At a Glance
- Tasks: Support disabled individuals in building confidence and accessing community opportunities.
- Company: Dynamic charity focused on improving lives of disabled people across Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 27 days holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a progressive team committed to diversity and employee well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by empowering disabled people to engage actively in their communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in community development or support roles, with a passion for inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 26159 - 31972 £ per year.
Salary: Band 4 - £28,138.87
Job Location: Belfast or Derry or Dungannon offices with travel and support provided across Northern Ireland - welcome applicants from Mid Ulster.
Working Hours: F/T 35 hours per week
Duration: Fixed term until March 2029 (subject to Funding)
Disability Action is a dynamic and thriving charity committed to improving the lives of disabled people across Northern Ireland. We provide a wide range of services and support for and by disabled people which empower access to employment, education, advocacy and more, ensuring we can live independently and participate fully in society.
ONSIDE Evolution is a cross-border initiative that supports disabled people and carers to become more connected, confident and active within their communities. The programme aims to reduce social isolation and digital exclusion by providing:
- Digital skills development
- Access to technology
- Community engagement opportunities
- Active Citizenship programmes
- Peer networks and community leadership opportunities
The programme works across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and will support thousands of disabled people and carers to increase their confidence, build digital skills and participate more fully in community life.
The Community Development Worker will provide frontline support to disabled people participating in the ONSIDE Evolution programme, helping disabled people and carers overcome barriers to social participation, digital inclusion, and community engagement. The role will involve working directly with disabled people and carers to develop personalised participation plans, supporting them to access digital skills training, community opportunities, and local services. Community Navigators will support participants to build confidence, strengthen peer networks, and engage with local decision-making structures such as community planning groups, housing forums, and public participation networks. The role will contribute to reducing social isolation and enabling disabled people to become active citizens within their communities.
The responsibilities of the Community Development Worker will include:
- Participant Support and Community Navigation
- Provide one-to-one support to disabled people participating in the programme.
- Carry out holistic baseline assessments with participants including goal setting and identification of barriers to participation.
- Support participants to develop personalised action plans to increase social inclusion, digital confidence, and community engagement.
- Assist participants to access digital inclusion training, active citizenship programmes, and community activities.
- Provide guidance and signposting to relevant services and supports.
- Support participants to overcome barriers relating to access, confidence, digital skills, or social isolation.
- Outreach and Engagement
- Conduct outreach activities to engage disabled people who may benefit from the programme.
- Build relationships with community groups, voluntary organisations, and statutory services to promote programme participation.
- Support the recruitment of participants across programme areas.
- Promote inclusive participation and ensure programme activities are accessible.
- Community Development and Active Citizenship
- Support participants to engage in Active Citizenship programmes and community leadership opportunities.
- Facilitate the development of Active Citizenship and Disability Networks (ACDNs).
- Encourage participants to participate in community decision-making structures such as housing forums and community planning groups.
- Support participants to develop peer support networks and collective advocacy initiatives.
- Programme Delivery
- Support the delivery of digital inclusion training programmes and Active Citizenship courses.
- Assist in organising local workshops, group sessions, and community engagement activities.
- Work collaboratively with programme partners and delivery organisations.
- Support the delivery of information and awareness sessions for carers.
- Monitoring, Reporting and Documentation
- Maintain accurate records of participant engagement and programme activities.
- Support the collection of monitoring and evaluation data required for programme reporting.
- Prepare progress updates and reports for the Project Manager.
- Ensure compliance with programme monitoring and reporting requirements.
- Partnership Working
- Work closely with programme partners including community organisations and statutory agencies.
- Develop referral pathways to support participants accessing appropriate services.
- Participate in programme meetings, planning sessions, and partnership activities.
- Safeguarding and Data Protection
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality and secure management of participant information.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR and organisational data protection requirements.
Qualifications:
- Qualification in Community Development, Disability Studies, Social Care, or a related discipline or Minimum 2 years relevant experience in a community development, social inclusion, or support role.
- Experience supporting disabled people or other marginalised groups.
- Experience building relationships with community organisations and services.
- Experience supporting individuals to access training, services, or community activities.
- An understanding of the principles of independent living.
- An understanding of disability rights and issues affecting disabled people including social exclusion and barriers to participation.
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Ability to work independently and manage tasks efficiently.
- Knowledge and understanding of Data Protection legislation and GDPR, and ability to apply these when handling confidential participant information.
- A full driving licence and access to a car for business use. If the effects of a disability preclude an individual from holding a driving licence, please indicate how you can meet the mobility requirements of the post - i.e. the ability to travel throughout Northern Ireland, during normal working hours and on some occasions at evenings and weekends.
- Experience working on EU funded programmes.
- Experience delivering digital inclusion or community engagement initiatives.
- Knowledge of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- Experience facilitating group workshops or training sessions.
- Lived experience of disability.
What we can offer you:
- Enhanced Maternity packages
- Hybrid Working
- Death in Service package
- Cash plan
- In-house counselling services
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being
- 27 days paid holidays per year and 11 bank holidays (Based on a full-time role)
- Opportunities for growth in business development, project implementation, training and development and personal development plans.
Disability Action is an equal opportunities employer committed to providing opportunities for all. We offer salary packages that are reflective of experience and aligned with industry standards, alongside a supportive environment that encourages professional growth. As a progressive charity, we provide our employees with opportunities to develop their skills and gain experience across a wide range of areas in a secure and thriving workplace. We are a Responsible Body for Access NI. A disclosure check will be undertaken; however, a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining this role. Onside Evolution is supported by Peace Plus, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Community Development Worker (Onside Evolution) TLNT1_NI in Belfast employer: Disability Action
Disability Action is an exceptional employer, dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities in Northern Ireland. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering benefits such as enhanced maternity packages, hybrid working options, and extensive training opportunities. Join our dynamic team in Belfast, where your role as a DATS Driver will not only provide meaningful employment but also contribute significantly to our mission of fostering independence and inclusion for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Development Worker (Onside Evolution) TLNT1_NI in Belfast
✨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 Disability Action.
✨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 Disability Action.
✨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 Disability Action.
✨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 Disability Action. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Development Worker (Onside Evolution) TLNT1_NI in Belfast
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 Disability Action. 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 Worker (Onside Evolution) TLNT1_NI, 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 Disability Action
✨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 Disability Action. 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!
