Community Development Worker

Job Title: Community Development Worker (ONSIDE Evolution) Salary: Band 4 -£28,138.87 Job Location: Belfast or Derry or Dungannon with travel and support provided across Northern Ireland Working Hours: F/T 35 hours per week Duration: Fixed term until March 2029 (subject to Funding) Disability Action is a dynamic and thriving charity committed to improving the lives of disabled people across Northern Ireland. We provide a wide range of services and support for and by disabled people which empower access to employment, education, advocacy and more. Ensuring we can live independently and participate fully in society. ONSIDE Evolution is a cross-border initiative that supports disabled people and carers to become more connected, confident and active within their communities. The programme aims to reduce social isolation and digital exclusion by providing: digital skills development access to technology community engagement opportunities Active Citizenship programmes peer networks and community leadership opportunities The programme works across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and will support thousands of disabled people and carers to increase their confidence, build digital skills and participate more fully in community life. The Community Development Worker will provide frontline support to disabled people participating in the ONSIDE Evolution programme, helping disabled people and carers overcome barriers to social participation, digital inclusion, and community engagement. The role will involve working directly with disabled people and carers to develop personalised participation plans, supporting them to access digital skills training, community opportunities, and local services. Community Navigators will support participants to build confidence, strengthen peer networks, and engage with local decision-making structures such as community planning groups, housing forums, and public participation networks. The role will contribute to reducing social isolation and enabling disabled people to become active citizens within their communities. Key Responsibilities The responsibilities of the Community Development Workerwill include: Participant Support and Community Navigation Provide one-to-one support to disabled people participating in the programme. Carry out holistic baseline assessments with participants including goal setting and identification of barriers to participation. Support participants to develop personalised action plans to increase social inclusion, digital confidence, and community engagement. Assist participants to access digital inclusion training, active citizenship programmes, and community activities. Provide guidance and signposting to relevant services and supports. Support participants to overcome barriers relating to access, confidence, digital skills, or social isolation. Outreach and Engagement Conduct outreach activities to engage disabled people who may benefit from the programme. Build relationships with community groups, voluntary organisations, and statutory services to promote programme participation. Support the recruitment of participants across programme areas. Promote inclusive participation and ensure programme activities are accessible. Community Development and Active Citizenship Support participants to engage in Active Citizenship programmes and community leadership opportunities. Facilitate the development of Active Citizenship and Disability Networks (ACDNs). Encourage participants to participate in community decision-making structures such as housing forums and community planning groups. Support participants to develop peer support networks and collective advocacy initiatives. Programme Delivery Support the delivery of digital inclusion training programmes and Active Citizenship courses. Assist in organising local workshops, group sessions, and community engagement activities. Work collaboratively with programme partners and delivery organisations. Support the delivery of information and awareness sessions for carers. Monitoring, Reporting and Documentation Maintain accurate records of participant engagement and programme activities. Support the collection of monitoring and evaluation data required for programme reporting. Prepare progress updates and reports for the Project Manager. Ensure compliance with programme monitoring and reporting requirements. Partnership Working Work closely with programme partners including community organisations and statutory agencies. Develop referral pathways to support participants accessing appropriate services. Participate in programme meetings, planning sessions, and partnership activities. Safeguarding and Data Protection Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures. Maintain confidentiality and secure management of participant information. Ensure compliance with GDPR and organisational data protection requirements. Essential Criteria Qualification in Community Development, Disability Studies, Social Care, or a related discipline or Minimum 2 years relevant experience in a community development, social inclusion, or support role. Experience supporting disabled people or other marginalised groups. Experience building relationships with community organisations and services. Experience supporting individuals to access training, services, or community activities. An understanding of the principles of independent living An understanding of disability rights and issues affecting disabled people including social exclusion and barriers to participation. Experience using Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and Outlook. Ability to work independently and manage tasks efficiently. Knowledge and understanding of Data Protection legislation and GDPR, and ability to apply these when handling confidential participant information. *A full driving licence and access to a car for business use *If the effects of a disability preclude an individual from holding a driving licence, please indicate how you can meet the mobility requirements of the post – i.e. the ability to travel throughout Northern Ireland, during normal working hours and on some occasions at evenings and weekends Desirable Requirements Experience working on EU funded programmes. Experience delivering digital inclusion or community engagement initiatives. Knowledge of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Experience facilitating group workshops or training sessions. Lived experience of disability Work with us What we can offer you: Enhanced Maternity packages Hybrid Working Death in Service package Cash plan In-house counselling services Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being 27 days paid holidays per year and 11 bank holidays (Based on a full-time role) Opportunities for growth in business development, project implementation, training and development and personal development plans Additional Information Disability Action is an equal opportunities employer committed to providing opportunities for all. We offer salary packages that are reflective of experience and aligned with industry standards, alongside a supportive environment that encourages professional growth. As a progressive charity, we provide our employees with opportunities to develop their skills and gain experience across a wide range of areas in a secure and thriving workplace. We are a Responsible Body for Access NI. A disclosure check will be undertaken; however, a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining this role….