Night Support Worker
Grade Night Support Worker - £23,291.88
Reporting to Local Management Team
Location Depaul Nelson Street, Belfast, BT15 1BH
Contract Fixed term- 3 years
Scope of Responsibility
As a Night Worker at Depaul, you will provide vital support to women
transitioning from prison into housing and their local communities
during the night. This role is focused on ensuring that service users
have access to emergency support and assistance during overnight
hours. You will be responsible for responding to service users' needs,
offering emotional support, addressing neighbourhood concerns, and
ensuring the safety and wellbeing of individuals in accommodation.
You will work in a response-based capacity, helping women manage
any challenges or issues that may arise overnight, including housing
difficulties, emotional distress, and neighbourhood-related concerns.
Your role will be crucial in providing a safe and supportive
environment, and ensuring that service users can access the help they
need during evening and night-time hours
Hours 35 hours per week – Waking Nights
Key Areas of Responsibility
Overall Work Objectives
Service User Support:
● Provide emotional support to women during the night,
ensuring they feel safe, listened to, and supported in managing
any crises or emotional challenges.
● Respond to any urgent issues or incidents that arise
overnight, including housing-related concerns, neighbourhood
disturbances, or personal difficulties.
● Assist in ensuring the safety and security of all service users
in the accommodation, following Depaul's health and safety
protocols and responding promptly to any risks or
emergencies.
● Monitor and assess the wellbeing of service users throughout
the night, ensuring that any identified needs are addressed
promptly.
● Offer practical support to service users, including helping with
any immediate housing or personal challenges, such as
providing information, signposting to appropriate services, or
assisting with basic needs.
● Address neighbourhood-related issues that may arise overnight,
such as noise, disturbances, or concerns related to the safety of the
accommodation setting.
● Provide guidance and support to service users dealing with any
issues related to their accommodation, helping them to resolve
problems or access the support they need.
● Ensure that any reports of disturbances or safety concerns are
addressed in a timely and professional manner, liaising with relevant
authorities or external agencies where needed.
● Provide reassurance to service users who may feel anxious,
distressed, or isolated during overnight hours.
● Assist service users in coping with stress, anxiety, or trauma,
providing them with techniques or resources to manage their emotions
in a constructive way.
● Encourage service users to engage with other services where
appropriate, such as Depaul’s in-house wellbeing resources or
external agencies offering mental health support.
● Following Depaul's policies and procedures to ensure the health and
safety of all service users throughout the night,
● Carry out regular checks to ensure that accommodation is safe and
secure, reporting any issues that may arise.
● Respond appropriately to any emergency situations or incidents,
ensuring the safety and welfare of service users is maintained at all
times.
● Complete incident reports, wellbeing checks, and any other
administrative tasks as required by Depaul’s policies and procedures.
● Ensure that all documentation is completed thoroughly and in line
with confidentiality and data protection regulations.
● Participate in team meetings, case handovers, and training sessions
to ensure a consistent and professional approach to service delivery.
● Work collaboratively with colleagues and external agencies to
ensure that service users’ needs are met and their safety is
maintained at all times.
Emotional and Practical Support:
Offer emotional support to women during challenging times,
ensuring they have someone to talk to during the night and feel
supported in managing their mental health and wellbeing.
Administrative Duties:
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of any incidents, concerns,
or support provided during the night shift.
Team Collaboration:
Communicate effectively with daytime team members, ensuring that
any important developments, concerns, or actions taken during the
night are handed over clearly and accurately.
Person Requirements
CRITERIA:
● Essential:
● ○ A Level 2 qualification in a social care field (such as NVQ or
GCSEs) is required.
● ○ At least 1 year’s paid experience working with vulnerable
individuals, particularly in housing, community outreach, or support
roles.
● ○ Experience in crisis intervention and providing emotional support to
individuals in distress is desirable.
● Skills:
● ● Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting
relationships and provide effective emotional support.
● ● Ability to remain calm and professional in potentially
challenging or emergency situations.
● ● Good written and verbal communication skills to effectively
document incidents and communicate with the team.
● ● Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to make quick
decisions and respond appropriately to incidents.
● Knowledge:
● ● A good understanding of housing issues, homelessness, and
community integration.
● ● Knowledge of services available for vulnerable individuals,
including statutory and voluntary resources.
● ● Understanding of crisis intervention, risk management, and
safeguarding procedures.
● ● Awareness of Health and Safety guidelines and the importance
of maintaining a safe service environment.
● Other Requirements:
● ● Ability to work independently and manage responsibilities
during night shifts.
● ● Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, as
part of a rota system.
● Commitment to Depaul’s values, including respect, empowerment,
and service user participation.
● Enhanced DBS/Access NI check is required (a criminal record may
not necessarily disqualify you, depending on the nature and
circumstances).
● Working Environment:
● The role requires working directly with service users in their
accommodation settings and the community during overnight
hours.
● You will be expected to work overnight shifts as part of a flexible
rota system, providing support during evenings, nights, and
weekends.
● Depaul is committed to providing equal opportunities and a
supportive working environment. If you are passionate about
supporting vulnerable women during their transition from prison
into their community and housing, and providing emotional and
practical support during night-time hours, we would love to hear
from you.
● This Night Worker role is essential in ensuring that service users
feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout the night, and
you will play a critical role in their ongoing journey to recovery
and integration.
Access NI
This Post is subject to a Basic Access NI check. Having a criminal
record will not necessarily debar you from working with Depaul. This
will depend on the nature of the position, together with the
circumstances and background of your offences or other information
contained on a disclosure certificate.
Closing date for applications: 4th April 2025
Dependent on the number of applications, we may contact applicants before the closing date. Please check your spam/junk folders.