CAUSE is recruiting a Business Support Officer to support the effective day-to-day running of our peer-led mental health carers charity. Location: CAUSE, 393 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 2LS Contract Permanent : Hour 35 hrs per week s: Sala FTE £25,000 for 35 hrsry: Deadline to apply: Wednesday 2 December 2026 at 2 pmnd Working Arrangements This is primarily an office based position, working 35 hours per week from the CAUSE Belfast office. Following successful induction and subject to the requirements of the role, home working on Wednesdays may be considered by agreement with the Chief Executive. This arrangement will remain subject to organisational and service needs. Occasional travel may be required in connection with CAUSE activities. Benefits of Working with CAUSE At CAUSE, we value the contribution of our staff and want to provide a supportive and positive working environment. Alongside the opportunity to work for an organisation making a real difference to mental health carers and their families across Northern Ireland, we offer: 25 days annual leave per year, alongside statutory/public holiday entitlement. 5 days paid Carers Leave per year, in addition to other leave entitlements. Employer pension contribution of 3%. Westfield Health Level 1 package following successful completion of six months employment. Access to relevant training and development opportunities. A supportive, values-led working environment within a small and committed team. About us CAUSE is a peer-led charity supporting families, partners and friends of people experiencing serious and enduring mental health challenges across Northern Ireland. Our work is shaped by lived experience and includes advocacy, information, emotional support, groups and training. Shaped by lived experience. Strengthened by compassion. Driven by purpose. Working with CAUSE: Our six core values are Compassion, Partnership, Respect, Integrity, Authenticity and Empathy. We are looking for a Business Support Officer who shares these values and will contribute to a welcoming, respectful and supportive environment for carers, colleagues and everyone engaging with CAUSE. Job Purpose The Business Support Officer will play a central role in the effective day-to-day running of CAUSE, providing high-quality administrative and organisational support to the Chief Executive and wider CAUSE team. The postholder reports directly to the Chief Executive. The postholder will coordinate day-to-day office administration, maintain accurate organisational records and help ensure administrative processes are efficient, consistent and well organised. The role includes routine financial administration, HR and recruitment administration, maintaining organisational systems, coordinating meetings and supporting CAUSE services. The BSO will be a key administrative link with CAUSEs external accountancy provider; professional accounting responsibilities remain with that provider. This is a varied, hands-on role requiring an experienced, proactive and highly organised individual who can prioritise work, use initiative and take ownership of administrative responsibilities. Key Responsibilities 1. Business and Office Administration Support the effective day to day running and organisation of the CAUSE Belfast office. Provide high-quality administrative support to the Chief Executive and wider CAUSE team. Coordinate enquiries received through the main office telephone, voicemail and inbox, responding to routine enquiries and directing others promptly to the appropriate colleague. Maintain effective electronic and filing systems and ensure organisational records are accurate, accessible and appropriately stored. Support the preparation of correspondence, reports, presentations, meeting papers and other organisational documents. Coordinate meetings, including bookings, preparation and circulation of papers and actions where required. Monitor office supplies, equipment, literature and resources and arrange replenishment as required. Liaise with external suppliers and service providers and support the smooth running of office facilities. Support internal communication and coordination across the CAUSE team. Maintain confidentiality and ensure information is managed in accordance with CAUSE policies and data protection requirements. 2. Financial Administration Provide routine financial administration in support of CAUSEs day to day operations. Collate, organise and maintain invoices, receipts and other financial documentation. Coordinate the collation of staff expenses, credit card receipts and supporting documentation, using SageHR and agreed CAUSE processes, ensuring records are complete and following up promptly on any outstanding information. Maintain accurate and orderly financial administration records and filing systems. Collate and prepare financial information and documentation for submission to CAUSEs external accountancy provider. Assist with the administration of sales and supplier invoices and other routine financial documentation as required. Prepare online banking payments or payment batches with complete supporting documentation for review and authorisation by the Chief Executive. Liaise with staff to obtain required financial information, receipts, coding and supporting documentation. Act as a key administrative contact between CAUSE and its external accountancy provider, responding to routine queries and ensuring information is supplied accurately and within agreed timescales. Provide administrative support in relation to project and funding records where required. Maintain appropriate confidentiality and accuracy when handling financial information. Professional accounting functions, including payroll, bank reconciliations, management accounts, financial reporting, year-end accounts and audit liaison, are undertaken by CAUSEs external accountancy provider. The BSO provides administrative support only. 3. HR and Staff Administration Support recruitment administration, including coordinating applications, interview arrangements and references. Assist with staff induction and onboarding, including routine paperwork and checks. Maintain accurate and confidential personnel records. Support Sage HR administration, including annual leave, absence and staff information. Assist with organising training and maintaining training records. Prepare routine HR correspondence and documents using approved templates and provide general HR administrative support to the Chief Executive. 4. Systems, Data and Service Administration Maintain and update records on Salesforce CRM, Sage HR and other organisational systems as required. Support staff with routine administrative queries relating to organisational systems. Help identify administrative process improvements and maintain accurate organisational records. Collate routine monitoring and reporting information as required. Support the administration and coordination of the CAUSE Helpline rota. Handle information confidentially and in accordance with data protection requirements and CAUSE policies. Provide general administrative support to Carer Advocates and the wider CAUSE team. Support effective service delivery through accurate and timely administration. 5. Meetings, Groups and Organisational Support Assist with organising staff and Board meetings, training, carer support groups and events. Arrange practical requirements such as venues, refreshments, resources and materials. Prepare and circulate papers, agendas, minutes and action notes where required. Support Carer Advocates with administration for groups and activities. Maintain related records and documentation. Provide routine organisational and committee administration as required. General Responsibilities The post holder will: Work collaboratively with colleagues across CAUSE and contribute positively to the wider team. Develop effective working relationships with staff, carers, external organisations, suppliers and partners. Demonstrate a professional, welcoming and respectful approach when dealing with members of the public and people accessing CAUSE services. Take responsibility for organising and prioritising their workload and meeting agreed deadlines. Use initiative and identify opportunities to improve administrative systems and ways of working. Maintain high standards of accuracy, confidentiality and attention to detail. Work in accordance with CAUSE policies, procedures and organisational values. Participate in supervision, team meetings, training and development as required. Undertake other reasonable administrative and business support duties appropriate to the nature and level of the post. This Job Description is intended to provide an overview of the main responsibilities of the role and is not exhaustive. Duties may develop in response to the changing needs of CAUSE, following discussion with the post holder. Person Specification Business Support Officer Qualifications Essential 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Maths. Desirable Relevant qualification in Business Administration, Office Management, IT, Finance Administration or a related field. Experience Essential A minimum of 2 years relevant experience gained within the last 5 years in an administrative, business support or office-based role. Experience of managing a varied administrative workload, prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines. Experience of providing administrative support, including correspondence, record keeping, data entry and handling enquiries. Experience of routine financial administration, including invoices, expenses or financial records. Experience of using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel, and maintaining information using digital systems. Desirable Experience of recruitment, HR administration or using HR systems such as Sage HR. Experience of using CRM systems, such as Salesforce. Experience of working in the voluntary or community sector. Experience of supporting meetings, including arrangements, papers or minutes. Skills and Abilities Essential Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records. Good written, verbal and numerical communication skills. Ability to work independently, use initiative and take responsibility for completing tasks. Confidence using IT systems and willingness to learn new processes. Ability to handle confidential information appropriately and maintain professional working relationships. Ability to work collaboratively and adapt to changing priorities. Personal Qualities and Values The successful candidate will demonstrate: A professional, approachable and reliable manner. A proactive, flexible and solutions-focused approach. Good judgement, including knowing when to seek guidance or escalate an issue. Commitment to CAUSEs values of Compassion, Partnership, Respect, Integrity, Authenticity and Empathy . How to Apply Please read this Job Description and the accompanying Person Specification carefully. If you believe you meet the essential criteria and would like to make a difference for mental health carers in Northern Ireland, we encourage you to apply. To apply, please complete the online Application Form provided. CVs will not be accepted. Late applications will not be considered. Closing date: Wednesday 2 December 2026 at 2 pmnd ADZN1_NI41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15
