Staff Profiles

Every day is different, that’s the best thing about the job is. It is never boring, and you never know what your day looks like until you are in it.

Frances Black, Accommodation Manager at Saintfield Road, speaks to NIJobfinder about her career at Northern Ireland's leading homelessness charity.

I completed a placement in Simon Community NI’s Conway Court as part of my Social Work degree in 2007 and immediately knew I wanted to work in the homeless sector. I felt a real desire to work with individuals and families that were homeless or facing homelessness and so I applied for a Support Worker post when I finished my degree in 2011. I initially worked with young people aged 17-26 and really enjoyed the challenges that this brought.

I joined Simon Community Northern Ireland in 2010 as an Accommodation and Community Support Worker after working with another Homeless Organisation in Belfast for over a year. Having built a career within Estate Agency, I worked daily with individuals and families that so often were experiencing difficulties forcing them to sell or move home.

Recognised at the charity's recent Staff Awards for her role as support worker and specialist Drug and Alcohol Support Worker at the charity's Falls Road project, Christina's colleagues highlighted her ability to go above and beyond each and every day.

Recognised at the charity's recent Staff Awards for her role as Volunteer Coordinator, Rebekah led the development of the volunteering strategy by putting the clients at the very centre of her role.

Recognised at the charity's recent Staff Awards for her role as cook at Simon's Armagh service, Fionnuala has a unique personality that clients love.

Recognised at the charity's recent Staff Awards for her role as Simon's Youth Participation Officer, Shauna was recognised for her work with young people experiencing homelessness.

Recognised at the charity's recent Staff Awards for her Senior Support Worker role, Joanne continually shows a passion to learn and develop within her role.