Community Development Officer

Vanrath are recruiting for a Community Development Officer on behalf of a large public sector company in Lisburn on a temporary basis.

What’s in it for you?

• 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
• Temporary
• £18.85ph

About your next employer As a member of the Community Support Team the postholder will be required to:

• Focus on outreach to community / voluntary organisations to help increase capacity for development through building confidence and broadening participation throughout the Council area.
• Develop strong relationships with partner organisations and relevant stakeholders to promote outcome focused and community centred services
• Oversee the development and implementation of Community Development programmes and initiatives.
• Monitor and develop community development activity and make recommendations for continuous improvement to the service and customer experience.

What you’ll do

• Deliver community development support to the community / voluntary sector to build capacity and infrastructure in accordance with the targets, outputs and outcomes of the Council’s Community Development strategy.
• Contribute and assist with the development & implementation of relevant community development strategies and policies.
• Develop and prepare advice guides, information notes, seminars and training sessions based on local need.
• Work with both internal and external partners and develop collaborative approaches to localised community support and development.
• Monitor, measure and report on the impacts of community development interventions against the agreed standards contained within the Councils Community Support Framework.
• Facilitate groups with assistance in applying to Council and other grant programmes in order to maximise funding investment within local communities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local community / voluntary groups and encourage and support opportunities for collaborative working within and between communities.
• Work across the Community Development & Resources team to deliver joined initiatives that contribute to Community Development, Good Relations and Facilities development.
• Ensure compliance with Council policies and procedures and operate within the highest standards of management and personal behaviour, which reflect the core values and behaviours of the organisation.
• Promote equality of opportunity and access in service delivery and in the employment of staff through the mainstreaming of equality within the Council.
• Ensure the provision of high standards of customer care across the Community Development service and promote the service effectively and communicate in a way, which enhances and promotes the public image and overall reputation of the Council.
• Develop and enhance working relationships with relevant partners and stakeholders to maximise corporate and community planning outcomes and to generate innovation in service delivery.

Essential Criteria 1. Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Community Development, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field.

2. Experience

• At least 2 years’ experience in a community development role (paid or voluntary), preferably within a public sector or community/voluntary sector environment.
• Proven experience of working directly with community/voluntary groups to support capacity building and organisational development.
• Experience of partnership working with external stakeholders including statutory bodies, voluntary organisations, and community groups.
• Experience in assisting groups with funding applications or accessing grant aid.
• Experience of preparing reports, briefing documents or evaluations.

3. Knowledge

• A sound understanding of community development principles and practice.
• Knowledge of local government structures, policy frameworks, and the role of councils in community planning.
• Familiarity with funding streams relevant to community and voluntary groups.
• Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion in service delivery.

4. Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills with the ability to engage and motivate diverse community groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop and deliver training or information sessions.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Competent IT skills including use of Microsoft Office applications and community engagement tools.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate community interventions and report on outcomes effectively.

5. Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated, proactive, and committed to community empowerment and capacity building.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible and adaptable in approach, with a willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and good relations.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism and commitment to the Council’s values and behaviours.

Desirable Criteria

• Postgraduate qualification in Community Development or related discipline.
• Experience of working within a local authority or statutory body.
• Experience of designing or implementing community development policies or strategies.
• Experience in conflict resolution, mediation or good relations initiatives.
• Familiarity with monitoring frameworks such as outcomes-based accountability or similar.

Other Requirements

• Must hold a current full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle, or have access to a mode of transport that will enable the postholder to meet the requirements of the job in full.

IND04

To apply today contact Leanne Garrett in the strictest confidence.

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