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- Tasks: Lead community projects, support families, and promote nature access for all.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to enhancing community wellbeing through nature.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, generous leave, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow your skills and impact in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while connecting them with nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in community development and a passion for outdoor activities.
The predicted salary is between 30833 - 30833 £ per year.
We're looking for an experienced community development worker to lead a portfolio of projects and support the wider Lost Woods team. Using an asset-based community development (ABCD) approach, you'll work with adults, children, young people and families — particularly those facing barriers to accessing nature.
Your lead projects will include:
- Woods on Prescription and sustainable community woodland wellbeing activities
- Five Ways to Family Wellbeing – building confidence to take children and YP into woodlands
- Networking for underserved groups engaging with woodland and nature
- Evaluating and legacy-planning for all lead projects by November 2027
Alongside the team, you'll:
- Engage communities, map needs and help overcome barriers to participation
- Support volunteer groups to develop their own sustainable woodland activities
- Work with landowners, local authorities and partners to improve woodland access
- Deliver training, events and networking for stakeholders
- Report accurately on outcomes and maintain GDPR-compliant records
- Represent AirS at events and through social media
- Contribute to fundraising for Lost Woods and future AirS projects
About You
Essential:
- Experience of community development, including asset-based approaches and mentoring community groups
- Experience delivering nature-based, outdoor or conservation activities across a range of ages and abilities
- Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, including those with vulnerabilities or complex support needs
- Experience on multi-organisation partnership programmes
- Confident collecting, monitoring and evaluating data and writing funder reports
- Knowledge of ABCD and an understanding of barriers to community involvement, particularly in rural areas
- Strong interpersonal skills — able to influence and motivate volunteers, communities and stakeholders at all levels
- Good organisational skills and experience meeting monitoring and reporting requirements
- Qualified to GCSE level or equivalent; Forest School (level 2/3), Eco Psychology, Nature Connection or Counselling training also considered
- Current driving licence and use of own vehicle
- Outdoor First Aid trained, or willing to be — you'll lead risk assessments for woodland activities
Desirable:
- Accredited qualification or significant experience in community development or community organising
- Knowledge of rural Sussex, relevant statutory services and local conservation organisations
- Experience of line management or team leadership
- Coaching, mentoring or training facilitation skills
- Experience using social media to promote projects
Location: Lost Woods programme area (West, Mid & East Sussex) with home working
Hours: 21 hours per week (some evenings/weekends – TOIL given)
Salary: £30,833 pro rata
Contract: Fixed term – programme ends November 2027
Annual leave: 28 days pro rata | Pension: 5% employer contribution
AirS is committed to equality of opportunity. This post is subject to a DBS check.
Lost Woods Senior Community Development Worker in Lewes employer: Action in rural Sussex
Contact Detail:
Action in rural Sussex Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lost Woods Senior Community Development Worker in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Before your interview, spend some time researching Lost Woods and the local area. Understanding the needs and barriers faced by the community will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to make a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips about the role and the team culture, which can give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! Prepare specific examples of how you've used asset-based community development in your past roles. Be ready to discuss how you've engaged diverse groups and tackled barriers to participation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your enthusiasm for the role and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lost Woods Senior Community Development Worker in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community Development: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community development shine through! Share specific examples of how you've engaged with diverse groups and tackled barriers to participation. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in the community.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your experience with asset-based community development and any nature-based activities you've led. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their skills in mentoring and supporting community groups, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see how you meet the role's requirements.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Lost Woods.
How to prepare for a job interview at Action in rural Sussex
✨Know Your ABCD
Make sure you understand the asset-based community development (ABCD) approach inside out. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in your previous roles, especially when working with diverse groups. Share specific examples of how you've helped communities overcome barriers to participation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your experience delivering nature-based activities and how you've engaged with various age groups. Highlight any projects where you've worked with vulnerable populations or complex support needs, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Data Matters
Since the role involves collecting and evaluating data, be prepared to discuss your experience in this area. Bring examples of reports you've written or data you've collected that demonstrate your ability to monitor outcomes effectively. This shows you're not just about the hands-on work but also the analytical side.
✨Engagement is Key
Think about how you've successfully engaged communities in the past. Be ready to share strategies you've used to motivate volunteers and stakeholders. Also, consider how you can leverage social media to promote projects, as this is a valuable skill for the role.