Thrive Together Birmingham

Job Description

Part-time Near Neighbours Development Worker

Title: Near Neighbours Development Worker - Birmingham

Employer: Thrive Together Birmingham

Salary: £28,000 per annum (£16,426 pro rata)

Hours: 22 hours per week

The post is funded until 31 March 2017 and can be taken up as soon as the successfulapplicant is able to begin.

Background

Near Neighbours is an initiative of the Church of England’s Archbishops Council and the

Church Urban Fund and is supported by a multi-faith advisory panel. It is a response to the

Government’s desire to provide resources to strengthen relationships in multi-religious

neighbourhoods. For more info please visit

  • Support the potential for new activity which strengthens association and networking between people and groups of all backgrounds
  • Encourage and support churches and other faith communities to form new relationships and where these exist support them to be sustained and strengthened
  • Encourage and support churches and other faith communities to enable their people and resources to be used to create and deepen Near Neighbours activities.
  • Sustain and build on existing relationships previously developed through Near Neighbours

Terms and Conditions

The post is part time (22 hours per week).

Evenings and weekends availability is crucial. Time off in lieu can be taken but no overtime is

payable for this position.

There will be 25 days holiday per annum plus public Bank Holidays (pro rata).

The post is funded until 5 April 2017 and will be subject to a 3 month probationary period.

All agreed expenses, including mileage, will be reimbursed.

Job Purpose

With the support of the Thrive team continue the development and delivery of the Near Neighbours programme in Birmingham particularly by

- encouragingwide participation in the Near Neighbours SmallGrants programme

- supporting the development of Near Neighbours gatherings and conversations

- supporting and developing delivery of training programmes such as Catalyst Young Leaders, fundraising, safeguarding

The postholder will be accountable to the CEO of Thrive Together Birmingham but will be mentored and supervised by the Church of England Birmingham’s Near Neighbours deacon.

Key Responsibilities

  • Promote the Near Neighbours Small Grants programme with attention to groups who have not previously received funding
  • Advise and support faith and community organisations in eligible grant areas to make applications to the Small Grants Fund
  • Administer the Small Grants programme in Birmingham
  • Assist with the evaluation and monitoring of grants awarded maintaining working relationship with CUF Grants Officer
  • Collaborate with commissioned partners promoting and developing Near Neighbours in priority areas of the city
  • Publicise Near Neighbours activities though social media including website, facebook and twitter
  • Represent Birmingham at Near Neighbours events and meetings as part of the national programme and report back to Thrive CEO and from time to time to the Thrive trustees
  • Enable the delivery of Near Neighbours training programmes such as Catalyst Young Leaders, fundraising, safeguarding
  • In collaboration with Thrive colleagues equip and resource people, particularly those undertaking Near Neighbours communityinitiatives, by offering capacity building support and links to training
  • Engage in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the programme within the agreednational framework, cooperating with DCLG, CUF and Near Neighbours evaluation agencies.

Person Specification

Essential / Desirable
A passion for building relationships and working with people of different faiths and backgrounds / Skills in cross cultural communication
Experience in community engagement activity
Experience in a faith based community development role / Experience of working in multi faith contexts
A sound working knowledge of financial procedures and basic budgeting
Good ICT skills
A flexible approach while remaining methodical and well organised
Good communication skills / Experience of delivering presentations
Ability to help people with limited education or without English as a first language to
understand grant criteria and make applications / Experience of applying for grants or administering grants
Knowledge of community sector and contacts in the eligible grants areas of Birmingham
Willing to work within the ethos of the Church of England delivered Near Neighbours initiative

Application Process

Candidates should send a CV (listing two referees including most recent employer) and a covering letter explaining how their experience and skills qualify them for this role to by 5pm on Monday 16th May.

Shortlisted candidates will be notified on Thursday 19th May

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 24th May.