About NOW Group NOW Group are an award-winning social enterprise who deliver services across the island of Ireland supporting people with learning difficulties, autism and neurodiverse conditions into jobs with a future. We are passionate about changing lives and our focus 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 NOW Connects Coordinator you will be responsible for the management of the NOW Connects programme which supports individuals with learning disabilities and autism to gain valuable life skills and progress towards employment. You will develop and maintain key relationships with existing stakeholders to generate referrals to the programme, including social workers, schools, colleges and other Community organisations. You will also lead and manage the NOW Connects Team, while working closely with other services to ensure outcomes are met. Key Responsibilities Manage the NOW Connects programme and team to ensure the service is planned and implemented to fulfill NOW Group strategic and operational plans alongside the needs and aspirations of key stakeholders. Have oversight of the induction of new and existing participants, including initial and formative assessments and the co-creation of Outcome Stars and Action Plans. Engage in meaningful dialogue with service users and families to ensure that the participants have a role in shaping service delivery, maintain high quality of session delivery and development of skills. Develop and implement a referral strategy for the programme, building links with teams across Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Education Authority, Schools, Parent Networks and other key referral agencies. Manage a team of Community Outreach Officers to develop a progression pathway for NOW Connects participants to engage in pre-employment support and work placements, liaising with Employment and Training team to support participants to transition into our other services based on participant needs and aspirations. Proactively identify risks in relation to participant safety and carry out general and individual risk assessments as appropriate, ensuring risk management procedures are followed. Complete monthly monitoring reports for BHSCT, ensuring accurate record keeping of participant attendance, retention and progression in compliance with organisational data protection and confidentiality policy. Undertake regular quality audits across the NOW Connects programme to ensure compliance with organisational and funder guidelines. Promote the NOW Group brand and tell our story through social media engagement, attending events, use of marketing materials and other key communication tools. Contribute to the achievement of organisational Scorecard targets and strategic objectives. Comply fully with NOW Group’s ‘Organisational Approach to Safeguarding. Undertake any training deemed necessary and carry out any other duties as deemed appropriate to the post by Senior Management. 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 Groups 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 an Enhanced AccessNI 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. Required Criteria 1. A full current driving license and access to a car. Consideration will be given to alternative travelling. proposals in respect of applicants with a disability who cannot hold a license. 2. Ability to be flexible and adaptable. 3. GCSE in English and Mathematics 4. Minimum of 2 years paid experience of supporting participants with learning disabilities/difficulties or autism with a Community setting. 5. Minimum one years paid experience in managing either projects, staff or contracts. 6. Experience of producing internal or external monitoring reports. 7. Experience of building a network of key stakeholders 8. Excellent level of IT including social media skills, communication skills and presentation skills. Desired Criteria 1. Community Qualification (Level 3 or equivalent) 2. Experience of supporting people with barriers to learning within an employability programme Skills Needed About The Company At the heart of the NOW Groups 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. Its a very successful initiative with over 182,500 users and 3, 000 global organisations regarded as being JAM Card Friendly. The NOW Groups 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. Its 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 intosustainable employment. We dont 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 its 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 arent 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 dont 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 £31,500.00 per year Benefits: Vacation, Paid time off Gym membership or wellness programs Cycle to work Competitive salary Long service recognition Hybrid Working