At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower communities, enhance public safety, and build relationships with residents and local groups.
- Company: Join Sunderland's Community Safety Team and make a real difference in local neighbourhoods.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 26 days annual leave, and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values your input and fosters community trust and safety.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification or experience in community engagement, excellent communication skills, and empathy.
- Other info: DBS check required; apply online only, no CVs accepted.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are looking for passionate and proactive individuals to join Sunderland’s newly established Community Safety Team as Community Engagement Officers. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape local communities, build trust with residents, and improve feelings of safety across our city.
You’ll be based within a multi-agency Community Safety Hub, working collaboratively with local people, community organisations, and partner agencies to strengthen neighbourhoods and deliver meaningful, lasting impact.
About the Role:
Working at the heart of Sunderland’s neighbourhoods, you will play a key role in empowering communities and enhancing public safety.
As a Community Engagement Officer, you will:
-Build strong, trusting relationships with residents, local groups, and stakeholders
-Promote community safety through engagement, education, and awareness campaigns
-Support individuals and groups to access services and contribute to local initiatives
-Work alongside multi-agency partners to address local concerns and priorities
– Organise and attend community events, outreach sessions, and public forums
-Respond to emerging issues affecting community wellbeing and cohesion
-Encourage residents to take an active role in shaping services and local decision-making
-Maintain accurate records and contribute to reports, evaluations, and monitoring
What We’re Looking For:
– We’re seeking confident, passionate, and community-minded individuals with:
– A relevant qualification (e.g. Community Development, Youth Work, Social Sciences) or equivalent practical experience
– Proven experience in community engagement, outreach, or development roles
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse communities
-An understanding of community safety, social inclusion, and partnership working
-Experience working in locality-based or multi-agency teams (desirable)
-The ability to manage sensitive or challenging situations with empathy and professionalism
-Confidence in organising and facilitating events, meetings, and public engagement sessions
Please note: Appointment to this post will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Why work for Sunderland City Council?
– Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), offering secure and flexible retirement benefits
– Flexible working hours through our flexi-time scheme
– You’ll receive 26 days annual leave (31 after 5 years’ continuous service), plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave through the Council’s flexible benefits scheme
– Ongoing training, professional development, and career progression opportunities
-A supportive, collaborative, and inclusive working environment where your contribution makes a difference
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Michelle Coates, Neighbourhood Enforcement Manager, by email atmichelle.coates@sunderland.gov.uk
Applications must be completed on-line at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. If you need any support, contact:jobs@sunderland.gov.uk
Please note that CVs are not acceptable.
All communication about your application for this post will be to the email address that you register with North East Jobs. This may include details of an online assessment you may need to complete and an invite to interview if you are short-listed. Please check your email inbox after the closing date for notifications as you may not be notified by any other method. Please remember to check your junk mail items.
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Community Engagement Worker employer: Sunderland City Council
Contact Detail:
Sunderland City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Sunderland's community dynamics. Understanding the local issues, demographics, and key stakeholders will help you engage effectively during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Community Engagement Workers in Sunderland. They can provide insights into the role and the challenges faced, which can be invaluable when discussing your approach to community safety and engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your past experiences in community engagement or outreach. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you've successfully built relationships or addressed community concerns, as this will showcase your relevant skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Community Safety Team's recent initiatives and projects. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to ask informed questions during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements of a Community Engagement Worker. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these aspects.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous experience in community engagement, outreach, or development roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to build relationships and promote community safety.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your interpersonal skills. Consider including examples of how you've successfully engaged diverse communities or facilitated events.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to complete your application online at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil as specified. Remember that CVs are not acceptable, so focus on crafting a strong application form that addresses all required points.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland City Council
✨Show Your Passion for Community Engagement
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for community work during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with local communities in the past and the positive impact it had.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As a Community Engagement Officer, communication is key. Prepare to discuss how you effectively communicate with diverse groups and handle sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be ready to talk about your qualifications and any relevant experience in community development or outreach roles. Use concrete examples to illustrate your skills and how they align with the job requirements.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Show your interest by preparing thoughtful questions about the Community Safety Team and their initiatives. This demonstrates your proactive nature and eagerness to contribute to Sunderland's community safety efforts.