Community Support Officer

About NOW Group

NOW Group is an award-winning social enterprise operating across Belfast and Dublin. We are committed to working with individuals and businesses to unlock potential and create meaningful, lasting change across the island of Ireland.

Our work focuses on supporting people who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have a learning disability, helping them to build skills and progress into sustainable, future-focused employment. Through tailored training programmes, inclusive job opportunities, and community-based support, we empower individuals to achieve their goals and thrive in the workplace.

The Role

As a Community Support Officer you will provide direct support to participants on the NOW Connects Service by delivering a programme of daily activities to increase independent living and social skills.

You will create a range of opportunities and collaborate closely with other departments, including Employment and Training Services, to encourage and support participants in progressing from Community Services.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide person-centered support to participants on the NOW Connects programme.

2. Support participants within classroom and outdoor venues.

3. Encourage individuals to engage in opportunities and build independence skills.

4. Promote Volunteer opportunities for group members.

5. Build on existing external networks/relations and develop new ones to increase range of activities and networks available to participants.

6. Route train participants to increase independence skills.

7. Work effectively with NOW Group Services to provide a full range of support, optimizing positive progression for participants.

8. Ensure organisational, team and individual annual KPIs are met.

9. Ensure accurate record keeping of participant attendance, retention and progression in compliance with organisational data protection and confidentiality policy.

10. Comply fully with NOW Group's 'Organisational Approach to Safeguarding.

This job description is not definitive and may be subject to review as the duties and responsibilities determine

What We Offer

At NOW Group, we value and invest in our employees. Benefits include:

• Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave plus 12 statutory days (pro-rata).
• Health Cash Plan: Available after successful probation.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to confidential counselling and financial advisory services.
• Pension Scheme: 5% employer contribution.
• Flexible Work Initiatives: Including the Bike-to-Work scheme, holiday purchase options, and more.

Our Values:

We are looking for candidates who align with NOW Groups values, demonstrating flexibility, dedication, and a commitment to empowering participants. Successful candidates will exhibit a passion for social change and the ability to work collaboratively with participants, stakeholders, and colleagues.

About The Role

Additional Information

• Employment is subject to an Access NI Disclosure check.
• NOW Group is committed to fair recruitment practices. A copy of our safeguarding and recruitment policies is available upon request.

Join us at NOW Group and make a real difference in the lives of individuals with learning difficulties and autism. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future.

Required Criteria

• 1. Ability to be flexible and adaptable - hours are flexible and may involve evening and weekend work as required.
• 2. GCSE grade C in English Language (or equivalent)
• 3. At least one years' experience of supporting people with learning disabilities within a group environment.
• 4. Experience of engaging with volunteers.
• 5. Ability to demonstrate administrative skills with good record keeping.
• 6. IT skills including Word, Excel, Outlook and Social Media use.
• 7. Understanding of the barriers faced by people with learning disabilities.

Desired Criteria

• 1. Community or Youth Qualification (Level 3 or equivalent)

About The Company

At the heart of the NOW Groups mission is its commitment to empowering individuals to gain skills and access meaningful employment. It achieves this through tailored employment academies, which provide participants with industry-specific training and work placements, and through their social enterprise businesses Loaf Catering and Cafes and Loaf Pottery.

One of the best-known contributions from the NOW Group is the JAM (Just A Minute) Card -a tool that allows people with invisible disabilities to discreetly ask for patience in everyday interactions. Its a very successful initiative with over 182,500 users and 3, 000 global organisations regarded as being JAM Card Friendly.

The NOW Groups impact is driven by innovation, dedication, and an unwavering focus on changing lives for the better.

Company Culture

At NOW Group, our culture is what sets us apart. Its built on collaboration, compassion, and a shared belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Across our integrated team from Training and Employment to Family Service, JAM Card, Loaf Cafés, Catering and Pottery, Social Groups, and vital support services like HR, Communications, Finance and Compliance we are united by one purpose: to support people with learning difficulties, neurodiverse conditions, ADHD and autism intosustainable employment.

We dont just work side by side we work together. Each department brings its own strengths, but our true power lies in our ability to collaborate across teams. Our participants come from all walks of life, and its our culture of teamwork, flexibility, and deep empathy that allows us to meet their varied needs with real impact.

In 2024/2025 alone, our culture of care and commitment helped place nearly 400 people into meaningful, sustainable employment across Ireland and supported 2,168 individuals to achieve 1,824 qualifications. These arent just statistics each number represents a life transformed, a family supported, and a community benefitted.

What truly defines our team is heart. We care deeply not just about the work, but about the people behind it. Our team members show up every day with passion and purpose, knowing that their efforts are making a lasting difference. They dont see targets they see individuals, and the ripple effect that a single opportunity can have.

Company Benefits

Benefits at NOW Group

NOW Group is dedicated to the wellbeing and growth of our employees, offering a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both personal and professional needs. We provide 25 days of annual leave plus 12 statutory days (pro-rata), allowing ample time for rest and rejuvenation.

We prioritize health and wellness through a Health Cash Plan , which becomes available upon successful completion of the probationary period, and confidential staff counseling and financial advisory services , ensuring support for your physical, mental, and financial health.

To help plan for the future, we offer a Stakeholder Pension Scheme with a generous 5% employer contribution . Employees can also take advantage of our Bike to Work scheme and holiday purchase options , promoting flexibility and convenience.

Our flexible working initiatives , including a hybrid working model , and various wellbeing programs , reflect our commitment to fostering a positive and adaptable work environment for all team members.

Vacation, Paid time off, Cycle to work, Competitive salary, Long service recognition, Hybrid Working, On the job learning, Progression opportunities

Salary

£13,866.67 per year

Benefits:
Vacation, Paid time off Cycle to work Competitive salary Long service recognition Hybrid Working On the job learning

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