At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with disabilities in achieving independence and personal goals.
- Company: Threshold Services NI, dedicated to high-quality disability support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, pension, annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and contribute to a culture of wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in personal care and good communication skills required.
Overview
Support Worker - Disability Services (The Maples) at Threshold Services NI.
Location: The Maples. Some travel within Northern Ireland may be required to fulfil the duties of the post. Hours of work: up to 37.5 hours per working week. Salary: £12.65 per hour. Reports to: Team Leader.
Purpose: To assist the Team Leader in providing professional, high quality support to individuals with physical and learning disabilities and acquired brain injury, promoting recovery through a strengths‑based, person‑centred approach to enable independent living and achievement of potential.
Benefits include a Pension, Annual Leave entitlement, Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay (where eligible), and Continuous Professional Development opportunities with induction, training, supervision, and team development.
Responsibilities
- Provision of direct support, including overnight support where applicable, covering physical care, personal hygiene, daily life tasks and skills development, while championing independence and safeguarding privacy, dignity and rights.
- Assist individuals with setting and achieving personal goals, including social inclusion and self-esteem initiatives.
Main Responsibilities of Support Worker
- Person Centred Support: Develop and maintain positive, trusting relationships; show compassion while maintaining professional boundaries; contribute to holistic support; assist with physical and mental health wellbeing through tailored plans; involve individuals in decision making; deliver care and support to develop social, domestic, personal and community living skills.
Housing Support
- Provide care and support to help maintain homes, tenancy adherence, meal planning, shopping and personal budgeting.
- Assist planning, organisation and participation in individual or group activities within the scheme and community.
- Support high standards of personal and home hygiene while respecting personal choices.
- Assist with medication management, budgeting and meals as per support plans.
Supporting Independence
- Empower individuals by involving them in decisions; support a person-centred approach to re-establishing identity, hope and independence.
- Enable informed decisions and advocate for needs; liaise with external agencies for housing, signposting and referrals as appropriate.
- Encourage participation in the local community, volunteering, training and employment opportunities where relevant.
Wellbeing
- Promote physical and emotional wellbeing; contribute to a culture of wellbeing within the service.
- Support an autonomous working environment and recognise achievements; adhere to safeguarding policies and escalate concerns as needed.
Effective Communication
- Communicate regularly with all stakeholders; ensure timely completion of service documentation.
- Engage in feedback, training, team meetings and handovers.
Team and Partnership Working
- Collaborate with statutory, voluntary and regulatory bodies; take accountability for results; promote innovation and team success; share knowledge to support colleagues.
Professional Practice
- Develop professionally; maintain registration; uphold confidentiality; participate in annual appraisals and set development goals; adopt risk management practices.
Continuous Improvement & Results Delivery
- Contribute to service quality improvements and efficiency; support achievement of Threshold’s corporate objectives through safe, effective practice.
General, Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities
- Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including NISCC registration and Access NI checks where applicable.
- Adhere to Threshold’s Health & Safety policies; report defects or accidents; assist as Deputy Fire Warden/First Aid Person if designated.
- Promote equality, anti-discriminatory practice and respect for individual rights and choice in line with Threshold policies.
Threshold Aims and Objectives
- Actively promote the organisation’s mission, values, aims and code of conduct; be a cultural ambassador for Threshold.
The above summary is not exhaustive. The role may develop in accordance with Threshold’s Strategic Corporate Plan and may include other duties as appropriate.
Person Specification
Education and Professional Qualifications
Essential and desirable criteria are listed below. Applicants must provide evidence by the closing date of how they meet these criteria.
- Full driving licence (essential for with-driving roles).
- Flexibility to work within rostered hours and be prepared to participate in on-call rota if required.
- Prior experience of providing personal care is advantageous.
- Registration with NISCC is required for this role.
Key Competencies and Skills
- Good interpersonal skills; able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team; establish professional relationships.
- Ability to work under pressure, maintain confidentiality and keep accurate records; basic IT skills.
Desirable
- QCF Diploma Level 2 in Health & Social Care or equivalent.
Experience
- Desirable: Minimum of three months (within last twelve months) supporting individuals with disabilities, or six months in a care environment.
Additional Requirements
- Possess a current and valid driving licence or have access to transport to meet the post requirements.
- Please note this is a regulated post and will require a satisfactory Enhanced Access NI Check. The post holder must be registered or apply for registration with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) upon appointment.
Roles and Industries
- Job function: Other
- Industry: Mental Health Care
Note: Referrals and job alerts text are omitted in this refined version for clarity and to comply with formatting requirements.
Support Worker - Disability Services (The Maples) in Belfast employer: Threshold Services NI
Threshold Services NI is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing and professional development of its staff. With competitive benefits such as a pension scheme, enhanced sick pay, and continuous training opportunities, employees are empowered to grow in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Located at The Maples, this role provides a unique chance to engage with the community and promote independence, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about care and support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Disability Services (The Maples) 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 Threshold Services NI.
✨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 Threshold Services NI!
✨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 Threshold Services NI, 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 Threshold Services NI 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 - Disability Services (The Maples) 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 Threshold Services NI:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Threshold Services NI! 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 Threshold Services NI
✨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.
