Community Development Support Officer

Salary: Scale 6 SCP 20-24 £32,597 - £35,412 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm. A flexible working hours scheme in operation. To meet the demands of the post, candidates must be available to work evenings, weekends, public holidays and unsocial hours, as required.

Duration: Permanent

The Council may retain a list of reserve candidates arising from this recruitment for any vacancies which may arise which are the same or similar and are of an equal grade of pay throughout the Council area. Such a reserve list will be compiled and held for a period of 12 months.

All employees are expected to model the Customer Care behaviours of “Serve Passionately, Engage Positively and Deliver Consistently.”

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB:

The postholder will be required to co-ordinate, develop and implement key activities within Good Relations/Community Development Plan, including the administration of small grants and training programmes.

The postholder will provide support and guidance to groups engaged in developing and promoting good relations/community development and will monitor and evaluate all aspects of work, whilst maintaining effective administration systems.

The post holder will be required to work in partnership with relevant statutory and voluntary/community agencies to mainstream the good relations/community development agenda.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist in the development of the Council’s Good Relations/Community Development Plan, through undertaking appropriate research and consultation with relevant individuals, bodies and organisations, under the direction of the Community Development Officer.

Co-ordinate good relations/community development objectives as detailed in the Good Relations/Community Development Plan, under the direction of the Community Development Officer.

Liaise with and support groups seeking to develop and promote good relations/community development projects within the Borough.

Develop and maintain appropriate and effective mechanisms to ensure groups/bodies/agencies are kept informed of relevant good relations/community development information.

Organise events which will provide an opportunity for communities to raise awareness of good relations/community development issues.

Assist the Community Development Officer in the coordination of activities to promote the full participation of all communities.

Assist in the coordination of the external Good Relations/Community Development training programmes, including the administration of the courses and correspondence between participants, the training provider and the Community Development Officer.

Prepare and circulate online monthly updates to relevant Council staff.

Establish databases which fully encapsulate all aspects of each project. Keep accurate records, information and administrative systems for the purposes of monitoring and evaluation of projects and contribute to the preparation of reports required by Council and other relevant bodies, as necessary.

Assist the Community Development Officer with the processing of grant claims including:

• Checking claims received, assessing information and preparing claims documentation for approval.

• Providing advice and guidance to project promoters regarding obligatory payment procedures and claims process.

Contribute to the preparation of budgets and statistical reports.

Undertake any other relevant duties that may be required and are commensurate with the nature and grade of the post.

Qualifications and training

• A third level qualification (i.e. HNC/HND, Level 4, Degree) in line with the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) in a relevant discipline/subject such as Community, Business, Youth Work or Law.

Experience

• One year’s experience of working in partnership with community and statutory agencies;

• One year’s experience of working with diverse groups in a community setting;

• One year’s experience in project and financial management.

Key skills, knowledge and attributes

• Demonstrate a good working knowledge of issues relating to good relations and community development;

• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office packages;

• Good interpersonal and communication skills;

• Creative approach to work;

• Forward thinking and progressive approach to work;

• Problem solver;

• Ability to build relationships.

Driving

• Access to a form of transport which will permit the post holder to carry out the duties of the post in full.

Hours

37 hours per week, Monday – Friday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm. A flexible working hours scheme in operation. To meet the demands of the post, candidates must be available to work evenings, weekends, public holidays and unsocial hours, as required.