SCHOOLS’ SUPPORT OFFICER Salary : NJC SCP 36-39: £47,181 - £50,269 pro-rata, per annum Contract : This role is part-time, permanent job share arrangement Hours : 21.6 hours per week (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) Work Style : Hybrid (subject to business needs) Location : CSSC Headquarters is at Stranmillis University College, Stranmillis Road, Belfast Closing date : Wednesday 20 May 2026 at 12 noon CSSC is a non-statutory body, funded by Department of Education and is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. SCHOOLS’ SUPPORT OFFICER Job overview : To act as link officer for a number of schools and provide support to those schools; to provide expertise in a specific area of responsibility for the controlled sector and play a key part in contributing to the educational support role of the CSSC. Responsible to : The Head of Educational Support Main Duties and Responsibilities To play a significant role in delivering the key strategic educational objectives of the CSSC To act as the link person between the CSSC and up to 110 schools To act as a critical friend to these schools to discuss outcomes and school development To provide advice and support to school leaders through regular contact with school principals and chairs of governors To provide the lead role in a specific area of CSSC’s responsibilities, such as enhancing school performance To develop and maintain an up to date management information system in an area of expertise for which the post holder is responsible To research and formulate management responses to issues within the post holder’s area of responsibility To manage the consultation process with schools on the post holder’s area of responsibility and assist in the consultation process on any other issues when required To attend all meetings as required within the post holder’s area of responsibility and act as the CSSC representative on EA’s Area Planning Local Groups To attend governors’ meetings as required to provide advice and support To assist EA, when appropriate, in the recruitment and training of assessors for the appointment of schools leaders (50 – 100 appointments per annum) To plan, manage and contribute to courses, conferences and training for school staff, school leaders and governors To contribute to the development of support materials for schools To draft responses to consultation exercises from DE, the Education Authority and other agencies To carry out investigations involving the leadership and management of schools To attend any Council or Committee meeting of the directors when required To compile and present reports to the directors To work in partnership with other education sectors including the development of proposals for shared working To assist EA and colleagues in the development of changes in school provision To respond to issues involving community planning within the area of responsibility To prepare bids for funding for projects involving shared working To work as part of a team, supporting other colleagues to deliver key strategic objectives To ensure that delegated work is managed effectively and efficiently To supervise staff and ensure the office is effectively and efficiently managed. PERSON SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL CRITERIA Applicants must, at the closing date for applications, meet the following eligibility criteria: Have a teaching qualification that enables you to register with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland (GTCNI). (Please detail the qualification held). Have a Bachelor’s Degree (Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 6). Have a minimum of 3 years’ experience of working within a team established to achieve educational results. Have demonstrable experience of successful educational leadership at whole school level – e.g. Principal, Vice Principal, Head of Key Stage, Head of year group, Head of Department, Literacy/Numeracy coordinator, SENCO etc. Have demonstrable experience of being able to research, develop, and apply in depth expertise in an area of educational policy. DESIRABLE CRITERIA In the event of a large number of applications meeting the above essential criteria the following desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed below to shortlist applications: Priority One An additional relevant post-graduate qualification (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 7 or equivalent) OR a relevant professional qualification*. (Please note this should be an additional qualification to that listed under essential criteria 1 & 2) Priority Two Demonstrable experience of working in a Vice-Principal or Principal role within a school setting. Priority Three Demonstrable experience of having played a key role in strategic planning leading to specific outcomes. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate, through any or all of the selection processes, the following knowledge and understanding, skills and attributes: The commitment and ability to promote the vision, values and ethos of the Controlled Schools’ Support Council. Established and proven leadership skills including the development and achievement of strategic, operational and financial performance objectives. An understanding of governance arrangements in the public sector in Northern Ireland. Demonstrable people skills. The ability to define a vision and to think strategically and creatively in the context of organisational leadership. Effective communication skills, including the ability to deliver training and liaise and negotiate with a diverse range of individuals and organisations. The ability to act as an effective and persuasive public spokesperson when required. A commitment to quality management and organisational improvement within a culture of client service. The ability to define key issues and balance priorities. OTHER Access to a form of transport that allows the post-holder to undertake the duties of the role. Ability to work flexible hours in accordance with the needs of the post. This will include occasional weekend work and overnight stays. In February 2026 a Controlled Schools Unit (CSU) was launched within the Education Authority (EA). This is an interim collaborative model designed to facilitate the delivery of tangible improvements for controlled schools in the short to medium term whilst concurrently commencing preparations for a dedicated stand alone body for controlled schools. CSSC is committed to continuing to work in collaboration with EA. For further information and to submit your application, click the apply icon. *A relevant qualification is a qualification related to education, or the duties or responsibilities of the role.