Bluestones Staffing
BSNI are working with Belfast City Council to recruit a Assistant Community Development Officer – Social Care Qualified. This role is temporary.
Employment type
Temporary
Number of people required
1
Target start date
22 Apr 2026
Duration
4 Weeks
Hours per week
24
Rate
PAYE: £14.35 per hour
Job location
Upper Mervue Street, Belfast, BT15 2JZ, United Kingdom
Candidate must be fully flexible due to community center requirements
Main purpose of job
To be responsible to the Community Development Officer for the programming, organisation and development of activities for groups within and outside council community centres, contributing to the work of a community development team within both the designated area and citywide.
To coordinate and integrate the service work in the promotion of community development, equality of opportunity and the promotion of good community relations.
To initiate and assist local groups or organisations, through community development, to meet their objectives.
Summary of responsibilities and personal duties
To assist the Community Development Officer in the development and delivery of community support plan strategies and corporate objectives by means of a team approach, under the direction of the relevant unit manager.
To assist the Community Development Officer to research and identify area needs, implement recommendations and to initiate groups and projects for the benefit of the community.
To observe any pertinent legislation (Childrens Order or other relevant legislation) and advise groups of their responsibilities under legislation.
To recruit, train and develop volunteers from within the community and coordinate and supervise the activities of volunteers.
To assist the Community Development Officer to develop the community centre programme and to ensure the programme reflects the needs of the community.
To provide administrative support to centre committees and prepare reports and relevant administration as requested.
To ensure the necessary information, materials and resources are made available to groups.
To organise and support special programmes, including appropriate cash handling for projects, festivals and events, (including seasonal play schemes) and the management of seasonal and temporary staff, for example, but not exclusive to, summer schemes and special event led programmes.
To initiate and support local community groups and to manage and deliver training to community groups, ensuring the use of best practice processes.
To develop and maintain regular contact and good working relationships with appropriate statutory and voluntary agencies and represent community services on committees as directed.
To undertake appropriate training and development activities which may be required to discharge any duties.
To identify funding sources and assist to secure funding for groups. To report on the evaluation of the progress of groups and assist groups to report to funding agencies.
Within the post holders sphere of responsibility, ensure the health and safety of all personnel present in the centre at any given time.
To contribute to the work of the service by participating in working and consultative groups as required.
To promote good practice and provide relevant quality information to the public.
To attend management meetings and planning and supervision sessions as required.
To represent, and where agreed to deputise for the Community Development Officer as appropriate, within the post holders sphere of responsibility.
To participate in all induction and in-service training provided by Belfast City Council and in the induction and support of all newly appointed staff and other human resource management policies and procedures, as appropriate, including, absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedure.
To act in accordance with the council and departmental policies and procedures including customer care, equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding and any pertinent legislation.
To undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the council.
To undertake such other relevant duties as may, from time to time, be required.
This job description has been written at a time of significant organisational change and it will be subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve. Therefore, the post-holder will be required to be flexible, adaptable and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the job description but which are commensurate with the role.
Essential criteria
Experience
Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms, be able to demonstrate by providing personal and specific examples on the application form, at least one years relevant experience, gained in the workplace, in each of the following areas:
organising and developing community development programmes of activities; and
supporting and supervising volunteers.
Special skills and attributes
Applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of the following special skills and attributes which may be tested at interview:
Customer care skills: The ability to deal effectively with both internal and external customers whilst enhancing and protecting the image of Belfast City Council.
Information technology skills: The ability to use a range of standard office packages and finance packages effectively.
Communication skills: The ability to provide effective verbal and written communication to members of the public, internal and external customers and other organisations.
Team working skills: The ability to work in a team with the ability to work towards and achieve team goals and outcomes.
Partnership working skills: The ability to work with a diverse group of organisations, other managers and professionals, both internally and externally, to meet common objectives.
Performance management skills: An understanding of the principles of performance management and the importance of continuous improvement within the workplace.
Work planning and organisational skills: The ability to prioritise and organise workload to meet the centres objectives.
Health and safety awareness: An understanding of the importance of health and safety responsibilities.
Short-listing criteria
In addition to the above experience, Belfast City Council reserves the right to short-list only those applicants who, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms:
in the first instance, can demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, at least two years relevant experience, gained in the workplace, in each of the two areas detailed above;
in the second instance, have successfully completed Stages I and II of the Youth and Community course or NIPPA Diploma, NVQ II in Playwork, NVQ II in Community Work, or similar equivalent qualifications; and
in the third instance, have at least five GCSEs (grades A – C) including English, or equivalent qualifications.
For more information contact Jessica or Debbie on 02895219313
BSNI are an acting recruitment agency.