Community Development Officer in Newtownabbey

Community Development Officer in Newtownabbey

Newtownabbey Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead community programmes that foster collaboration and resilience in local groups.
  • Company: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, dedicated to building thriving communities.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contribution, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Join an award-winning team with opportunities for growth and impact.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in community development and strong collaboration skills.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

Overview

Community Development Officer, SO1 (SCP 25-27) £36,363 - £38,220 Subject to Job Evaluation. Plus 19% employer pension contribution. 1 x temporary (up to December 2027 pending review), 37 hours per week. Location: Mossley Mill, but may be required to work from any Council site or facility within the Borough.

Main purpose

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council\'s award-winning Community Development Team is delivering a PEACEPLUS-funded role to support Thriving and Peaceful Communities. The role aligns with the aims and objectives of the Department for Communities Community Support Plan. The PEACEPLUS programme aims to build peace and prosperity, ensuring a lasting legacy across Northern Ireland and the border counties. The team is delivering a high-impact community capacity building programme to support emerging and new community groups, develop existing groups to become active and sustainable, and nurture groups that aim to expand as service providers and social enterprises. This post will oversee delivery of interconnected programmes in partnership with internal and external departments and organisations and strengthen capacity of local groups and individuals for inclusive development, collaboration and long-term resilience, with inter-linked activities to create lasting impact across the Borough.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the delivery of interconnected programmes in partnership with internal and external departments and organisations.
  • Strengthen the capacity of local groups and individuals, supporting inclusive community development, collaboration, and long-term resilience.
  • Ensure programmes are delivered effectively and inter-linked to create a lasting impact across the Borough.

Recruitment process and notes

  • Provisional date for the next stage is to be confirmed and will include a presentation as part of the process.
  • A reserve list will be created for this post for 12 months; if the post becomes available within 12 months this will be offered to reserve candidates in order of merit.
  • Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council operates a paper-free recruitment and selection process. All communications will be sent to the email address provided during login.
  • Closing date for receipt of applications: 8 October 2025 at 12 noon. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.
  • Council is committed to appointing on merit and taking full account of equal opportunities.

Qualifications

  • Essential criteria are as set out in the post specification (no translation or modification of original criteria).
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Community Development Officer in Newtownabbey employer: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community engagement and development. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the Council provides opportunities for professional development within a dynamic team dedicated to fostering thriving and peaceful communities. Located in Mossley Mill, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that values inclusivity and long-term impact, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful change.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Contact Details:

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Community Development Officer in Newtownabbey

Get Involved Locally

Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Tap into Professional Networks

Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Showcase Your Commitment

When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Utilise Online Platforms

We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. Apply directly through us to stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Community Development Officer in Newtownabbey

Community Development
Programme Management
Partnership Building
Capacity Building
Collaboration Skills
Sustainability Planning
Impact Assessment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.

Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.

Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Community Development Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.

Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.

How to prepare for a job interview at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Show Your Passion for Social Change

When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.

Highlight Project Experience

We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.

Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices

Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!