Community Development Officer

Vanrath are recruiting for a Community Development Officer on behalf of a large public sector body in Lisburn on a temporary basis.

What\’s in it for you?

• 37 hours, 9am to 5pm, Evening and weekend work as and when required
• temporary
• £18.26ph

About your next employer

As a member of the Community Support Team the postholder will be required to:

• Focus on outreach to community / voluntary organisations to help increase capacity for development through building confidence and broadening participation throughout the Council area.
• Develop strong relationships with partner organisations and relevant stakeholders to promote outcome focused and community centred services
• Oversee the development and implementation of Community Development programmes and initiatives.
• Monitor and develop community development activity and make recommendations for continuous improvement to the service and customer experience.

What you\’ll do

• Deliver community development support to the community / voluntary sector to build capacity and infrastructure in accordance with the targets, outputs and outcomes of the Council\’s Community Development strategy.
• Contribute and assist with the development & implementation of relevant community development strategies and policies.
• Develop and prepare advice guides, information notes, seminars and training sessions based on local need.
• Work with both internal and external partners and develop collaborative approaches to localised community support and development.
• Monitor, measure and report on the impacts of community development interventions against the agreed standards contained within the Councils Community Support Framework.
• Facilitate groups with assistance in applying to Council and other grant programmes in order to maximise funding investment within local communities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local community / voluntary groups and encourage and support opportunities for collaborative working within and between communities.
• Work across the Community Development & Resources team to deliver joined initiatives that contribute to Community Development, Good Relations and Facilities development.
• Ensure compliance with Council policies and procedures and operate within the highest standards of management and personal behaviour, which reflect the core values and behaviours of the organisation.
• Promote equality of opportunity and access in service delivery and in the employment of staff through the mainstreaming of equality within the Council.
• Ensure the provision of high standards of customer care across the Community Development service and promote the service effectively and communicate in a way, which enhances and promotes the public image and overall reputation of the Council.
• Develop and enhance working relationships with relevant partners and stakeholders to maximise corporate and community planning outcomes and to generate innovation in service delivery.

The services falling within the responsibility of this post are as follows:
Community Development & Support

Essential Criteria

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Community Development, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field.

2. Experience

• At least 2 years\’ experience in a community development role (paid or voluntary), preferably within a public sector or community/voluntary sector environment.
• Proven experience of working directly with community/voluntary groups to support capacity building and organisational development.
• Experience of partnership working with external stakeholders including statutory bodies, voluntary organisations, and community groups.
• Experience in assisting groups with funding applications or accessing grant aid.
• Experience of preparing reports, briefing documents or evaluations.

3. Knowledge

• A sound understanding of community development principles and practice.
• Knowledge of local government structures, policy frameworks, and the role of councils in community planning.
• Familiarity with funding streams relevant to community and voluntary groups.
• Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion in service delivery.

4. Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills with the ability to engage and motivate diverse community groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop and deliver training or information sessions.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Competent IT skills including use of Microsoft Office applications and community engagement tools.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate community interventions and report on outcomes effectively.

5. Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated, proactive, and committed to community empowerment and capacity building.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible and adaptable in approach, with a willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and good relations.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism and commitment to the Council\’s values and behaviours.

Desirable Criteria

• Postgraduate qualification in Community Development or related discipline.
• Experience of working within a local authority or statutory body.
• Experience of designing or implementing community development policies or strategies.
• Experience in conflict resolution, mediation or good relations initiatives.
• Familiarity with monitoring frameworks such as outcomes-based accountability or similar.

Other Requirements

• Must hold a current full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle, or have access to a mode of transport that will enable the postholder to meet the requirements of the job in full.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.