Community Support Officer

Hours: 37 hours per week. Evenings, weekends and public holidays will be required on occasions, for which time in lieu will apply.

Salary: SO1; SCP 25 – 27; £36,363 - £38,220 per annum

Key Purpose of the Post:

The postholder will be responsible for general community development work within a designated area of the district and or with specific interest groups.

Main Duties of the Post:

• Contribute to the promotion and implementation of the Council’s policy and programmes relating to Community Development.

• Influence policy development both within the Council and with external bodies pertaining to the sector.

• Develop and maintain links between communities and statutory bodies, funding bodies and other organisations with a remit to support community development activity.

• Assist other departments within the Council to link and engage with communities as appropriate.

• Promote collaboration within the sector, working within designated District Electoral Areas to support community development activity by establishing Public Participation Forums and action plans.

• Maintain effective communication links with community organisations and ensure that communities are aware of all relevant internal and external funding opportunities and community events.

• Support community and voluntary sector organisations with the development and delivery of revenue and capital projects addressing community needs.

• Identify areas where the community infrastructure is weak and work within communities to promote development activities.

• Provide support to community and voluntary sector organisations around governance and best practice.

• Facilitate partnership working and collaboration with groups.

• Organise and promote learning opportunities meeting sectoral needs.

• Assist with the assessment of Community Services grant aid programmes.

• Oversee the allocation of financial support and provide guidance to rural towns and villages with the provision of festive lighting.

• Prepare accurate and timely reports to senior management and to Council on the delivery of the service.

• Prepare claims as required to funding bodies.

General:

• Ensure full compliance with all Health and Safety at Work legislation in accordance with the Council’s Health and Safety at Work Policy and all associated procedures and guidance, and be an advocate for high standards of Health and Safety performance.

• Comply with all the Council’s Policies and Procedures, including the Employee Code of Conduct and the Employee and Councillor Working Relationship Protocol.

• Promote the Council’s equal opportunities policies and avoid all forms of discrimination as both an employer and a service provider.

• Implement and adhere to all Financial and Procurement policies and procedures.

• Undertake the duties of the post at all times in a manner that enhances and promotes the positive image of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

• Be flexible and adaptable to meet the changing needs and requirements of the organisation. The above list should not be seen as an exhaustive list of duties, and the postholder will be expected to undertake other relevant duties as required.

Essential Criteria:

Hold a relevant degree or equivalent qualification, with 2 years' experience of providing Community Development support to include:

a) Assisting communities with the management of financial and other resources.

b) Assisting communities to secure funding for revenue.

c) Partnership working and collaboration and group facilitation to deliver outcomes.

In the absence of a relevant degree, applicants must hold 4 years' experience of providing Community Development support to include a) to c) above.

Ability to meet targets and deadlines within specified timeframes.

Access to a form of transport to fulfil the duties of the post.

Competence in the use of Information Technology, including email and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Desirable Criteria:

Previous experience of assisting with capital projects.