KYLE HEFFERNAN
Bangor,County Down
Summary
Experienced and highly motivated professional with over 13 years of frontline experience in substance use treatment, mental health support, and homelessness services. Currently a third-year Social Work student at Ulster University, with a proven track record in service delivery, advocacy, and community engagement. Recognised for a non-judgmental, person-centred approach and a commitment to achieving sustainable, positive outcomes for individuals and communities.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Outreach Worker
Drug Outreach Team
12.2023 - 09.2024
- Delivered harm reduction services, including needle exchange programmes, naloxone distribution, and education on safe injecting practices
- Supported individuals experiencing substance use challenges with referrals to housing, healthcare, and treatment services, ensuring a holistic approach to care
- Collaborated with probation services, housing providers, and other agencies to facilitate seamless transitions from crisis to stability
- Enhanced community awareness of blood-borne virus prevention and harm reduction strategies through targeted outreach and education.
Experience Consultant - Substance Use Support Project
Upper Springfield Development Trust, USDT
06.2022 - 04.2024
- Designed and implemented the Substance Use Support Project, now a fully funded charity supporting individuals and families in West Belfast
- Developed and delivered training on harm reduction, referral pathways, and motivational interviewing for staff and volunteers
- Conducted biopsychosocial assessments to inform tailored support plans for service users, incorporating the Four Pillars Approach (Housing, Healthy Choices, Community, and Sense of Purpose)
- Organised community awareness events such as Drug Awareness Meetings and Harm Reduction Cafés, fostering a collaborative approach to reducing stigma and supporting those affected by substance use
- Secured sustainable funding and developed a structured exit strategy to ensure continuity of care for service users.
Student Social Worker
Fostering and Adoption, Bangor Children's Hospital
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Assisted the Duty Team with placement coordination and viability assessments for kinship and mainstream foster carers, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements
- Contributed to annual reviews for foster carers, working closely with the Support and Development Team to uphold standards of care
- Engaged in fostering recruitment initiatives, including community outreach and partnership development with local organisations.
Senior Co-ordinator/Manager of Regional Service User Network
Council, the Homeless NI
09.2019 - 09.2022
- Led a team delivering advocacy and support for individuals experiencing homelessness across Northern Ireland
- Managed budgets, supervised staff, and ensured adherence to safeguarding protocols
- Developed partnerships with statutory and voluntary organisations to amplify service user voices in policy development.
Drop-In Coordinator
The Welcome Organisation
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Coordinated the delivery of services for individuals experiencing homelessness, including Drop-In, Assertive Outreach, and Floating Support programs
- Supervised staff and volunteers, providing guidance and support to ensure effective service delivery in line with harm reduction principles
- Ensured clients' basic needs were met, such as food, clothing, and hygiene, while also supporting their access to housing, healthcare, and addiction services.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Ulster University
Derry-Londonderry 09.2022 - 06.2025
Working With Substance Users -
Open College Network
Belfast08.2011
Access To University Diploma - Foundation Studies: Humanities and Social Science
Belfast Metropolitan College
06.2014
Overdose Awareness -
Open College Network
2011
Skills
- Core Skills
- Social Work Competencies: Safeguarding, fostering and adoption processes, harm reduction strategies, biopsychosocial assessments, and inter-agency collaboration
- Project Management: Strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach
- Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office, case management systems, and GDPR compliance
- Communication: Strong report writing, training delivery, and team coordination
Interests
Certifications: , Train the Trainer Naloxone, Train the Trainer First Aid in the Workplace, and Peer Mentor/Recovery Coach.
Timeline
Outreach Worker
Drug Outreach Team
12.2023 - 09.2024
Student Social Worker
Fostering and Adoption, Bangor Children's Hospital
08.2023 - 12.2023
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Ulster University
09.2022 - 06.2025
Experience Consultant - Substance Use Support Project
Upper Springfield Development Trust, USDT
06.2022 - 04.2024
Senior Co-ordinator/Manager of Regional Service User Network
Council, the Homeless NI
09.2019 - 09.2022
Drop-In Coordinator
The Welcome Organisation
01.2013 - 01.2016
Working With Substance Users -
Open College Network
Access To University Diploma - Foundation Studies: Humanities and Social Science
Belfast Metropolitan College
Overdose Awareness -
Open College Network
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