About NOW Group
NOW Group are an award-winning social enterprise who delivers services across Northern Ireland supporting people with learning difficulties, autism and neurodiverse conditions into jobs with a future.
We are passionate about changing lives and our priority is on outcomes and impact for individuals, their families and communities who are the most disadvantaged. We support participants to have better health, a better education and a brighter future. Our services are continually evolving as a result of co-design, participant feedback and project learning.
The Role
As Community Support Officer you will provide direct support to participants on NOW Group’s Community Opportunities programme by delivering a programme of daily activities to increase independent living and social skills. The post holder will work closely with other departments including our Employment and Training Services to encourage and support participants on their journey of progression from community services.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide person-centered support to participants on the NOW Connects programme.
- Support participants within classroom and outdoor venues.
- Encourage individuals to engage in opportunities and build independence skills.
- Promote Volunteer opportunities for group members.
- Build on existing external networks/relations and develop new ones to increase range of activities and networks available to participants.
- Route train participants to increase independence skills.
- Work effectively with NOW Group Services to provide a full range of support, optimizing positive progression for participants.
- Ensure organisational, team and individual annual KPIs are met.
- Ensure accurate record keeping of participant attendance, retention and progression in compliance with organisational data protection and confidentiality policy.
- 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 employees. Benefits include:
- Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave plus 12 statutory days (pro-rata).
- Health Cash Plan: Available after successful probation.
- Wellbeing Support: Access to confidential counselling and financial advisory services.
- Pension Scheme: 5% employer contribution.
- Flexible Work Initiatives: Including the Bike-to-Work scheme, holiday purchase options, and more.
Our Values:
We are looking for candidates who align with NOW Group’s values, demonstrating flexibility, dedication, and a commitment to empowering participants. Successful candidates will exhibit a passion for social change and the ability to work collaboratively with participants, stakeholders, and colleagues.
About The Role
Additional Information
- Employment is subject to a Garda Vetting Bureau 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.
Required Criteria
- Minimum one years' experience of supporting people with intellectual disabilities within a group environment.
- Educated to Leaving Certificate level or above.
- Experience of engaging with volunteers.
- Ability to demonstrate administrative skills with good record keeping.
- Proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite.
- Clear understanding and articulation of the barriers faced by people with intellectual disabilities or autism.
Desired Criteria
- Certified Qualification (ideally to degree level) in a relevant discipline e.g. Community Work or Youth Work
- Proven track record of securing employment for people with barriers to learning.
Skills Needed
About The Company
At the heart of the NOW Group’s mission is its commitment to empowering individuals to gain skills and access meaningful employment. It achieves this through tailored employment academies, which provide participants with industry-specific training and work placements, and through their social enterprise businesses Loaf Catering and Cafes and Loaf Pottery.
One of the best-known contributions from the NOW Group is the JAM (“Just A Minute”) Card® - a tool that allows people with invisible disabilities to discreetly ask for patience in everyday interactions. It’s a very successful initiative with over 182,500 users and 3, 000 global organisations regarded as being JAM Card Friendly.
The NOW Group’s impact is driven by innovation, dedication, and an unwavering focus on changing lives for the better.
Company Culture
At NOW Group, our culture is what sets us apart. It’s built on collaboration, compassion, and a shared belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Across our integrated team — from Training and Employment to Family Service, JAM Card, Loaf Cafés, Catering and Pottery, Social Groups, and vital support services like HR, Communications, Finance and Compliance — we are united by one purpose: to support people with learning difficulties, neurodiverse conditions, ADHD and autism into sustainable employment.
We don’t just work side by side — we work together. Each department brings its own strengths, but our true power lies in our ability to collaborate across teams. Our participants come from all walks of life, and it’s our culture of teamwork, flexibility, and deep empathy that allows us to meet their varied needs with real impact.
In 2024/2025 alone, our culture of care and commitment helped place nearly 400 people into meaningful, sustainable employment across Ireland and supported 2,168 individuals to achieve 1,824 qualifications. These aren’t just statistics — each number represents a life transformed, a family supported, and a community benefitted.
What truly defines our team is heart. We care deeply — not just about the work, but about the people behind it. Our team members show up every day with passion and purpose, knowing that their efforts are making a lasting difference. They don’t see targets — they see individuals, and the ripple effect that a single opportunity can have.
Company Benefits
Benefits at NOW Group
NOW Group is dedicated to the wellbeing and growth of our employees, offering a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both personal and professional needs. We provide 25 days of annual leave plus 12 statutory days (pro-rata), allowing ample time for rest and rejuvenation.
We prioritize health and wellness through a Health Cash Plan, which becomes available upon successful completion of the probationary period, and confidential staff counseling and financial advisory services, ensuring support for your physical, mental, and financial health.
To help plan for the future, we offer a Stakeholder Pension Scheme with a generous 5% employer contribution. Employees can also take advantage of our Bike to Work scheme and holiday purchase options, promoting flexibility and convenience.
Our flexible working initiatives, including a hybrid working model, and various wellbeing programs, reflect our commitment to fostering a positive and adaptable work environment for all team members.
Vacation, Paid time off, Gym membership or wellness programs, Cycle to work, Competitive salary, Long service recognition, Hybrid Working, On the job learning, Progression opportunities
Salary
€34,000.00 per year
