Interventions Key Worker (Hidden Harm

Interventions Key Worker (Hidden Harm)

Location: Hybrid working based in ASCERT's Omagh office, part home working, and operating across the Western Health & Social Care Trust (WHSCT) area. Includes some regional travel.

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: SCP Point 18 £ 31,536 per annum, plus 4% pension

Contract: Fixed-term until 30th September 2029 (with possible extension subject to further funding)

About ASCERT

ASCERT is a leading Northern Ireland charity providing support to young people, adults, families and professionals affected by drug and alcohol use, mental health and related issues.

Each year, ASCERT supports more than 15,000 people through prevention and early intervention, treatment, recovery, training and community support services. Services are delivered from bases in Lisburn, Omagh and Belfast, as well as community locations across Northern Ireland.

Why Join ASCERT?

• 28 days annual leave plus 11 Bank/Public Holidays

• Christmas Shopping Day

• Time off for Mental Health Awareness

• Time Off in Lieu Policy

• Hybrid working in line with ASCERT policy

• Competitive pension contributions

• Staff Wellbeing Programme

• Employee Assistance Programme through Inspire Workplaces

• Staff Working Groups supporting organisational development

• Staff Representatives

• Staff Reward & Recognition Programme

About the Role

The Steps to Cope Hidden Harm Service is a regional service supporting young people aged 1125 who are impacted by parental substance use and/or parental mental health problems.

Living with alcohol, drug or mental health issues within the family can significantly affect a young person's wellbeing and development. These experiences are recognised as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and are often described as Hidden Harm because the impact on young people frequently goes unseen and unsupported.

The service provides direct support to young people, helping them strengthen their resilience and develop positive coping strategies through the Steps to Cope evidence-based psychosocial intervention model. Full training in the model will be provided.

Support is primarily delivered face-to-face from ASCERT premises and community locations across the WHSCT area, with some remote delivery where appropriate.

This project has been supported by funding from the GF Trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide confidential one-to-one and group support to young people using the Steps to Cope intervention model

• Provide advice and support to family members

• Deliver information, education and awareness sessions to young people, families and professionals

• Support the development of digital content and interactive resources for young people

• Encourage and support participation by young people with lived experience in the development, implementation and evaluation of the project

• Carry out assessments to ensure interventions are tailored to individual needs and circumstances

• Ensure high-quality service delivery in line with service objectives, specifications and KPIs

• Promote the service and its referral pathways to a wide range of stakeholders

• Develop strong working relationships with partner organisations to support onward referrals

• Work collaboratively with ASCERT colleagues, referrers and partner agencies

• Provide regular reports and maintain accurate, confidential case records

• Participate in monitoring and evaluation activities

• Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions and relevant training

• Assist with the induction of new staff, volunteers and students

• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role

Professional Development

• Maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

• Participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal

• Work in accordance with professional codes of conduct and ASCERT policies and procedures

Essential Criteria

• Recognised third-level qualification in a related discipline such as Health & Social Care, Social Work, Counselling or Youth Work

• Minimum two years' experience working with alcohol, substance use or mental health issues

• Experience of needs assessment and the design and delivery of substance use or mental health services

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and case recording

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied workload

• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Outlook

• Ability to travel regionally with access to a car and a full UK driving licence, or guaranteed access to suitable alternative transport

• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and with partner organisations

• Commitment to ASCERT's values, equality, diversity and inclusion

• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, with notice

Desirable Criteria

• Relevant qualification in substance use or mental health (e.g. OCN/OCR/CCEA Level 2 or above)

• Experience working with young people affected by parental substance use or mental health issues

• Advanced Motivational Interviewing (MI) training

• Completion of Steps to Cope Practitioner Training