Programme Support Officer
Application Deadline: 3 May 2026
Department: Skills and Employment
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Sheffield Head Office
Reporting To: Pathways to Work Participant Journey and Development Manager
Compensation: £29,114 - £31,538 / year
Description
* Hours: 37 hours per week
* Contract: Permanent
* Salary: £29,114 - £31,538
* Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)
The Programme Support Officer is a key operational role within SYMCA’s Pathways to Work programme, providing high‑quality data administration and programme support across Connect to Work.
The role contributes directly to effective programme performance, compliance and reporting, and supports SYMCA’s responsibilities for contract management and system stewardship of employment support delivery across South Yorkshire.
Please note: The successful candidate will be required to undergo and pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
About the role
As a Programme Support Officer you will provide high quality data administration and programme support across the Connect to Work as part of Pathways to Work.
The role ensures accurate processing of participant information, including via the Department for Work and Pensions Provider Referral and Payment (PRaP) system and SYMCA’s internal participant management system, Enspirio.
The role supports contract management processes, and contributes to effective performance, compliance, and reporting. This is a crucial role in supporting the successful delivery of programmes which come under Pathways to Work employability support.
Key responsibilities include:
* Supporting programme and contract management through efficient processes, compliance checks and performance routines.
* Recording, collating and validating monitoring, performance and financial claim data, ensuring accurate onward reporting and the validity of payments, supporting SYMCA’s system stewardship role.
* Providing effective administrative support, including maintaining trackers, documentation, inboxes and meeting arrangements, to ensure governance processes for Pathways to Work are effective, timely and robust.
* Engaging with delivery partners to verify data, resolve queries and maintain positive working relationships.
* Supporting continuous improvement and quality assurance by contributing to process refinement and the embedding of good practice across Pathways to Work programmes.
* Assisting with provider enquiries, workshops, events and research activities, helping to inform performance understanding and data‑driven decision making.
About you
You will be organised and detail‑oriented, with experience providing administrative and data support within a programme or project environment.
You will be confident in maintaining accurate records across systems, supporting performance and compliance processes, and managing trackers, documentation, and inboxes.
You will be able to communicate clearly with internal teams and delivery partners, and take a proactive approach to resolving queries and delivering high‑quality public service.
Knowledge, experience and skills
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel
* Experience in data administration or equivalent administrative roles
* Ability to work to quality standards, targets and compliance requirements
* High attention to detail, accuracy, professionalism and discretion
* Ability to work effectively as part of a team and with a range of stakeholders
* Experience handling confidential or sensitive information
* Understanding of public sector practices, funding rules or the DWP PRaP system
Benefits
All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well‑placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.
In addition to the above, some of our benefits include:
Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro‑rata for part time colleagues.
Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.
Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.
Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi‑Scheme which allows office‑based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time‑off in the form of Flexi‑Leave or banked Annual Leave.
Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle‑to‑Work schemes.
Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on‑the‑job training and qualifications.
Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.
Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority
Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief.
All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.
Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview.
If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact recruitment@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.
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