Help to find employment

The Department provides support for Jobseekers through a network of 35 local Jobs & Benefits Offices. Support is also provided for people with disabilities through the Health and Work Support Branch and Work Psychology Services.

Advice for jobseekers

If you are a jobseeker or job changer, advice on all aspects of jobseeking is available on nidirect.

You can access current employment opportunities by visiting JobApplyNI. JobApplyNI is the Department’s dedicated website for advertising vacancies and has full, part-time and casual vacancies across a wide range of occupational areas.

If you need further information on any of the jobs advertised or you want to speak to someone you can visit your local Jobs & Benefits office / JobCentre.You can also get information about on job trends, education and training opportunities as well as translation and interpretation facilities. 

Help for young people - JobStart Scheme

For young people aged 16 to 24, unemployed and finding it hard to get a job, the JobStart Scheme offers paid job opportunities to help improve employment skills, potential to get a permanent job or to move into further education or training.

This JobStart video provides a short introduction to the JobStart Scheme from DfC Permanent Secretary Colum Boyle. Staff from the Scheme also highlight the aims, benefits and successes of the Scheme for both employers and jobseekers. A selection of young people who participated in the DfC JobStart Specialist Pathway and which have retained employment in DfC as a result of their participation on the Scheme also share their experiences.

Help for people with disabilities and health conditions

If you have a disability or your health significantly affects the kind of work you can do, a Work Coach based in your local Jobs & Benefits office can provide help.

This help is provided through the Health and Work Support Branch and Work Psychology Services. A full range of advice for people with disabilities is available on nidirect.

Latest jobs on JobApplyNI

JobApplyNI reaches a wide weekly audience, advertising current job vacancies throughout Northern Ireland, as well as vacancies in the cross border regions of the Republic of Ireland.

The site is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is currently advertising available employment opportunities.  Major recruitment opportunities are also clearly highlighted in the ‘latest news’ section of the homepage.

The benefits of registering a free account on JobApplyNI

By registering with JobApplyNI you can apply for vacancies directly to employers by uploading and sending your CV or completed application form online. You can also target your search for jobs in a specific sector or search all available vacancies.

CVs, Cover Letters & Interview Tips

For advice on writing CVs and cover letters and tips on questions you may be asked at interview, view the latest information on nidirect.  

Health and Work Support Branch (HWSB)

Health and Work Support Branch  (HWSB) provides a comprehensive package of support measures, aimed at helping people with a full range of disabilities to progress towards, move into and sustain paid employment.

Condition Management Programme (CMP) is a voluntary programme aimed at people with a health condition which may impact their ability to start or stay in work. The programme is primarily for those receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment Support Allowance and Universal Credit.

Anyone who is employed and is being supported by the Department’s in-work programmes, Workable (NI) or Access to Work (NI),  can also avail of CMP to help them remain in work, or return to work if they are on sick absence.

Work Psychology Services (WPS)

Work Psychology Services (WPS) offer advice and guidance in areas relating to work, disability and health. If you have a health condition or disability, WPS can offer an employment assessment to help identify the impact of your condition, your strengths and abilities for work or training. This will help you make decisions about appropriate job goals, the steps you need to progress into work and support needed to retain work.

Support for older workers

A new Midlife MOT digital information hub is available to help older workers with financial planning and to help them access retraining opportunities as well as ensuring they can access necessary health services they require. To access this information see Digital Midlife MOT.

Careers Service

The Careers Service provides an impartial, all-age careers information, advice and guidance service, to help young people, parents and adults make informed choices about their future career paths. Professionally qualified careers advisers are based in Careers Resource Centres and Jobs & Benefits offices throughout Northern Ireland. Careers Service information, advice and interactive careers tools are on nidirect.

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Access to information

How to request information from the Department for Communities including Freedom of Information (FOI) and the use of our Publication Scheme. You may also request your own personal information, via a Right of Access Request.

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