Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support community initiatives to enhance social connections and wellbeing across Derbyshire.
- Company: Join a passionate Public Health team focused on strengthening communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, training opportunities, and access to discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in community initiatives and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with flexible working and travel opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about improving social connection, strengthening communities, and helping people live healthier, more connected lives? We’re looking for a Service Development Assistant to join our Community Support & Resilience (CSR) team in Public Health. This is an exciting time for the service as we implement a range of new social connection initiatives, enhance the 50+ Forums, and support the roll‑out of the Volunteer Gateway training and mentoring schemes. You’ll play a vital supporting role, helping us deliver high‑quality, co‑designed, person‑centred community programmes across Derbyshire.
About the Role
As a Service Development Assistant, you will work closely with the Service Manager and two Service Development Officers to support the development, delivery and monitoring of community services and contracts that aim to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing. Your work will help strengthen partnerships, support contract monitoring, gather feedback from communities, and ensure services are co‑designed with local people.
Key areas of focus include:
- Supporting implementation of the Socially Connected Derbyshire service
- Helping to develop and monitor CSR‑funded contracts and pilot initiatives
- Contributing to co‑design with members of the public, including 50+ Forum committees
- Supporting the roll‑out of the Volunteer Gateway training pathway and mentoring pilot
- Gathering data, case studies and insight to inform service improvement
- Building relationships with partners, providers, and community groups
You’ll act as an important link between providers, partners, and the public—helping us deliver changes sensitively, collaboratively, and effectively. We’re looking for someone who is organised, confident engaging with communities, and keen to support the development of services that make a real difference.
You will have:
- Experience supporting community‑based initiatives, ideally involving the voluntary sector or Integrated Care System partners
- Experience working collaboratively or in co‑design with the public and partners
- Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
- The ability to handle sensitive information appropriately
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail
- The ability and a willingness to travel to locations around the county as part of engagement work
If you have a passion for public health, meet all of the essential criteria in the person profile and wish to support our vision and ambition in Derbyshire, we would like to hear from you. Applicants are strongly advised to use the criteria in the person profile as sub-headings in their application, to make it clear how they meet each of the selection criteria.
Employees have access to a range of benefits and discounts including:
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- 25 days annual leave per year (rising to 30 days after 5 years continuous service) plus 8 bank holidays pro rata for part time
- Training and development opportunities
- Paid travel expenses if required to travel to other sites
- Smarter travel scheme including access to the cycle to work scheme
- Supportive management and team
- Access to our in‑house occupational services which also includes free eye tests, physiotherapy and counselling
- Derbyshire rewards – offering hundreds of discounts and cashback
Applicants note that this role is hybrid, so will involve office based and remote working, as well as regular travel within the county.
If you would like to find out more, please contact: Alex Shore alex.shore@derbyshire.gov.uk
Provisional Interview Date: 9 and/or 10 March 2026
Service Development Assistant – Social Connection employer: East Midlands Jobs
Contact Detail:
East Midlands Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Development Assistant – Social Connection
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values! Before your interview, dive into their mission and recent projects. This will help us connect your passion for social connection with what they’re doing in Derbyshire.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. We want you to feel confident when discussing your experience in community initiatives and how it aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your relationship-building skills! Think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated with communities or partners. We need to demonstrate how you can strengthen those connections in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role or the team. This shows your genuine interest and helps us understand if it’s the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Development Assistant – Social Connection
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for improving social connections and community wellbeing. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to making a difference in people's lives.
Use the Criteria as Your Guide: Make it easy for us to see how you fit the role by using the selection criteria from the person profile as sub-headings in your application. This way, we can quickly identify how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Midlands Jobs
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the community initiatives in Derbyshire. Familiarise yourself with the Socially Connected Derbyshire service and the 50+ Forums. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can contribute to these projects.
✨Highlight Your Experience
Make sure to prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to support community-based initiatives. Use the selection criteria as a guide and be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of Service Development Assistant.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves building relationships with partners and the public, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Consider role-playing common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you convey your ideas effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the current challenges faced by the CSR team or how they measure the success of their community programmes. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to making a positive impact.
