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Job description

Autism Connect delivers a range of social and peer-led supports for autistic adults across the Newry & Mourne and ABC areas. This includes four established social hubs in Newry, Banbridge and Craigavon, alongside additional activities such as a walking group, silent reading sessions, coffee mornings, and a creative collective. Each hub has its own identity, shaped by the needs and preferences of its members. Central to all of our work is a commitment to peer support, shared learning, and creating spaces that autistic adults can genuinely identify with. We are seeking a motivated and compassionate individual to support the continued growth and development of these services. The Social Hub Co-ordinator will play a key role in supporting hub leaders, coordinating referrals and onboarding of new members, and ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery and monitoring across all hubs. This role will primarily involve evening work to align with hub delivery. Some flexibility will be required to respond to the needs of the service. Hybrid working is possible for administrative tasks; however, regular in-person presence across hubs is essential. If you are passionate about supporting autistic adults, believe in the value of peer connection, and want to be part of a growing, community-led programme, we would welcome your application.

Responsibilities

• Social Hub Co-ordination.
• Programme Delivery & Development.
• Referrals & Engagement.
• Monitoring, Safeguarding & Quality Assurance.
• Co-ordination of social hub staff and volunteers.
• Support the coordination and ongoing development of the social hubs, particularly in relation to activity planning and responsiveness to member interests.
• Provide guidance and support to sessional staff and volunteers.
• Contribute to the development and expansion of social hub provision across the Newry and Mourne and ABC area.
• Regularly attend hubs to build relationships, maintain oversight, and provide cover where required.
• Programme Delivery & Development.
• Support the planning and delivery of a varied programme of activities across hubs.
• Ensure activities reflect the interests, strengths, and support preferences of autistic adults.
• Promote peer connection, shared learning, and opportunities for informal support within all sessions.
• Coordinate referrals, initial engagement, and onboarding of new members.
• Act as a point of contact for external agencies, partners, and self-referrals.
• Support individuals to access hubs in a way that feels appropriate and accessible to them.
• Monitoring, Safeguarding & Quality Assurance.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date monitoring and reporting records.
• Work alongside the Practice & Development Lead to ensure all activities are appropriately risk assessed.
• Identify and communicate any concerns, including staff or volunteer training needs.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Experience (paid, voluntary, or lived) in social care, community work, or working alongside autistic people.
• Experience or confidence in managing a small team.
• Confidence in facilitating small groups or community-based activities.
• Ability to demonstrate organisational skills, including the ability to support activity planning and maintain accurate records.
• Confident in the use of Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
• Ability to demonstrate working independently and as part of a small team.
• Awareness of professional boundaries and a willingness to follow safeguarding guidance.
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, a neurodiversity-affirming approach.
• Access NI will be required.
• Adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
• Take appropriate action in response to safeguarding concerns, ensuring clear and timely recording and reporting.

Desirable Skills

• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle (travel between hubs is required)
• Willingness to work evenings in line with hub delivery.
• Flexibility to respond to occasional incidents or safeguarding concerns outside of core hours.

Further Information

Salary: £26,066.31 per annum (pro-rata) Additional Information This role will primarily involve evening work to align with hub delivery. Some flexibility will be required to respond to the needs of the service. Hybrid working is possible for administrative tasks; however, regular in-person presence across hubs is essential. If you are passionate about supporting autistic adults, believe in the value of peer connection, and want to be part of a growing, community-led programme, we would welcome your application. About Bolster Community Bolster Community is a practical, hands-on charity working alongside individuals, families and communities to help them get through and get ahead. Since 2004, we’ve supported people facing life’s challenges, from early years through to later years through our Family, Ability and Seniors services and our social enterprises, Acorn and Bolster Training. We are committed to delivering inclusive, impactful and creative solutions that strengthen people and communities across the Newry, Mourne and Down area and beyond. To apply for this role please email completed application forms to allison@bolstercommunity.org by 12pm Noon on Friday 15 May