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- Tasks: Support community groups and strengthen grassroots organisations in Lewes District.
- Company: Join SCDA, a supportive team dedicated to community development.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 25 days annual leave, sick pay, and a day off for your birthday.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while building valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in community development and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 27291 - 28962 £ per year.
22.5 hours per week - Fixed term for 1 year in the first instance.
Working across Lewes District with an office base in Newhaven.
Salary range, dependent on skill & experience: £27,291 – £28,962 per annum pro rata (upper levels awarded to candidates with higher level of skills and experience).
Lewes District Community Action Network (LDCAN), delivered by SCDA and funded by ESCC, aims to support voluntary, community & social enterprise (VCSE) groups in Lewes District, offering practical help such as training, 1-1 support, resources & networking opportunities to help groups run well, build partnerships and stay resilient. We also promote volunteering as a powerful way for people to connect, contribute, and make a difference in their communities.
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Senior Community Development Worker to play a key role in strengthening grassroots VCSE organisations and community groups, with a particular focus on Lewes town and the northern villages of Lewes District. The post holder will support community-led action through place-based community development, practical organisational support and the nurturing of local networks. Grounded in Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) and underpinned by NAVCA’s LIQA framework, the role will help ensure community groups have the support they need to meet local needs now and in the future.
You will work in collaboration with another Senior Community Development Worker and a Community Communications Officer as part of the LDCAN team, as well as with a wide range of community groups, VCSE organisations and statutory partners in Lewes District and East Sussex. Working across Lewes District and with an office base in Newhaven, you will build strong local relationships while contributing to district-wide and pan-East Sussex learning, partnership working and infrastructure development.
Due to the rural nature of this role, a car driver with access to a car is essential.
SCDA is looking for people to join our team who have the qualities and skills we feel would most benefit our clients & service users: professionalism, empathy, kindness and understanding. In return, we understand people want to work in a supportive environment with friendly colleagues. We offer a flexible approach to delivery wherever possible, annual leave of 25 days per year pro rata plus bank holidays and sick pay from the start (increasing with service), additional sick pay for required operations and recovery, a pension scheme, bereavement leave, and managers who are available to you... plus a day off for your birthday.
The vacancy closes at 5pm on Sunday 24th May 2026, with interviews on Tuesday 2nd June 2026 in Newhaven. You may think that you’re not a 100% match to what we’re looking for, but we recognise that some skills and experience may be transferable rather than an exact match. If you’re unsure about whether to apply, please do contact the HR team on hr@sussexcommunity.org.uk and we would be happy to arrange an informal discussion with the recruiting manager.
Senior Community Development Worker – LDCAN in Lewes employer: Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA
Contact Detail:
Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Community Development Worker – LDCAN in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the community development scene. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for community development shine through. Share your experiences and how they align with the values of LDCAN – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research LDCAN and understand their mission and projects. Think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Practising common interview questions can also help you feel more confident when the time comes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t hesitate – if you think you’ve got what it takes, go for it!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Community Development Worker – LDCAN in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community Development: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community work shine through! We want to see how your experiences align with our mission at LDCAN and how you can contribute to strengthening grassroots organisations.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially those related to supporting VCSE groups and community-led action.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the Lewes District and its community groups. Understanding the local landscape will help you demonstrate your commitment to community development and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in supporting VCSE organisations. Think about times when you've successfully built partnerships or provided practical support, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
This role requires professionalism, empathy, and kindness. Be ready to discuss how you've used these qualities in your previous roles. Share stories that illustrate your ability to connect with people and foster strong relationships within communities.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions prepared that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the current challenges facing community groups in the area or how the LDCAN team collaborates with other organisations. This shows you're proactive and engaged.