Community Support Officer

SeeMe Hired Ltd; Leinster; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave 25 days + 12 statutory

Health cash plan

Wellbeing support

Pension scheme

Flexible work initiatives

Job summary

NOW Group is seeking a Community Support Officer in Ireland to provide person-centered support to participants on the Community Opportunities programme. You will collaborate with Employment and Training Services to help participants progress and build independent living and social skills in both classroom and outdoor settings.

The role emphasizes safeguarding, accurate record keeping, and working across teams to meet KPIs while encouraging volunteer engagement and community networks to broaden

Qualifications

• Minimum one year's experience supporting people with intellectual disabilities.
• Educated to Leaving Certificate level or above.
• Experience engaging with volunteers.
• Administrative skills with good record keeping.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Clear understanding of the barriers faced by people with intellectual disabilities or autism.

Responsibilities

• Provide person-centered support to participants on NOW Connects programme.
• Support participants within classroom and outdoor venues.
• Encourage individuals to engage in opportunities and build independence skills.
• Promote Volunteer opportunities for group members.
• Build on existing external networks/relations and develop new ones to increase activities.
• Route train participants to increase independence skills.
• Work with NOW Group Services to provide a full range of support and progression.
• Ensure organisational, team and individual annual KPIs are met.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, retention and progression in line with data protection policies.
• Comply with NOW Group's safeguarding policies.

Skills

Administrative skills

Record keeping

Volunteer engagement

Understanding barriers

Education

Leaving Certificate or higher

Degree in Community Work or Youth Work

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Community Support Officer

About NOW Group

NOW Group are an award-winning social enterprise who delivers services across Northern Ireland supporting people with learning difficulties, autism and neurodiverse conditions into jobs with a future.

We are passionate about changing lives and our priority is on outcomes and impact for individuals, their families and communities who are the most disadvantaged. We support participants to have better health, a better education and a brighter future. Our services are continually evolving as a result of co-design, participant feedback and project learning.

The Role

As Community Support Officer you will provide direct support to participants on NOW Group’s Community Opportunities programme by delivering a programme of daily activities to increase independent living and social skills. The post holder will work closely with other departments including our Employment and Training Services to encourage and support participants on their journey of progression 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 Group’s 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.

Additional Information

• Employment is subject to a Garda Vetting Bureau 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.

About the company

NOW Group are an award-winning social enterprise who deliver services across Ireland supporting people with learning difficulties, autism and neurodiverse conditions into jobs with a future.

We are passionate about changing lives and our priority is on outcomes and impact for individuals, their families and communities who are the most disadvantaged. We support participants to have better health, a better education and a brighter future. Our services are continually evolving as a result of co-design, participant feedback and project learning.

Required Criteria

• Minimum one years' experience of supporting people with intellectual disabilities within a group environment.
• Educated to Leaving Certificate level or above.
• Experience of engaging with volunteers.
• Ability to demonstrate administrative skills with good record keeping.
• Proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite.
• Clear understanding and articulation of the barriers faced by people with intellectual disabilities or autism.

Desired Criteria

• Certified Qualification (ideally to degree level) in a relevant discipline e.g. Community Work or Youth Work
• Proven track record of securing employment for people with barriers to learning.