School Support Officer/hybrid working in Belfast

SCHOOLS’ SUPPORT OFFICER Contract : Full-time basis, fixed term contract until 30 June 2028, subject to continued funding and with possible extension Work Style : Hybrid (subject to business needs) Location : CSSC Headquarters is at Stranmillis University College, Stranmillis Road, Belfast CSSC is a non-statutory body, funded by Department of Education and is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. SCHOOLS’ SUPPORT OFFICER To act as link officer for a number of schools and provide support to those schools; to provide expertise in supporting school leaders in the controlled sector and play a key part in contributing to the educational support role of the CSSC. Responsible to : The Head of Educational Support To act as the link person between the CSSC and up to 90 schools To act as a critical friend to these schools to discuss outcomes and school development To provide advice and support to school leaders through regular contact with school principals and chairs of governors To provide the lead role in a specific area of CSSC’s responsibilities, the TransformEd Project Supporting School Leaders in the Controlled Sector To manage the consultation process with schools on the post holder’s area of responsibility and assist in the consultation process on any other issues when required To attend all meetings as required within the post holder’s area of responsibility and act as the CSSC representative on EA’s Area Planning Local Groups To attend governors’ meetings as required to provide advice and support To assist EA, when appropriate, in the recruitment and training of assessors for the appointment of schools leaders (50 – 100 appointments per annum) To plan, manage and contribute to courses, conferences and training for school staff, school leaders and governors To contribute to the development of support materials for schools To carry out investigations involving the leadership and management of schools To assist EA and colleagues in the development of changes in school provision To respond to issues involving community planning within the area of responsibility To prepare bids for funding for projects involving shared working To work as part of a team, supporting other colleagues to deliver key strategic objectives To supervise staff and ensure the office is effectively and efficiently managed. Have a Bachelor’s Degree (Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 6). Have demonstrable experience of successful educational leadership at whole school level – e.g. Have demonstrable experience of being able to research, develop, and apply in-depth expertise in educational leadership policy. An additional relevant post-graduate qualification (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 7 or equivalent) OR a relevant professional qualification1. (Demonstrable experience of working in a Vice-Principal or Principal role within a school setting. Demonstrable experience of having played a key role in leadership support and development. The commitment and ability to promote the vision, values and ethos of the Controlled Schools’ Support Council. Established and proven leadership skills including the development and achievement of strategic, operational and financial performance objectives. Effective communication skills, including the ability to deliver training and liaise and negotiate with a diverse range of individuals and organisations. The ability to act as an effective and persuasive public spokesperson when required. A commitment to quality management and organisational improvement within a culture of client service. Ability to work flexible hours in accordance with the needs of the post. In February 2026 a Controlled Schools Unit (CSU) was launched within the Education Authority (EA). This is an interim collaborative model designed to facilitate the delivery of tangible improvements for controlled schools in the short to medium term whilst concurrently commencing preparations for a dedicated standalone body for controlled schools.