Child Development Officer

Community Child Development Officer (Ref: E/CDO/B/326) Job details: Hours:35 hours per week Salary:£ 24,719.97 per annum Contract: Initially to October 2026 (this may be extended subject to funding) Location: Belfast/Lisburn/Newtownabbey Job Background: The Community Child Development Officer will support the delivery of community-based programmes, with a particular focus on early years and childrens services. This role involves engaging with families, facilitating child-centred activities, and working in partnership with local agencies to enhance outcomes in health, education, income, and employment. Main Duties and Responsibilities: Work alongside the Community Child Development Lead, following their leadership and guidance to ensure the effective delivery of programmes and services. Build, strengthen, and sustain relationships within communities to support identified needs, such as school readiness and after-school support. Identify service users in need, provide home visits, offer signposting, and facilitate (or assist in facilitating) targeted group sessions for children and parents. Deliver engaging, age-appropriate play and learning opportunities that support childrens development in safe and welcoming environments. Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring that planning considers childrens abilities, interests, language, and cultural backgrounds. Support parents in maximising their childrens potential, including home-based interventions where needed. Foster childrens emotional and social development by promoting positive behaviour through role modelling. Ensure facilities, resources, and equipment are well-maintained, compliant, and appropriate for childrens needs. Network with schools, churches, food banks, community groups, and other agencies to enhance service provision. Maintain accurate records, reports, and safeguarding procedures, ensuring compliance with organisational policies. Participate in training and professional development to enhance skills and effectiveness in the role. Promote Community Root Cause by participating in local events and assisting in the development of promotional materials. Essential Criteria: Minimum of QCF Level 2 Child Care qualification or equivalent (or working towards) English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above Minimum of 1 years paid / unpaid working in an early years or child development setting Experience of planning and facilitating groups Ability/commitment to work flexible hours as required (including evenings and weekends) Proficient in Microsoft Office Package The candidate must hold a full and current driving licence valid in the UK with access to a car and business insurance on appointment Desirable Criteria: Paid / unpaid experience of partnership and multi-agency / multi-disciplinary working within communities Knowledge and/or experience of Community Development Work. For more information, or a full job description/person specification, please contact the Human Resources Department Tel: or email: Application packs with full job description are downloadable fromwhere there is also the option to apply online. A satisfactory Access NI Enhanced / Standard disclosure or Garda Clearance is required prior to commencement of employment. Bryson adheres to Access NI Code of Practice available upon request. Closing date for receipt of completed applications is: Friday 10th April at 12pm…