Community Development Officer

Overview

Community Development Officer. Directorate:
Active and Healthy Communities. May be required to work in any Directorate of the Council. Department:
Community Services.

Location:

Signal Centre, Bangor; may be required to work in any location in the Council.

Reports To:

Community Development Manager. Salary Scale: PO1, SCP 29 - 32. Car User Status:
Casual.

• Work in partnership with statutory, voluntary and community organisations to build sustainable communities within identified areas, maximising the effective and efficient use of Council resources.
• Advise and assist in the strategic development process of the Council6s Community Development Section and manage activities and resources to deliver an efficient and effective service.
• Research, develop and deliver a range of quality service initiatives based on local needs to build local community infrastructure.
• Deliver, manage and evaluate projects with the Council as a lead partner where appropriate.
• Engage, enable and support community organisations using the community development process; promote and develop collaborative working within the area using a partnership approach.
• Support, supervise and motivate employees; comply with and promote equality, health and safety and employee development in line with Council HR policies and legal requirements.
• Identify and meet volunteer development needs.
• Source and secure funding and resources to meet identified community needs; assist with external grant opportunities and inform the Councils internal community grant aid process.
• Prepare and manage budgets and utilise resources effectively in compliance with Council financial standing orders and standard operating procedures.
• Provide relevant cover within the Community Development Section as required.
• Undertake any other duties as directed consistent with the nature and level of the post.
• Comply with and promote equality, health and safety in accordance with Council policies and legal requirements.

The person specification provides information on qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process.

• Bachelors Degree, Level 6 qualification or equivalent in Youth Work, Community, Psychology, Social Work, or other relevant area, and 2 years of experience as detailed below.
• Or HNC/HND, Level 4 or 5 qualification in a relevant area and a minimum of 3 years experience as detailed below.
• Other specialist qualifications or training (e.g., Train the Trainer or Safeguarding).
• Risk Assessment Training.

• A minimum of 2–3+ years of relevant experience in the Community Voluntary Sector, depending on level of qualification.
• Experience of developing, implementing, managing and evaluating community-based projects/programmes (including Play Work, over 50s and adults with additional needs).
• Experience in developing and maintaining effective community partnership networks with a proven ability to work collaboratively to identify needs and deliver shared outcomes.
• Experience of identifying funding opportunities and securing financial support.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); ability to produce presentations, reports and manage project budgets with the ability to track expenditure and ensure value for money.
• Experience of developing high-quality funding applications, aligning project objectives with funder requirements and evidencing need and impact; successfully managing awards to funder conditions.

• Sound understanding of community development principles.
• Knowledge of governance structures and how to advise community groups.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a wider team.
• Knowledge of potential funding sources for the community and voluntary sector.
• Ability to support community organisations with 3rd party funding applications.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels and across diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Ability to engage, empower and build effective relationships with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Ability to identify local needs and develop practical solutions with a creative approach to overcoming barriers.
• Ability to prioritise and manage conflicting work demands; resilient and adaptable to a dynamic community environment.
• Highly organised with attention to detail.

• A valid driving licence with access to transport to fulfil the duties of the post, or access to suitable transport to meet the requirements of the post.
• Flexibility with working hours, including evenings and occasional weekends to meet community needs and attend events, meetings and outreach activities outside office hours.
• Consent to a pre-employment Enhanced AccessNI check.
• The above alternative access to a suitable form of transport is a reasonable adjustment for applicants with disabilities who are unable to hold a valid driving licence.
• The…