At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide on-site wellbeing support to individuals experiencing homelessness and help them build resilience.
- Company: Join Simon Community, dedicated to ending homelessness and improving lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, healthcare, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Access to a car is required; dynamic role with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths, plus experience in supporting those with complex needs.
The predicted salary is between 27094 - 29443 £ per year.
Job ref: SSW/W/0826
Job type: Permanent
Quantity of Posts Available: 2
Closing date: Wednesday 12 Aug
Salary: Points 23-26 | £27,094 - £29,443 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Locations: Belfast/Portadown or Ballymena/Larne
About Us
At Simon Community, our values define who we are and how we support those in need. We are:
- Non-judgmental in every interaction
- Supportive, meeting people where they are
- Trustworthy, building relationships based on respect
- Dedicated to ending homelessness and improving lives
About the Role
As part of a dedicated team, you will provide on-site wellbeing support to those experiencing homelessness, many of whom have been impacted by trauma, abuse, or complex life challenges. You will provide assistance to those we support with their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, helping them to build confidence, resilience, and independence through the delivery of therapeutic wellbeing activities.
Essential Criteria
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Maths.
- At least 2 years' experience supporting those with complex needs including homelessness, trauma, mental health, or substance use.
- Access to a car or suitable transport to meet the requirements of the role, including off-site activities and multi-location working.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and its application in frontline support.
- Experience delivering wellbeing activities or therapeutic interventions in a group or one-to-one setting.
- Willing to be subject to an Enhanced NI Check and to be NISCC registered or willing to register if appointed.
Desirable Criteria
- A recognised qualification in wellbeing, mental health, holistic therapy, or a related field.
Why Join Simon Community?
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Pension Scheme
- Employer-Funded Healthcare (Benenden Health & Health Shield)
- Death in Service Benefit
- Generous Annual Leave
- Free Access NI Check
- Occupational Sick Pay
- Health & Wellbeing Initiatives
- Learning & Development Opportunities
- Management Development Programmes
- Long Service Recognition
- Blue Light Card (exclusive discounts)
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process click the Apply button below to Login/Register.
Specialist Support Worker - Wellbeing in Belfast employer: Simon Community
At Simon Community, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and non-judgmental employer dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of those facing homelessness. Our Portadown location offers a collaborative work culture with extensive learning and development opportunities, ensuring that our Accommodation & Community Support Workers can grow both personally and professionally while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package. Join us in our mission to improve lives and be part of a team that values trust and respect in every interaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Support Worker - Wellbeing 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 Simon Community.
✨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 Simon Community!
✨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 Simon Community, 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 Simon Community 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 Specialist Support Worker - Wellbeing 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 Simon Community:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Simon Community! 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 Simon Community
✨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.
