Hollybank Supported Living in Magherafelt recruiting Band 3 support workers with Northern Trust

Hollybank staff members Darren Mitchell and Kellie Grant.

Hollybank Supported Living in Magherafelt is recruiting additional Band 3 support workers, as the Northern Health and Social Care Trust encourages people to consider a career in social care supporting adults with learning disabilities.

Recruitment open days will take place in March, with applications now open online.

The Trust is seeking staff to work across supported living and short breaks services at Hollybank, offering what long-serving employees describe as a rewarding and flexible career path.

Supporting independence at Hollybank in Magherafelt

Hollybank Supported Living provides accommodation and tailored support for adults with learning disabilities, enabling tenants to build independent and meaningful lives based on choice.

Teresa Quinn with Catherine, a Hollybank Supported Living tenant.

Catherine, a tenant at Hollybank, said she was initially nervous about moving in but quickly settled into her new home.

“I really enjoy living here and it is brilliant to have the co-tenants in the house.

“I was nervous the first time I came here as it was new to me, but I was very excited to take such a big step and I love living here. We go places as a team and we do a lot together.”

She added: “I enjoy the atmosphere and we all get on well. I really enjoy the staff — they are all so nice to us, and Hollybank is a lovely place to have in Magherafelt.”

Her experience highlights the day-to-day role of support workers in helping residents develop confidence, life skills and social connections within their local community.

‘A home from home’ for staff and residents

Teresa Quinn, who has worked at Hollybank for more than 25 years, described the service as a “home from home” and said seeing tenants grow in independence is the most rewarding aspect of the job.

“It is amazing to see the progress of the folks who come here, watching as they learn to do their own things in life, from budgeting to shopping and making appointments,” Teresa said.

“For anyone thinking of a new job, a change in direction or even if it’s your first job, I would tell people to go for it. I have been here for over 25 years, and in that time, I have had my children and enjoyed the flexibility offered by the role, which has allowed me to strike a great balance between work and home life.”

Shannah Kelly describes her work at Hollybank as very rewarding.

Shannah Kelly, who joined the team without previous experience in a learning disability setting, said the role has exceeded her expectations.

“I love it so much,” she said. “Especially seeing the difference you make to the families and the service users themselves. It’s such a good role, it is really rewarding and you will learn so much yourself as well.”

William Sloan, now a Senior Support Worker at Hollybank, said short breaks services are also an important part of the provision.

“Working with service users is the most rewarding part of the job, providing them with a short break service. A lot of people think short breaks are for families and carers but I believe it gives the service users a break from their day-to-day routine as well.”

Recruitment open days in Magherafelt

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is recruiting additional Band 3 Adult Support Workers to be based at Hollybank in Magherafelt.

Recruitment Open Days will take place on:

• Thursday 5 March, 5pm–8pm

• Saturday 7 March, 10am–1pm

Both events will be held at the Terrace Hotel, Magherafelt. Prospective applicants can drop in, complete an application form and, if they meet the criteria, take part in an interview on the day.

Applicants must demonstrate one of the following:

• Six months’ caring experience, paid or unpaid;

• An NVQ or QCF Level 2 in Care;

• A GNVQ/BTEC National Certificate or Higher Qualification in Care.

A full UK driving licence and access to a car on appointment are also required. This requirement will be waived for applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to Trust-approved transport enabling them to carry out the duties of the post.

For those who do not yet meet the criteria for a paid role, voluntary positions are available to gain experience within the learning disability service.

How to apply for Hollybank support worker roles

Online applications can be submitted via the official HSCNI jobs portal below.

HSCNI Job Portal

The closing date for online applications is Thursday 19 February at 5pm. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview at one of the recruitment events.

Alternatively, application forms can be completed at the open days.

For further information or to register interest in attending, contact Sylvia Dickey on 028 7930 0878 or email sylvia.dickey@northerntrust.hscni.net.