Role: Community Services Development Lead (Older People)
Reports to: Head of Services
Responsible to: Interim CEO
Base: Bolster Community, Unit 1 Whitegates Enterprise Park, Killeavy Road, Newry, BT35 6UA
Hours: 30 hours per week
Fixed Term for 24 months
Salary: £31,828.93 FTE (pro rata to £25,463.14 per annum for 30 hours per week)
Benefits:
- Pension: 6% employer contribution (subject to conditions)
- Annual Leave: 25 days per annum + 11 statutory holidays (pro-rata)
- Health Care: Axa Business Care (subject to conditions)
To apply for this role please email completed application forms to victoria@bolstercommunity.org by 12pm Noon on Thursday 13 August 2026
Application forms can be downloaded at Community NI using the following link:
https://www.communityni.org/job/community-services-development-lead-older-people
Who We're Looking For:
Bolster Community is seeking an ambitious and motivated Community Services Development Lead to establish and develop an innovative model of community support for older people across Newry, Mourne and South Armagh.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new approach to early intervention, helping older people remain independent, connected and well within their own communities. Working alongside older people, statutory partners, community organisations and local volunteers, the postholder will identify gaps in existing services, strengthen partnership working, improve referral pathways and develop practical, sustainable responses to emerging community need.
This is not a service delivery role alone. It is a role for someone who enjoys building relationships, influencing change and creating new opportunities that improve outcomes for older people.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Service Development
- Lead the development and implementation of the Not Done Yet – Staying Connected project.
- Identify gaps in existing services and develop practical responses to improve support for older people.
- Design, test and evaluate innovative approaches that promote independence, wellbeing and social connection.
- Explore opportunities to develop sustainable community and social enterprise initiatives that respond to identified needs.
Partnership Development
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with statutory, health, voluntary, faith and community organisations.
- Build effective referral pathways that improve access to services and reduce duplication.
- Facilitate partnership meetings and encourage collaborative approaches to supporting older people.
- Act as a key link between organisations to improve communication and joint working.
Community Engagement
- Build trusted relationships with older people, carers and local communities.
- Lead consultation, listening events and community engagement activities.
- Ensure older people's voices influence future service development.
- Promote awareness of available services and encourage earlier access to support.
Navigation and Case Coordination
- Act as a trusted point of contact for older people, families and professionals.
- Receive referrals and undertake strengths-based assessments.
- Coordinate appropriate support and monitor progress.
- Advocate where appropriate to ensure older people receive timely access to services.
Project Management
- Develop and monitor project plans, milestones and outcomes.
- Maintain accurate records and project data.
- Monitor performance against agreed outputs and outcomes.
- Prepare reports for management, funders and partners.
- Contribute to future funding opportunities by evidencing impact and identifying future development opportunities.
Professional Practice
- Work within safeguarding, GDPR, confidentiality and organisational policies.
- Maintain high professional standards at all times.
- Represent Bolster Community positively across all sectors.
- Contribute to the wider development of Bolster Community.
Personnel Specification
Essential Criteria
- Degree (Level 6 or above) in Community Development, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Public Health, Health & Social Care, Social Policy or another relevant discipline
OR
- Significant professional experience demonstrating equivalent knowledge and capability in community development, partnership working or service development.
- Minimum of five years' experience in community development, health improvement, social care, partnership working or service development.
- Experience of developing or improving services in response to identified community need.
- Experience of building and maintaining effective partnerships across multiple organisations.
- Experience of coordinating complex pieces of work and managing competing priorities.
- Experience of engaging directly with individuals, communities and professionals.
- Experience of monitoring outcomes and preparing reports for funders or senior management.
- Good understanding of the health, social care and voluntary sector landscape within Northern Ireland.
- Understanding of early intervention and preventative approaches.
- Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities.
- Understanding of co-production and community engagement principles.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to influence and build credibility across organisations.
- Ability to analyse information, identify gaps and develop practical solutions.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Ability to work independently while recognising when collaboration is required.
- Excellent IT and report-writing skills.
- Full driving licence and access to transport.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working with older people or carers.
- Experience of service design, innovation or social enterprise development.
- Experience of facilitating multi-agency partnerships.
- Knowledge of community navigation or social prescribing models.
- Experience of securing funding or contributing to funding applications.