Community Development Worker; Onside Evolution

Position: Community Development Worker (Onside Evolution)
Job Title:

Community Development Worker (ONSIDE Evolution) Salary:
Band 4 - £28,138.87

Job Location:

Belfast or Derry or Dungannon offices with travel and support provided across Northern Ireland-welcomeapplicantsfrom

MidUlster.

Working Hours:

F/T35hoursperweek Duration:
Fixedtermuntil March
2029(subjectto Funding) Disability Action is a dynamic and thriving charity committed to improving the lives of disabled people across Northern Ireland. We provide a wide range of services and support for and by disabled people which empower access to employment, education, advocacy and more. Ensuring we can live independently and participate fully in society. ONSIDEEvolutionisacross-borderinitiativethatsupportsdisabled peopleandcarersto becomemoreconnected,confidentandactive within their communities. Theprogrammeaimstoreducesocialisolationanddigitalexclusion by providing: digitalskillsdevelopment accesstotechnology communityengagementopportunities Active Citizenship programmes peernetworksandcommunityleadershipopportunities The programme works across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and will support thousands of disabled people and carers to increase their confidence, build digital skills and participate more fully in community life.

The Community Development Worker will provide frontline support to disabled people participating in the ONSIDE Evolution programme, helping disabled people and carers overcome barriers tosocialparticipation,digitalinclusion,andcommunityengagement. Therolewillinvolveworkingdirectlywithdisabledpeopleandcarers to develop personalised participation plans, supporting them to access digital skills training, community opportunities, and local services. Community Navigators will support participants to build confidence, strengthen peer networks, and engage with local decision-making structuressuchascommunityplanninggroups,housing forums,and public participation networks.

The role will contribute to reducing social isolation and enabling disabled people to become active citizens within their communities. The responsibilities of the Community Development Worker will include:
Participant Support and Community Navigation  Provide one-to-onesupporttodisabledpeopleparticipatingin the programme. Carryoutholisticbaselineassessmentswithparticipants including goal setting and identification of barriers to participation. Supportparticipantstodeveloppersonalisedactionplansto increasesocialinclusion,digital confidence,and community engagement. Assistparticipantstoaccessdigitalinclusiontraining,active citizenship programmes, and community activities. Provide guidance and signposting to relevant services and supports. Support participants to overcome barriers relating to access, confidence, digital skills, or social isolation. Outreach and Engagement Conductoutreachactivitiestoengagedisabledpeoplewho may benefit from the programme. Build relationships with community groups, voluntary organisations,andstatutoryservicestopromoteprogramme participation.

Supporttherecruitmentofparticipantsacrossprogramme areas. Promoteinclusiveparticipationandensureprogramme activities are accessible. Community Development and Active Citizenship Support participants to engage in Active Citizenship programmesandcommunityleadershipopportunities. Facilitatethedevelopmentof Active Citizenship and Disability  Networks (ACDNs). Encourageparticipantstoparticipateincommunitydecision-making structures such as housing forums and community planning groups. Supportparticipantstodeveloppeersupportnetworksand collective advocacy initiatives. Programme Delivery Supportthedeliveryofdigitalinclusiontrainingprogrammes and Active Citizenship courses. Assistinorganisinglocalworkshops,group sessions,and community…