JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE Community Development Worker POST NO.
SERVICE AREA Business Transformation
GRADE/SALARY
RESPONSIBLE TO Policy Manager
MAIN PURPOSE OF POST
To work with citizens and community and other appropriate groups to actively shape services and their neighbourhoods, to create sustainable, resilient communities where people want to work and live, now and in the future. The post holder will ensure a two way dialogue between communities and the Council, allowing citizens to play an active role in service design and delivery.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The postholder must, at all times, carry out their duties and responsibilities to comply with Council policies/procedures.
1. To assist in the development and implementation of the Community Assemblies programme or equivalent as directed by the Policy Manager.
2. To support Community Assemblies or equivalent to deliver local area priorities identified through Area Action Plans and engagement and consultation, empowering citizens to get more involved in decision making and supporting community resilience.
3. To work with a range of Chesterfield Borough services, partner agencies and the community and voluntary sector to facilitate community engagement activities including workshops, action planning exercises and focus groups within the Community Assembly Framework or equivalent.
4. Use a Community Development approach to support community associations and organisations in the development of projects and activities at the heart of the community (geographic communities and communities of interest and identity).
5. To co-ordinate and monitor the Community Chest programme and Community minor grants scheme and any equivalent programmes.
6. To work closely with all stakeholders including (but not exclusively) Community and Voluntary sector, CBC services, elected members, Police, Derbyshire County Council, Fire Service, NHS, local schools/colleges/youth forums to maximise opportunities for partnership working to meet the needs of our communities.
7. Provide access and information on community projects and social enterprises to all residents, partners and other supporting projects.
8. Assist community groups with research and advice to submit funding bids including bids to the Community Chest programme or equivalent and external sources.
9. To ensure reports are prepared and submitted through the Community Assembly, Community Chest and minor grant administrative process, attending meetings, monitoring Community Assembly spends, and responding to queries and concerns arising from the public, elected members and CBC and partnership officers.
10. Arranging and attending Community Assembly or equivalent meetings and sub group meetings to effectively facilitate discussion, workshops and other appropriate activities. This includes advising the Chair on governance, administrative, financial and community issues.
11. Liaison with Community Assembly Chairs, CBC Services and Partners agencies to prepare agendas, reports and notes by the required deadlines.
12. To promote the greater participation in CBC engagement and community development activity, promoting active citizenship and ensuring contributions are recognised, valued and celebrated by the Council and other partners.
13. To have a solution focused approach to partnership working and problem solving, resolving conflict and involving appropriate stakeholders and taking ownership in establishing sustainable solutions to area specific problems.
14. Any other duties which are similar/equal to the responsibility and grade of the post.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF POST
You may be required to carry out your duties at your present workplace or at another Council site or community venue.
Attendance at evening meetings and community events including Community Assemblies or equivalent is a requirement.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE SERVICE AREA
Community Development Worker Business Transformation
SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES
Essential
1. Ability to support and develop Community Assemblies, submitting reports through the relevant administrative processes and organising and facilitating meetings.
2. Advanced communication skills and an ability to communicate at all levels.
3. Strong research, analytical and problem solving skills.
4. Ability to proactively update key stakeholders promptly, sharing knowledge and information.
5. Ability to establish strong working relationships with key partners and stakeholders.
6. Experience and a thorough understanding of Community Development practice and philosophy.
7. The ability to develop innovative community engagement and development programmes with a wide variety of stakeholders.
8. Ability to develop sustainable solutions to area specific problems through community engagement and by working in partnership
10. The ability to use a range of IT packages including word, excel and powerpoint.
11. Ability to manage your own workload, prioritising where necessary
12. The ability to keep up to date with new developments in the community engagement and development field and identify and implement best practice.
Desirable
1. Project management abilities.
EXPERIENCE
Essential
1. Developing and delivering community engagement and development programmes.
2. Developing and delivering training programmes.
3. Experience of working with a wide variety of stakeholders and communities of interest including equalities groups.
4. Experience of developing successful funding bids
5. Budget monitoring.
6. Working in cross cutting project teams.
7. Organising community events and activities
8. Developing and implementing action plans.
9. Experience of managing performance of colleagues and partners against specific objectives.
Desirable
1. Project management.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
A BTEC Higher National or equivalent educational standard/professional qualification.
Desirable
Degree in a Social Science or equivalent.
Project Management qualification.