Skills Support Officer
Skills Support Officer
About NOW Group
NOW Group is an award-winning social enterprise operating across Belfast and Dublin. We are committed to working with individuals and businesses to unlock potential and create meaningful, lasting change across the island of Ireland.
Our work focuses on supporting people who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have a learning disability, helping them to build skills and progress into sustainable, future-focused employment. Through tailored training programmes, inclusive job opportunities, and community-based support, we empower individuals to achieve their goals and thrive in the workplace.
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. Your responsibilities include implementing required adjustments, delivering practical and pastoral support, and monitoring progress through accurate record-keeping. Working collaboratively with internal teams, you will ensure all support requirements are met and that barriers to learning are identified and addressed through a robust, individualised Personal Training Plan. You will also 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
1. Provide person-centered support to participants on the Skills for Life and Work programme.
2. Support participants within classroom and external venues including work placements.
3. Encourage individuals to engage in opportunities and build independence skills.
4. Promote Volunteer opportunities for group members.
5. Build on existing external networks/relations and develop new ones to increase placement opportunities for our participants.
6. Route train participants to increase independence skills.
7. Work effectively with NOW Group Services to provide a full range of support, optimising positive progression for participants.
8. Ensure organisational, team and individual annual KPIs are met.
9. Ensure accurate record keeping of participant attendance, retention and progression in compliance with organisational data protection and confidentiality policy.
10. Comply fully with NOW Group's 'Organisational Approach to Safeguarding.
This job description is not definitive and may be subject to review as the duties and responsibilities determine
What We Offer
At NOW Group, we value and invest in our team. As part of our organisation, you’ll benefit from:
Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave plus 12 statutory days (pro-rata).
Health Cash Plan: Available after successful probation.
Wellbeing Support: Confidential staff counselling and financial advisory services.
Pension Scheme: 5% employer contribution.
Flexible Work Initiatives: Including the Bike-to-Work scheme, holiday purchase options, and more.
About this role
Additional Information
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.
Join us at NOW Group and make a real difference in the lives of individuals with learning difficulties and autism. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future.
What you will need
Required criteria
- 1. A full current driving licence and access to a car. Consideration will be given to alternative travelling proposals in respect of applicants with a disability who cannot hold a licence.
- 2. Ability to be flexible and adaptable - hours are flexible and may involve evening and weekend work as required.
- 3. Minimum level 2 qualification in English and Maths.
- 4. Minimum of one year’s paid experience of working with either: o Participants with learning disabilities/difficulties o Experience assisting young people in training o Experience of liaising with employers
- 5. Minimum of one year’s paid experience in building local networks and seeking placements
- 6. Proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite.
- 7. Excellent communication skills and public speaking/presentation skills.
Desired criteria
- 1. Previous experience of working on Skills for Life and Work Programme or similar government contracts
- 2. Proven track record of securing employment or work placements for people with barriers to learning.
