Role: Disability Support Worker
Reports to: Head of Services
Responsible to: Interim CEO
Base: Unit 1, Whitegates Enterprise Park, Killeavy Road, Newry, BT35 6UA
Hours: 30 hours per week per week, mainly weekday daytime hours, with occasional evenings, weekends and overnight residentials.
Salary: £19,827.20
Benefits:
- Pension: 6% employer contribution (subject to conditions)
- Annual Leave: 25 days per annum + 11 statutory holidays (pro-rata)
- Health Care: Axa Business Care (subject to conditions)
To apply for this role please email completed application forms to [email protected] by 12pm Noon on Wednesday 12 August 2026
Application forms can be downloaded at Community NI using the following link:
https://www.communityni.org/job/disability-support-worker-dsw
Our Bolster Buddy service is aimed at reconnecting people with learning disabilities or support needs within the local community and developing their independence. The disability Support Worker will provide support for these individuals to reach their full potential through a range of different social activities, hobbies and passions which will help to develop and maintain everyday independent living skills and work towards meeting their personal goals.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The people we support
- Develop and maintain a trusting and professional relationship with our Bolster Buddies and demonstrate a supportive and empathetic manner towards them.
- Ensure all support provided to our Bolster Buddies is service user focused and advocates respect, choice and independence.
- Explore setting goals and enable these to be met where possible.
- Deliver individual programmes of support to enhance and maximise the capabilities and independence of each Bolster Buddy.
- Involve each individual in all aspects of decision making in relation to the service they are receiving.
- Assist in planning, organising, and participating in individual or group activities and ensure the safe delivery and positive outcomes of the activity.
- Participate in monitoring and reviewing individual skills and needs of the Bolster Buddies.
- Offer advice and support for personal safety whilst promoting positive life choices and healthy lifestyles.
- Intervene appropriately to resolve any issues or problems that arise and work with the Buddies to provide the appropriate solutions for the wellbeing of everyone.
- Liaise with external organisations when required and build on relationships within the community.
- Participate in completing risk assessments where staff and Bolster Buddies are likely to be at risk or in a vulnerable situation.
- Support individuals to participate in all aspects of the Acorn Candles social enterprise, including the safe production, packaging, labelling, presentation and promotion of candles and reed diffusers, with a focus on developing skills, confidence, independence and meaningful work opportunities.
Administration
- Comply with the organisational policies and procedures.
- Participate in planning meetings and ensure a full-time table of activities is available to suit individual needs.
- Ensure daily records of activities for Bolster Buddies is documented and available to them and senior management.
- Willingness to undertake annual review meeting for Bolster Buddies using an MDT approach.
- Ability to record and deliver to the admin team weekly timesheets and monthly expenses.
Health and Safety
- Comply with Bolster Community Health and Safety Policy.
- Ensure all activities carried out are delivered in a manor which is safe for everyone.
- Report any damages or breakages within the building to senior staff.
- Ensure any spillages or breakages is cleaned up.
- Participate in cleaning as required to ensure safety for everyone and an agreed level of hygiene standards are maintained.
General
- Carry out any other duties relevant with this post
- Ability to undertake mandatory training.
- Willingness to enhance personal development
- Staff should be able to work as part of a team.
- Contribute to the team’s performance and take appropriate actions to maintain a high level of performance and positive team dynamics, particular through periods of change.
- Staff should be committed to attending staff meetings and well-being events organised by Bolster Community
- On occasions be available to work occasional evenings and weekends.
- Should hold a full driving license with access to a car.
- Promote a positive working environment where wellbeing for all is priority for delivering a high quality and professional service.
- Be aware of the importance of social inclusion for Bolster Buddies.
This Job description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and may be reviewed depending upon operational requirements and staffing levels
Personnel Specification
Essential Criteria
- Previous experience of working with individuals with learning disabilities or additional support needs.
- Experience supporting individuals to develop independence and life skills within a community setting is important.
- Supporting participation in social, recreational, or community-based activities.
- Experience of working in a person-centred manner, promoting choice and independence.
- A relevant qualification at Level 3 or above in Health & Social Care, Learning Disability, or a related field is required.
- A commitment to ongoing training and professional development.
- Previous experience of working with individuals with learning disabilities or additional support needs.
- Experience supporting individuals to develop independence and life skills within a community setting is important.
- Supporting participation in social, recreational, or community-based activities.
- Experience of working in a person-centred manner, promoting choice and independence.
- A clear understanding of the needs and experiences of individuals with learning disabilities and additional support needs.
- Knowledge of person-centred approaches and the promotion of independence.
- An understanding of safeguarding principles and duty of care responsibilities.
- Awareness of the importance of inclusion, equality, and respect in service delivery.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting and respectful relationships.
- Communicating effectively with individuals with a range of communication needs.
- The ability to support and motivate individuals to achieve personal goals and develop independence.
- Good organisational skills, including the ability to plan activities and manage time effectively.
- Accurate record keeping and the ability to follow procedures.
- Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the role, including evening and weekend hours when necessary.
- A full current driving licence and access to a vehicle (or access to suitable transport to fulfil the post’s regional travel requirements).
Desirable Criteria
- Additional training in areas such as autism awareness, positive behaviour support, mental health, or first aid would be beneficial.
- Experience of delivering one-to-one and small group support programmes.
- Involvement in goal setting and support planning processes.
- Experience liaising with families, carers, or external organisations.
- Familiarity with positive behaviour support approaches.
- An understanding of risk assessment and safe working practices within a care or community setting.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to use initiative.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £19,827.20 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
