At a Glance
- Tasks: Support rural communities in building digital skills and confidence through engaging workshops and initiatives.
- Company: Volunteer Now, a leading organisation promoting volunteering and community engagement in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive and inclusive team dedicated to making an impact in rural areas.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by empowering communities with essential digital skills and tools.
- Qualifications: Experience in community work, training delivery, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 25476 - 25476 £ per year.
Location: Newry (with travel across rural project areas; hybrid working policy in place)
Salary: £25,476 per annum
Contract: Fixed‑term until 31 March 2029
Hours: Full‑time, 35 hours per week (evening and weekend work may be required at times to fulfil the obligations of the post)
About the Organisation
Volunteer Now is an organisation that promotes, develops and supports volunteering across Northern Ireland. The organisation focuses on community engagement, digital inclusion, safeguarding, training and major events volunteering.
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and community‑focused Community Support Officer – Digital Inclusion to support rural communities in the Newry area to build digital skills, confidence and capacity. This role forms part of the Digital Communities programme, a cross‑border pilot project designed to build digital skills and capacity in rural communities. You will work directly with community groups, volunteers, SMEs and remote workers to improve access to technology, strengthen digital literacy and help communities benefit from digital tools and services.
Key Responsibilities
- Engage with rural communities, community groups, volunteers, SMEs, remote workers and local stakeholders to identify digital needs and opportunities.
- Build strong relationships with community organisations, volunteers, local authorities and service providers.
- Support communities to participate in digital inclusion initiatives and ICT‑related projects.
- Plan and deliver workshops, training sessions and community events focused on digital skills and ICT use.
- Support individuals and groups to use digital tools such as online services, communication platforms, productivity tools and social media.
- Assist communities in accessing local digital initiatives such as community hubs, digital champions and online platforms.
- Support communities to develop sustainable digital capacity, including training volunteers and local leaders.
- Disseminate user‑friendly guides, resources and learning materials.
- Promote inclusive approaches to digital engagement, particularly for older people, disadvantaged groups and those with low digital confidence.
- Contribute to project planning, monitoring and evaluation.
- Maintain records of activities, participation and outcomes.
- Prepare reports for funders and stakeholders.
- Support budget monitoring and resource management where required.
- Work collaboratively with project partners, funders and local stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities for further funding, partnerships and programme development.
About You
You will be passionate about community development and confident in supporting individuals and groups to build digital skills. You will bring:
- Experience working with communities, voluntary organisations or rural development initiatives.
- Experience delivering training, workshops or support in digital or community settings.
- Experience engaging with diverse groups, including people with limited digital skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to explain digital concepts in a clear, accessible way.
- Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good IT skills, including familiarity with common digital tools and platforms.
- An understanding of digital inclusion, rural communities or community development.
- Aware of barriers to digital access and participation.
- Willingness to travel within the project area.
- A full driving licence and access to a vehicle where applicable.
- Qualifications in community development, education, ICT, social sciences or a related field, or experience of funded programmes, partnership working, or rural policy and digital strategy is advantageous.
Benefits
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Generous annual leave, rising with service (starting at 22 days plus statutory/public holidays).
- Pension contributions of 4.5% after probation.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
- Supportive, inclusive, and values‑driven organisational culture.
Equal Opportunities
Volunteer Now is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Applications are particularly welcome from males and individuals from minority communities who meet the criteria.
Closing Date: Tuesday 5th May 2026 at 12 noon
Community Support Officer - Digital Inclusion in London employer: Happy Jobs NI
Contact Detail:
Happy Jobs NI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Support Officer - Digital Inclusion in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Before you even step into an interview, do some research on the local groups and initiatives in Newry. Understanding their digital needs will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! When you're in the hot seat, be ready to share how your experience aligns with the role. Think about specific examples where you've helped communities build digital skills or engaged with diverse groups.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! Since this role involves explaining digital concepts, be prepared to demonstrate how you can break down complex ideas into simple terms. Maybe even bring a fun example or two!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Support Officer - Digital Inclusion in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Community Support Officer – Digital Inclusion. We want to see how you can contribute to building digital skills in rural communities!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for community development shine through! Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to helping others build their digital confidence and skills. We love seeing genuine passion in applications.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your experiences and how they relate to the job. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Happy Jobs NI
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the specific rural communities you’ll be working with. Understand their digital needs and challenges. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can effectively engage with them.
✨Showcase Your Training Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience in delivering workshops or training sessions. Think of specific examples where you've successfully helped individuals or groups improve their digital skills. Highlight your ability to explain complex concepts in a simple way.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Building
This role is all about building strong relationships. Share examples of how you've engaged with community organisations, volunteers, or local authorities in the past. Emphasise your interpersonal skills and how you can foster collaboration among diverse groups.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss practical scenarios related to digital inclusion initiatives. Think about how you would plan a workshop or support a community group in using digital tools. Being able to articulate your approach will demonstrate your readiness for the role.