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- Tasks: Support young people aged 16-21 in achieving stability and safety in their lives.
- Company: Join the Simon Community, dedicated to ending homelessness and supporting vulnerable individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy a pension plan, employer-funded healthcare, generous leave, and wellness initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of young people while working in a compassionate culture.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable youth and strong communication skills are essential; driving licence required.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns include evenings and weekends, with opportunities for personal development.
The predicted salary is between 25269 - 27459 £ per year.
Job ref: SSW/SR/0525
Job type: Permanent
Quantity of Posts Available: 2
Closing date: Monday 05 May 2025 16:00
Project: Housing First for Youth
Salary: Points 23-26, £25,269 - £27,459 per annum (Hourly £13.88 - £15.09)
Location: Greater Belfast Area - Working across a range of communities to support young people.
Hours of Work: Rotational shift pattern (average 35 hours per week) including the requirement to work evenings, weekends and waking nights. Typically, the shift pattern is based on three 12.5 hour shifts (including breaks) per week.
Organisation Values: Our values are fundamental to how we work with clients and each other. We are driven by our values of being non-judgmental, existing to support our clients and meet their needs, being trustworthy and focused on ending homelessness and being dedicated to the people we support.
Job Purpose: This is a dynamic service, providing bespoke interventions to a small group of six to eight Looked After Children aged 16-21 years, to enable them to live in safety and stability, and have a place to call home. The Specialist Support Worker will be responsible for delivering direct support to a small group of young people with complex needs. The young people will live in the community and the HFFY service will provide 24/7 support to ensure their safety, promote their stability, and build resilience to enable them to manage their tenancy.
Essential Criteria
- Experience of supporting Looked After Children or homeless and/or vulnerable adults to identify personal goals and meet person-centered targets while working through the process of change
- Experience of working within a fast moving and challenging working environment in the areas of mental health, care for young people, alcohol and drug use, independent living support
- Experience of using a high level of communication skills, both verbally and in writing, using Microsoft Office applications
- Full current driving licence or, if a disability prevents driving, an alternative means of transport to enable the duties of the post to be carried out in full.
- NISCC registered (or willing to become registered if appointed) and willing to be subject to Access NI checks. (Successful applicants must commence NISCC registration process prior to employment)
Desirable Criteria
- 6 months experience of supporting young people (under 25) who have experienced any of the following:
- Care System
- Justice System
- Prison
- Institutional Care
- Supported Accommodation
Why work for the Simon Community?
We offer an extensive benefit package, including:
- Pension Plan
- Employer funded Healthcare - Benenden Health and Health Shield (includes savings on gym memberships and retail outlets)
- Death in Service Benefit
- Generous Annual Leave Entitlement
- Learning and Development Opportunities
- Compassionate Culture
- Occupational Sick Pay
- Free Access NI check
- Health & Wellbeing Initiatives
- Management Development Programmes
- Long Service Awards
- Blue Light Card Scheme.
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 (Safeguarding & Response) employer: Simon Community
Contact Detail:
Simon Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Support Worker (Safeguarding & Response)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by Looked After Children and vulnerable young people. Understanding their unique needs will help you demonstrate your commitment to supporting them during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in fast-paced environments, especially those related to mental health or support work. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your communication skills in detail. Since this role requires a high level of interaction with young people, think of instances where your verbal and written communication made a significant impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Simon Community's values and mission. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart as a candidate who truly understands and embodies their ethos.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Support Worker (Safeguarding & Response)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Specialist Support Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience supporting Looked After Children or vulnerable adults. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've helped individuals achieve their personal goals and overcome challenges.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous positions. Mention your proficiency with Microsoft Office applications as well.
Prepare a Strong Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that reflects your passion for supporting young people and aligns with the organisation's values. Make sure to express your commitment to ending homelessness and promoting stability for those in need.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simon Community
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the values of the organisation. They are fundamental to how they work with clients and each other. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially around being non-judgmental and dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Highlight your experience in supporting Looked After Children or vulnerable adults. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've helped individuals identify personal goals and navigate through challenging situations. This will demonstrate your capability to meet the essential criteria for the role.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role requires high-level communication skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss your experience using Microsoft Office applications, as well as any relevant written communication you've done in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle challenging situations. Think about past experiences where you had to manage crises or support individuals with complex needs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
