Role: Project Support Assistant
Reports to: Head of Services
Responsible to: Interim CEO
Base: Unit 1, Whitegates Enterprise Park, Killeavy Road, Newry, BT35 6UA
Hours: 30 hours per week
Fixed term contract for 12 calendar months
Salary: £25,528 FTE (37.5 hours), pro rata to £20,422 for 30 hours per week
Benefits:
- Pension: 6% employer contribution (subject to conditions)
- Annual Leave: 25 days per annum + Statutory Holidays (pro-rata for part-time posts)
- Health Care: Axa Business Care (subject to conditions)
To apply for this role please email completed application forms to [email protected] by 12pm Noon on Monday 22 June 2026
Application forms can be downloaded at Community NI using the following link:
https://www.communityni.org/job/project-support-assistant-2
The Project Support Assistant (PSA) will provide administrative, planning, facilitation, and evaluation support to teams across Bolster Community. The role will involve contributing to a wide range of services, including children and young people’s programmes, mixed-ability groups, and services for older people.
Duties will vary according to the needs of individual projects and may include, but are not limited to:
- Supporting the preparation and delivery of activities, including supervising play and assisting with arts and crafts
- Assisting with the organisation of sessions, including setting up and clearing away activity spaces
- Shopping for and preparing light meals or refreshments as required
- Accompanying staff and participants on outings and day trips
- Booking venues and coordinating logistics for programme delivery
- Organising catering and resources to support activities
- Reception cover, recording and reporting of key programme stats
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
This is a multi-site role requiring a high level of IT proficiency and the ability to work flexibly across different roles and locations. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Administrative Duties – Training and Development Team
- Support the Training Support Team with the registration, coordination, and reporting of training programmes.
- Respond to telephone and in-person enquiries relating to programmes and group activities, including taking messages, directing queries appropriately, and providing accurate information.
- Maintain and retrieve information using a range of systems, including databases, spreadsheets, and manual filing systems, ensuring records are accurate and up to date.
- Assist in the preparation of reports and statistical information as required, including undertaking research using internal systems, online resources, and other relevant sources.
Programme and Facilitation Duties
- Support Programme Leads in the planning and delivery of group activities, including (but not limited to) summer schemes, after-school clubs, older people’s groups, and social kitchen initiatives.
- Represent the organisation at external promotional events as required, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of Bolster Community.
- Demonstrate a calm, professional, and approachable manner in all interactions with clients, service users, and colleagues.
- Develop an understanding of the wider team’s roles and responsibilities and provide support across functions as required.
- Participate actively in team and staff meetings, contributing to information sharing and service improvement.
- Maintain clear, timely, and effective communication within and across teams to ensure a high standard of service delivery.
- Engage in ongoing training and professional development, and contribute to the continuous improvement of services, systems, and processes.
This Job description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and may be reviewed depending upon operational requirements and staffing needs.
Personnel Specification
Essential Criteria
- A minimum of a QCF Level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant area such as administration, childcare, youth work, community development, or similar
- Demonstrable IT competence, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and use of databases
- Relevant experience (paid, voluntary, or placement) of supporting activities or programmes for children, young people, mixed-ability groups, or older people
- Carrying out basic administrative tasks, including record keeping and use of IT systems
- An understanding of the needs of diverse groups, including children, young people, mixed-ability individuals, and older people
- Basic knowledge of safeguarding principles and good practice when working with vulnerable individuals
- Awareness of confidentiality, data protection, and the importance of maintaining professional boundaries
- Knowledge of basic health and safety requirements within a community or programme delivery setting
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Good organisational skills and ability to manage varied tasks
- Flexible approach to working across sites and programmes
- Competent IT skills (e.g. Microsoft Office, databases)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Professional, approachable, and positive manner
- Enhanced AccessNI
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work‑related travel.
- Flexibility to work evenings or weekends when required.
Desirable Criteria
- A degree (or currently working towards) in Psychology or a related discipline (e.g. Social Sciences, Youth Work, Community Development, or similar)
- Engaging with the public or service users in a professional and approachable manner
- Experience contributing to the delivery of group activities or events (e.g. clubs, workshops, community programmes)
- Understanding of inclusive practice and supporting participation for individuals with differing needs and abilities
- Understanding of trauma-informed or person-centred approaches
- Confidence supporting group activities
- Willingness to learn and develop
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £20,422.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
