At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower communities and tackle inequality through innovative, community-led projects.
- Company: Bristol City Council, dedicated to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Supportive team environment, ongoing professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a city-wide remit and a focus on long-term resilience.
- Why this job: Shape meaningful change in substance use services and improve representation for diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Experience or understanding of recovery, strong commitment to equity, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Full Time, Fixed Term until 31st March 2028 funded through the Public Health Substance Use Team. Are you passionate about empowering communities and tackling inequality? Do you have experience or understanding of recovery from drug or alcohol use, and want to create meaningful change across Bristol, improving representation of diverse communities within substance use services? We’re looking for a Community Development Practitioner to join us, supporting and strengthening recovery communities through a lived experience and equity-led approach.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside people in recovery, community organisations and partners to improve access, inclusion and representation in drug and alcohol services, particularly from members of diverse communities.
Responsibilities
- Work directly with people with lived experience of substance use to strengthen their voice and influence.
- Build connections across communities using asset-based approaches.
- Facilitate inclusive spaces where people can share experiences, explore challenges and co-design solutions.
- Help reduce barriers to participation and tackle inequality.
- Develop partnerships across the council, NHS, and voluntary and community sector.
- Support communities to take action and build long‑term resilience.
About you
- Experience or understanding of drug and/or alcohol recovery and the role of community support.
- A strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Insight into inequality and how it affects individuals and communities.
- Experience of facilitating groups and working with diverse communities.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to use data, learning and feedback to improve practice.
Desirable (but not essential)
- Background in community development, youth work, or public health.
- Experience of asset-based community development approaches.
- Confidence using digital tools for engagement and communication.
What you’ll get
- The opportunity to shape innovative, community-led work across Bristol.
- A supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities.
The role is based in the South Community Development Team with a city‑wide remit.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
Bristol City Council is committed to creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of substance use and recovery, and individuals from under‑represented groups. We warmly welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience and from under‑represented communities. If you want to help build stronger, more inclusive communities and make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Community Development Practitioner (LERO and Equity focus) in Bristol employer: Bristol City Council
Join Bristol City Council as a Community Development Practitioner and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to empowering communities and addressing inequality. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and collaboration, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals recovering from substance use. This role provides unique opportunities to engage with diverse communities, develop partnerships, and shape innovative solutions that enhance access and representation in vital services across Bristol.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Development Practitioner (LERO and Equity focus) in Bristol
✨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 Bristol City 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 Bristol City 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 Bristol City 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 Bristol City Council. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Development Practitioner (LERO and Equity focus) in Bristol
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 Bristol City 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 Practitioner (LERO and Equity focus), 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 Bristol City 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 Bristol City 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!
