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Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: MAINSTAY DRP Silent Cuts is a unique, inclusive hairdressing and barbering salon in Downpatrick, designed especially for clients with learning disabilities and/or autism. Located beside the iconic 'Silent Dog' sculpture, the salon provides a calm, sensory-friendly environment with personalised 1:1 appointments and a respectful, flexible approach to communication and care. Our mission is simple: to provide a specialist hairdressing and barbering service for people with learning disabilities and/or autism, who may feel overwhelmed or excluded in a typical salon environment. The Hair Salon Assistant will support our stylists in the day-to-day running of Silent Cuts, a social enterprise hair salon offering a quiet, sensory-friendly service, by maintaining a clean and welcoming environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and tidy workstations before, during and after client appointments, including sweeping hair, cleaning basins, and restocking towels and products.
• Welcome clients, guide them to their seat, offer refreshments where appropriate.
• Follow all hygiene, health and safety procedures, including safe use and cleaning of salon equipment and correct handling of products.
• Support basic reception tasks such as, managing appointment cards / digital bookings under supervision, and helping clients with simple queries.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Ability to learn and follow instructions from senior staff and stylists.
• Ability to maintain a clean, tidy and welcoming environment.
• Awareness of the importance of hygiene, health and safety in a salon setting (training will be provided).
• Good communication skills (verbal and listening).
• Ability to work as part of a team and support colleagues.
• Ability to carry out practical tasks such as cleaning, preparing workstations and restocking supplies.
• Basic IT or be able to learn digital systems (e.g. appointment bookings).

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge in hairdressing, beauty, or customer service.
• Previous experience in a customer-facing role (paid or voluntary).
• Understanding of inclusive or sensory-friendly services.

Further Information

The Employer is: MAINSTAY DRP JobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information - Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week. - Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach. - Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment. The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.