At a Glance
- Tasks: Support community projects and enhance local connections through the Forest Food Network.
- Company: Join the Forest of Dean District Council, dedicated to thriving communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Agile working options and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus experience in community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 38291 - 46801 £ per year.
We're looking for a proactive and enthusiastic Community Support Officer to join our Communities Team at Forest of Dean District Council.
This is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of our Thriving Communities priority, with a specific focus on the Forest Food Network and projects that improve food resilience, wellbeing and community connections.
Working alongside community organisations, partners and residents, you'll help turn local ideas into action while supporting projects that have a lasting impact across the district.
As a Community Support Officer, you'll play a key role in coordinating and supporting the Forest Food Network and Financial Inclusion partnership.
Working closely with the Community Delivery Lead and specialist partners, you'll help organise meetings, support project delivery and build positive relationships with community groups and stakeholders.
Some of your responsibilities
- Special Conditions…
- Support the delivery of the Council's Thriving Communities priority, with a focus on Forest Food Network initiatives.
- Work closely with the Council's commissioned specialist to support the strategic development of the Forest Food Network and Financial Inclusion Group.
- Coordinate meetings, working groups and events, including arranging venues, preparing agendas, taking minutes and distributing actions.
- Support the development and delivery of community projects, including initiatives such as growing projects and other locally identified priorities.
- Ensure projects support equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) principles.
- Work with the Communications Team to promote projects and engage communities through a range of communication channels, including social media.
A minimum of five GCSEs (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent qualifications, including English and Maths.
- At least two years' practical experience in community wellbeing, community engagement or a related field.
- A good understanding of asset-based community development.
- Knowledge of the Forest of Dean and its communities.
- Experience working in partnership with multiple organisations and stakeholders.
- Experience supporting vulnerable or marginalised individuals and communities.
- Ability to travel
Forest of Dean District Council is dedicated to creating a vibrant and sustainable future for our community.
Our priorities are centred on fostering thriving communities by empowering and engaging residents, enhancing infrastructure, promoting community well-being, and ensuring social equity.
We are committed to decarbonisation and nature recovery, focusing on renewable energy transitions, energy efficiency, transport transformation, nature recovery, and food resilience.
Additionally, we strive to build a sustainable economy through the promotion of a circular economy, robust business support, workforce skill development, sustainable town initiatives, and the preservation of natural capital.
Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.
Forest of Dean District Council is committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities.
Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies.
Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years' employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
- Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
- 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service
- In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
- Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
- Generous contributory local government pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Community Support Officer in Gloucester employer: Forest of Dean District Council
Forest of Dean District Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community engagement and wellbeing. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth through hands-on project involvement and collaboration with local organisations, all while working in the beautiful and vibrant Forest of Dean area, which fosters a strong sense of community and connection.
Contact Details:
Forest of Dean District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Support Officer in Gloucester
✨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 Forest of Dean District 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 Forest of Dean District 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 Forest of Dean District 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 Forest of Dean District Council. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Support Officer in Gloucester
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 Forest of Dean District 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 Support 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 Forest of Dean District 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 Forest of Dean District 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!
