At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative community support projects for older people and enhance their independence.
- Company: Join Bolster Community, a dynamic organisation dedicated to improving lives in Newry and beyond.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a supportive pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older people while shaping community services.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant fields and a passion for community development.
The predicted salary is between 25463 - 31829 £ per year.
Role: Community Services Development Lead (Older People)
Reports to: Head of Services
Responsible to: Interim CEO
Base: Bolster Community, Unit 1 Whitegates Enterprise Park, Killeavy Road, Newry, BT35 6UA
Hours: 30 hours per week
Fixed Term for 24 months
Salary: £31,828.93 FTE (pro rata to £25,463.14 per annum for 30 hours per week)
Benefits:
- Pension: 6% employer contribution (subject to conditions)
- Annual Leave: 25 days per annum + 11 statutory holidays (pro-rata)
- Health Care: Axa Business Care (subject to conditions)
To apply for this role please email completed application forms to victoria@bolstercommunity.org by 12pm Noon on Thursday 13 August 2026.
Application forms can be downloaded at Community NI using the following link: Community NI
Who We're Looking For:
Bolster Community is seeking an ambitious and motivated Community Services Development Lead to establish and develop an innovative model of community support for older people across Newry, Mourne and South Armagh. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new approach to early intervention, helping older people remain independent, connected and well within their own communities. Working alongside older people, statutory partners, community organisations and local volunteers, the postholder will identify gaps in existing services, strengthen partnership working, improve referral pathways and develop practical, sustainable responses to emerging community need. This is not a service delivery role alone. It is a role for someone who enjoys building relationships, influencing change and creating new opportunities that improve outcomes for older people.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Service Development: Lead the development and implementation of the Not Done Yet – Staying Connected project. Identify gaps in existing services and develop practical responses to improve support for older people. Design, test and evaluate innovative approaches that promote independence, wellbeing and social connection. Explore opportunities to develop sustainable community and social enterprise initiatives that respond to identified needs.
- Partnership Development: Develop and maintain strong relationships with statutory, health, voluntary, faith and community organisations. Build effective referral pathways that improve access to services and reduce duplication. Facilitate partnership meetings and encourage collaborative approaches to supporting older people. Act as a key link between organisations to improve communication and joint working.
- Community Engagement: Build trusted relationships with older people, carers and local communities. Lead consultation, listening events and community engagement activities. Ensure older people's voices influence future service development. Promote awareness of available services and encourage earlier access to support.
- Navigation and Case Coordination: Act as a trusted point of contact for older people, families and professionals. Receive referrals and undertake strengths-based assessments. Coordinate appropriate support and monitor progress. Advocate where appropriate to ensure older people receive timely access to services.
- Project Management: Develop and monitor project plans, milestones and outcomes. Maintain accurate records and project data. Monitor performance against agreed outputs and outcomes. Prepare reports for management, funders and partners. Contribute to future funding opportunities by evidencing impact and identifying future development opportunities.
- Professional Practice: Work within safeguarding, GDPR, confidentiality and organisational policies. Maintain high professional standards at all times. Represent Bolster Community positively across all sectors. Contribute to the wider development of Bolster Community.
Personnel Specification:
Essential Criteria: Degree (Level 6 or above) in Community Development, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Public Health, Health.
Community Services Development Lead (Older People) employer: Bolster Community
Bolster Community is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and innovative work environment for those passionate about enhancing the lives of older people. Located in Newry, our organisation offers a collaborative culture that values employee input and encourages professional growth through meaningful community engagement and partnership development. With competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, ample annual leave, and health care support, we empower our team to make a real difference while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Services Development Lead (Older People)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Bolster Community.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Bolster Community!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Bolster Community, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Bolster Community or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Services Development Lead (Older People)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Bolster Community:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bolster Community! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bolster Community
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
