Community Development Officer (Wantage and Grove)

This is a varied role, full of challenges and requiring enthusiasm, dedication, a drive to exceed targets and deliver excellent customer service. If this sounds appealing, this could be the role for you. The role will primarily focus on working with the local residents, developers and the district and parish councils to develop vibrant and self-sustaining communities on the new developments at Kingsgrove in Wantage and Wellington Gate in Grove, establishing:

• A strong sense of local identity, social cohesion and active participation
• Community organisations and events which meet the needs and enhance the daily lives of the residents, and which can adapt to the changing needs of Wellington Gate and Kingsgrove's expanding population
• Opportunities for arts and culture development within the community.
The role will include regular working from the development sites. Main duties and responsibilities The postholder will be expected to work to the nationally accepted principles of Asset Based Community Development.

Your essential skills, knowledge and experience
• Working on own initiative and as a lone worker
• Working with statutory and/or voluntary sector
• Experience of supporting, starting or volunteering in voluntary and community initiatives
• Experience of managing and delivering consultations, projects and events
• Experience in supporting arts and culture initiatives.
• Understanding of the role of arts and culture in community development.
• Experience of working with communities with potentially conflicting demands
• Understanding of how to work effectively with community groups and individuals with communities
• Understanding of community development principles and techniques
• Understanding of multi-agency working
• Very good representational and presentational skills
• Very good written and verbal communication skills
• Skills of innovation and lateral thinking and being able to find new and imaginative ways of doing things
• Openness and an ability to adapt style and approach to new situations
• Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries
• Ability to handle challenging situations
• A full driving licence and access to a car with adequate insurance for use in the course of work
Your essential qualifications 2 'A' Levels, or equivalent qualifications or level of experience If you have the following experience or qualifications - it's a bonus
• Further/ Higher Education qualification in a relevant subject
• Community action participation/consultation (as participant or worker)
• Working to a multi-sector project board
• Formal or informal learning relevant to social inclusion and equalities
• Experience in organising arts and culture events.
• Knowledge of local arts and culture resources and organisations.
• Project management, including budgeting
• Delivering community led learning sessions
  
  A basic 24 days annual leave per annum, rising to 29 days after five years. You also have all the bank holidays to look forward to and time off between Christmas and New Year. (Pro-rata for part time employees).
• Flexible working and annualised hours - a flexible approach to work that our employees love!
• Salary pay awards - most jobs give scope for a pay increase after six months or the following April (depending on your start date) and we also review salaries each April.
• A generous career average pension scheme which includes life insurance of three times your salary
• No car park costs as there's ample free parking
• The opportunity to purchase a bike through Cyclescheme (cheaper than directly through a store) so that you can cycle to work!
• A salary sacrifice car lease scheme - a fully inclusive driving package for a fixed monthly cost
• Various schemes to keep you healthy (reduced gym membership, free swims, workplace exercise classes, contributory medical schemes, wellbeing appointments, free eye tests for DSE users and more)
• We give you two days per year to volunteer within the local community.
You may also have experience in the following: Community Support Manager, Community project management, Community Development Manager, Garden Projects, Community Liaison Officer, Resident Support Manager, Green Space project manager, Community Engagement manager etc