At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage communities and empower individuals with learning disabilities through creative outreach activities.
- Company: Join POhWER, a dedicated organisation advocating for equal rights and empowering vulnerable adults.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a cash wellbeing plan, and a bike-to-work scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with learning disabilities and community engagement is essential; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with travel around Hertfordshire; must have a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 19300 - 25600 £ per year.
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you thrive on engaging with diverse groups and driving positive change? Are you ready for an adventure in advocacy? We are currently looking for a User Voice Community Development Worker to join our dynamic and passionate team in Hertfordshire. Immerse yourself in a role that makes a real difference!
As a User Voice Community Development Worker, you will be office based but work across the North and East of the county. You will be responsible for providing community engagement sessions/events/outreach in each district, using a range of innovative and creative activities that will improve confidence and empower people with a learning disability to get involved with ‘Speaking up or Self-Advocacy’ opportunities in the East of the County (North Herts, Stevenage, East Herts, Welwyn & Hatfield and Broxbourne). These activities, sessions and events, in each district, will feed into the Learning Disability Co-production Board. This will involve offering a range of varied activities to maximise uptake and run four quarterly engagement sessions held in each district per year (25 in total) with unique individuals attending being reported on.
Hours of Work: Part-time: 22.2 hours per week, between Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
Location: Home based with travel around the Stevenage area. (Applicants must have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport)
Salary: Starting salary £14,545.44 (Full Time Equivalent Salary - £24,242.40 per annum)
Contract Type: Permanent
User Voice Development Worker Requirements:
- Proven experience of working with people with learning disabilities.
- Experience in community engagement including running events.
- Excellent communication skills, able to communicate sensitively and empathetically.
- Experience providing written reports to a high standard.
- A good understanding and experience with IT software packages.
- Full UK driving licence and access to your own transport, with geographical knowledge of the local area.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!
- Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
- 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
- Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
- Auto enrolment Pension plan.
- Death in service cover.
- Bike to work scheme.
Meet the Organisation: POhWER stands for People and Organisations Working in Equal Rights. We are dedicated to empowering and supporting adults with multiple vulnerabilities, promoting their rights to have a voice and exercise choice in the services they receive. With a strong presence in communities across the UK, our team is committed to providing high-quality advocacy services that make a lasting impact.
If you think you are suitable for this Community Development Worker role, don’t wait – apply now! Take the first step to joining an organisation that values your passion and skills and make a genuine difference in your community.
Closing Date: Tuesday 27th May 2025 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early)
Interview Date: TBC (In person)
For an informal discussion or to receive a copy of the job description please contact 0300 456 2370 and ask for a call back from the Recruitment Manager.
An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.
POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce.
We’re proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024. POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
User Voice Community Development Worker, employer: POhWER
Contact Detail:
POhWER Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land User Voice Community Development Worker,
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local community and its needs. Understanding the specific challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities in Hertfordshire will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local organisations and advocacy groups that work with people with learning disabilities. Building relationships with these groups can provide valuable insights and may even lead to recommendations or referrals for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative engagement strategies during your interview. Think about creative activities you could implement to empower individuals with learning disabilities, as this will showcase your proactive approach and passion for community development.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to share examples of your previous experience in community engagement and advocacy. Highlight specific events or sessions you've run, focusing on the impact they had on participants, which will demonstrate your capability for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace User Voice Community Development Worker,
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the User Voice Community Development Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Emphasise your proven experience working with people with learning disabilities and community engagement. Provide specific examples of events you've run or participated in that demonstrate your skills and impact.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, include examples of how you've communicated sensitively and empathetically in past positions. Mention any written reports you've produced to showcase your writing abilities.
Personalise Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalising it. Address why you are passionate about making a difference in the community and how you can contribute to POhWER's mission. This will show your genuine interest in the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at POhWER
✨Show Your Passion for Community Engagement
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with diverse groups and making a difference in the community. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your commitment to advocacy and community development.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Communication Skills
Since the role involves working with individuals with learning disabilities, it's crucial to showcase your ability to communicate sensitively and empathetically. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully engaged with vulnerable populations in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential community engagement activities you could implement in the role. Be ready to discuss innovative ideas or past events you've organised that empowered individuals and encouraged participation.
✨Know the Local Area
Familiarise yourself with the North and East Hertfordshire regions, as well as the specific communities you'll be working with. Being able to discuss local issues or opportunities during the interview will demonstrate your geographical knowledge and commitment to the role.