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Job description

Background: CALMS, an acronym for Community Action for Locally Managing Stress, was formed in Derry/Londonderry towards the end of 1994. It is a Company Limited by Guarantee and has achieved charitable status. CALMS’s focus is holistic and centres on helping individuals and organisations recognise, reduce and manage stress. Accordingly, it concentrates on services, programmes, activities and approaches that are educative, preventative and rehabilitative in nature. The objects of the charity are the preservation and protection of the health of the people in the North West of Ireland who suffer from stress generally, as well as those affected directly or indirectly by violence and to advance the education of the public in and about the causes of stress and its management within the community. Purpose of the Role: CALMS’s Social Support Coordinator will play a key role in designing, delivering, and overseeing community-based support services that promote social inclusion, wellbeing, and resilience. You will coordinate regular coffee mornings, peer support groups, social activities, informative health and well-being talks and workshops, arts and crafts courses and activities, trips and outreach initiatives that help individuals build confidence, reduce isolation, and connect with others. You will also have responsibility for the admin and organisation of CALMS’s regular and on-going activities and groups, such as our vibrant choir (Thyme 2 Sing).

Responsibilities

• To reinstate CALMS vibrant user forum to ensure clients are responsible for their own collective social support activity development and selection
• To develop projects and activities that value the skills and contribution of our volunteers, including days recognising volunteers
• To promote pathways to employment and training for volunteers and clients
• Develop and coordinate a calendar of social support activities, workshops, and peer-led groups
• Provide one-to-one support and signposting to service users, helping them access appropriate services
• Work collaboratively with mental health professionals, volunteers, and community partners
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and peer mentors
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of social support programmes, collecting feedback and reporting outcomes
• Maintain accurate records and ensure safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection standards are upheld
• Advocate for service users and contribute to service development based on lived experience and feedback
• Create individual and group activity plans that are based on the unique goals, interests, and preferences of the people being supported
• Foster community spirit through group activities and help residents maintain and develop new hobbies and interests
• Arrange transportation, book external facilitators, and manage budgets for activities.
• Apply safety knowledge to create rules and minimise risks during activities, ensuring the wellbeing of participants
• Keep records of daily activities, gather feedback, and provide reports on the success of programs.
• Plan and facilitate a diverse range of activities including arts and crafts, music, mindfulness, fitness, and social events
• Collaborate with service users to co-design programmes that reflect their interests and needs
• Promote participation and encourage confidence-building through group and individual engagement
• Liaise with external facilitators, community partners, and volunteers to enrich the activity offering
• Monitor attendance, gather feedback, and evaluate the impact of activities on wellbeing
• Ensure all sessions are delivered in line with safeguarding, health & safety, and equality policies
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service reports and funding evaluations
• Support awareness and fundraising events as needed.
• To engage in CALMS team meetings and attend regular line management

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• 5 GCSEs to include English and Maths
• IT proficiency, e.g. Microsoft Office
• Third Level or equivalent qualification in relevant discipline (e.g. psychology, community development etc.)
• Must have 3 or more years' experience in a community development role.
• Must have experience in managing a team of volunteers
• Understanding of Victims’ / Survivors’ issues
• Strong working knowledge of IT systems and skilled in Microsoft Excel and database
• Understand the importance of record keeping and confidentiality
• Ability to complete reports in a neat and timely manner
• Excellent communication skills
• An understanding of and commitment to multi-disciplinary working
• Excellent organisational and planning skills
• High attention to detail
• Understanding of health and safety issues
• Understanding of community development and volunteering
• An understanding of and commitment to policy and procedure
• Commitment to continuous professional development
• Must be able to work as part of a team
• Must be able to work independently and to your own initiative to strict deadlines
• Flexible, proactive and able to work under pressure
• Ability to apply discretion in sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality at all times.

Desirable Skills

• Experience of working with Victims and Survivors
• Experience of working in the community and voluntary sectors
• Experience of managing a busy office
• Experience of multicultural diversity and associated issues.

Further Information

Location: CALMS - 8 Crawford Square, Derry BT48 7HR. Application to be submitted by email to chair@calmsstresscentre.org  before the deadline Friday 20th March 2026 at 12noon. 2 references will be contacted upon successful interview and must agree to Access NI check. Please note: We will not accept applications received after the closing deadline.