuss how you would apply these concepts in real-life scenarios, showcasing your understanding of individual needs and communication styles.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience working with individuals with learning disabilities or autism. Discuss how you've managed behaviours of concern and contributed to their independence and quality of life.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how the organisation supports its staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves collaboration with a dedicated PBS team, be ready to talk about your teamwork experiences. Highlight instances where you've worked effectively with others to achieve common goals, and express your enthusiasm for being part of a supportive environment.