Skills Support Officer

About NOW Group

NOW Group is an award-winning social enterprise operating across Belfast and Dublin.

We support people who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have a learning disability to build skills and progress into sustainable, future-focused employment through tailored training programmes, inclusive job opportunities, and community-based support.

The Role

As a Skills Support Officer within the Skills for Life and Work team, you will provide tailored classroom-based support to participants with additional needs, ensuring full engagement in learning and personal development.

You will implement required adjustments, deliver practical and pastoral support, and monitor progress through accurate record-keeping.

You will work collaboratively with internal teams to meet support requirements and address barriers to learning through an individualised Personal Training Plan.

You will coordinate suitable work placements, liaise with employers to resolve issues, and provide job coaching or additional support to maximise participants’ learning and development during work-related activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide person-centered support to participants on the Skills for Life and Work programme.
• Support participants within classroom and external venues including work placements.
• Encourage individuals to engage in opportunities and build independence skills.
• Promote volunteer opportunities for group members.
• Build external networks and develop new ones to increase placement opportunities for participants.
• Route train participants to increase independence skills.
• Work effectively with NOW Group Services to provide a full range of support, optimising positive progression for participants.
• Ensure organisational, team and individual annual KPIs are met.
• Maintain accurate records of participant attendance, retention and progression in compliance with data protection and confidentiality policy.
• Comply fully with NOW Group's Organisational Approach to Safeguarding.

What We Offer

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.

• Required Criteria
• A full current driving licence and access to a car. Consideration will be given to alternative travelling proposals for applicants with a disability who cannot hold a licence.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable - hours are flexible and may involve evening and weekend work as required.
• Minimum level 2 qualification in English and Maths.
• Minimum of one year’s paid experience of working with either: participants with learning disabilities/difficulties; assisting young people in training; or liaising with employers.
• Minimum of one year’s paid experience in building local networks and seeking placements.
• Proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent communication skills and public speaking/presentation skills.
• Desired Criteria
• Previous experience of working on Skills for Life and Work Programme or similar government contracts.
• Proven track record of securing employment or work placements for people with barriers to learning.

About The Company

The NOW Group focuses on empowering individuals to gain skills and access meaningful employment through tailored employment academies, and through our social enterprises Loaf Catering and Cafes and Loaf Pottery.

We value collaboration, compassion, and opportunities for everyone to thrive.

Our culture emphasizes teamwork, flexibility, and empathy to meet diverse participant needs.

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