At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with complex needs to live their best lives and enjoy meaningful experiences.
- Company: Join Sense, a leading disability charity dedicated to breaking down barriers.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, matched pension contributions, and free training courses.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your compassion and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
Could you be the friendly face someone needs when it matters most? Help break down barriers and support people to live the lives they choose. At Sense, we believe everyone should have the power, choice and control to live the life they choose. We work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers, drive change and create opportunities for everyone to take part in the things that matter to them.
We're looking for a caring, enthusiastic and committed Support Worker to join our team in Newtownabbey; a respite service providing temporary care and support that gives both the people we support and their families a much-needed break. This is a permanent role working 20 hours per week on a various shift pattern, paying £13.00 per hour. Working in a short breaks service means every person who comes through the door brings their own story, interests, and needs. No two days will ever be the same.
What you will be doing
- Provide person-centred support that reflects each person's individual needs, preferences and aspirations.
- Support people to make informed choices and have greater control over their daily lives.
- Build meaningful relationships, taking time to understand each person's communication preferences, interests and what matters most to them.
- Work alongside people to identify and remove barriers that may prevent them from fully taking part in everyday life.
- Support people to enjoy their interests, maintain relationships, try new experiences and spend time in their communities.
- Support people to get to appointments, take part in activities and enjoy trips and outings of their choice.
- Encourage independence while recognising and respecting each person's individual support needs and decisions.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, families and others involved in each person's support to promote consistency, dignity and wellbeing.
What we are looking for
- You don't need previous experience in a support role to join us. What matters most is your values, your willingness to learn and your commitment to treating people with dignity and respect.
- Although previous experience is not essential, experience of supporting disabled people with sensory conditions and complex needs would be beneficial.
- We are looking for someone who:
- Believes disabled people should have the same opportunities, choices and control over their lives as everyone else.
- Is compassionate, patient, respectful and a good listener.
- Recognises that everyone communicates differently and is willing to adapt their approach.
- Enjoys getting to know people, understanding their interests and supporting them to do the things they love.
- Can work positively as part of a team and build trusting relationships.
- Is committed to promoting inclusion, independence and person-centred support.
Benefits
- 24 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Matched pension contributions up to 5%.
- Free life assurance policy.
- Cashback and discounts on high street brands, including 10% off at Sense charity shops.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Travel season ticket loans.
- Enhanced sick pay.
- Free DBS check if your role requires one.
- A £350 refer-a-friend scheme.
- Free access to over 100 online and face-to-face training courses, including the Care Certificate.
- Free access to the Wisdom App, supporting mindfulness and wellbeing.
About working at Sense
Sense is a leading disability charity here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. That's why we're committed to increasing the number of disabled people working across our organisation and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. We actively encourage disabled people to apply for our vacancies and believe that a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and talents makes us stronger.
We know there's always more we can do to become a truly inclusive employer, and we're working together to achieve that. Join us and help create the change thousands of disabled people with complex needs and families told us they want to see: a world without limits.
If you need us to adjust our recruitment process to help you access our vacancies, then please get in touch with a member of the talent acquisition team. We are a Disability Confident Leader and commit to interviewing disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for a role.
Ready to join us?
If you believe that everyone should have the opportunity to make their own choices, be included in their community and live life on their own terms, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of a team working alongside disabled people to create a world without limits.
How to apply
Managers will use your supporting statement to shortlist candidates for interview against the person specification. It is therefore important that you complete this section thoroughly. We recommend reading the candidate guidelines, job description and person specification before applying. Please submit your application as soon as possible, as we reserve the right to close vacancies at any time. No agency submissions please.
Safeguarding, equality and inclusion
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to an enhanced DBS check. For this role, we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and disabled candidates. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of our staff, volunteers and the people we work alongside.
We value everyone's contribution and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people are respected, listened to and have opportunities to participate fully. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and our belief that every disabled person should be able to take part in life, make choices and be included in their community.
Support worker in Belfast employer: Sense Northern Ireland
At Sense, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our team in Dunmurry, Belfast, enjoys flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training opportunities, and a strong focus on employee well-being, ensuring that every staff member can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we support. Join us in our mission to empower individuals with complex needs and be part of a community that values diversity and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support worker 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 Sense Northern Ireland.
✨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 Sense Northern Ireland!
✨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 Sense Northern Ireland, 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 Sense Northern Ireland 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 Support worker 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 Sense Northern Ireland:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Sense Northern Ireland! 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 Sense Northern Ireland
✨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.
