Support Worker

Join to apply for the Support Worker role at Threshold Services NI.

Department: Property and Asset Management

Reports To: Team Leader

Salary: £12.60 per hour

Location: Taylor Cheshire House, 10-12 Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast. However, there may be some travel required within Northern Ireland to fulfil the duties associated with the post.

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours contract, however hours from 20-40 hours per week will be considered. Predominantly Waking Nights (occasional daytime working required).

Additional Benefits to Support Employees:

• Pension: Auto-Enrolment scheme with Employee Contribution 4%, Employer Contribution 4%
• Annual Leave Entitlement: 28-33 days, which is inclusive of statutory days
• Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay: Applicable to eligible staff
• Continuous Professional Development: Extensive induction, relevant training, regular one-to-one supervision, team development opportunities, and specialist training where required

Purpose of Support Worker Role:

To assist the Night Duty team in the provision of professional and high-quality support to those individuals with physical and learning disabilities and acquired brain injury, promoting recovery through a strengths-based, person-centred approach. This enables the people we support to live independent lives, achieving their full potential in all aspects of their lives. Provision of direct support includes overnight support where applicable to ensure physical and mental wellbeing. This support involves assistance with physical care, personal hygiene, daily tasks, and skills development, while safeguarding privacy, dignity and rights. Directly assist individuals with the setting and achieving of personal goals, which may include social inclusion and self-esteem.

Main Responsibilities of Support Worker:

• Person Centred Support

• Develop and maintain a positive, trusting and professional relationship
• Display compassion and sensitivity while maintaining professional boundaries
• Contribute to harmonious and holistic support
• Support health and wellbeing through tailored plans
• Involve individuals in decision making
• Deliver care and support under supervision as outlined in personal support plans

• Provide support in maintaining homes, meal preparation, shopping, budgeting
• Assist with participation in activities in and outside the scheme
• Encourage standards of personal and home hygiene
• Support management of medication, budgeting, finances, and meal prep

• Empower and involve individuals in decision making
• Provide care that fosters identity, hope, and meaningful lives
• Enable informed decisions, advocate needs
• Liaise with external agencies and support community engagement

• Encourage physical and emotional wellbeing
• Promote a culture of wellbeing
• Foster positive working environment and autonomous roles
• Adhere to safeguarding policies and escalate concerns as needed

• Maintain regular communication with all stakeholders
• Complete accurate documentation
• Engage in feedback and continuous improvement
• Attend training, meetings, and handovers

• Collaborate with all relevant statutory, voluntary and regulatory bodies
• Take ownership for result delivery
• Recognise and celebrate innovation
• Share knowledge to foster team success

• Engage in personal development and maintain professional registration
• Promote a culture of learning
• Participate in appraisals
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with risk processes

• Contribute to service improvements and efficiency
• Support delivery of corporate objectives

• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including NISCC registration and Access NI checks

• Adhere to all Health & Safety policies
• Report defects, accidents, and issues promptly
• Contribute to cleanliness and condition of facilities
• Act as Deputy Fire Warden and/or First Aid Person if designated

• Promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practices
• Uphold Thresholds principles, policies, and procedures

• Promote Thresholds mission, values, and objectives
• Adhere to Code of Conduct
• Act as a cultural carrier for Threshold

Note: This role may evolve according to Thresholds Strategic Corporate Plan and may include additional duties aligned with the nature of the post.

Person Specification:

Applicants must provide evidence by the closing date of application submission that they meet the criteria below:

• Education & Qualifications

• Essential: Level 2 Essential Skills in Maths and English or GCSE Grade C or above in Maths and English
• Desirable: QCF Diploma Level 2 in Health & Social Care or demonstrable equivalent qualification

• Essential: Minimum of three months within the last 12 months supporting individuals with disabilities (paid or unpaid) or six months experience in a care environment

• Essential: Ability to demonstrate alignment with Thresholds core values

• Desirable: Possess a valid driving licence or access to transport to meet the mobility requirements of the post

Guidance:

Shortlisting will be based solely on application form content. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet each specified criterion. No assumptions will be made regarding qualifications or experience. Threshold reserves the right to apply further essential or desirable criteria during shortlisting.

Canvassing:

Any form of canvassing (verbal or written, direct or indirect) will disqualify a candidate.

Supplementary Information:

This is a regulated post and will require a satisfactory Enhanced Access NI Check. The post holder must register or apply for registration with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) upon appointment.