Community Development Worker
The purpose of the role is to develop & deliver community-based initiatives within Cranmore and the surrounding areas. Working with residents to develop their neighbourhoods, improve facilities, build community resilience using Community Development approaches of capacity building, empowerment and enabling community ownership.
A key focus of the role will be to support and facilitate activities that tackle social inequalities and enable individuals and communities to gain more control over their community-led services.
The Organisation
Cranmore Community Co-operative Society Ltd was established in 2007, it was set up to be the voice of the
Community in the Regeneration process. It has developed to be the lead Community Development organisation in the Regeneration area, working to fulfil the Community Development, Youth and Interagency
Strategies in the Regeneration Social Plan.
Duration
30th September 2026, period of probation will apply.
Salary
Starts at €37,737.44 per annum
Working hours
This is a full time, salaried position of 35 hours per week. Flexibility will be required, and the successful applicant will be expected to do some evening work, and an occasional weekend. Additional time can be taken back as time off in lieu hours.
Main Tasks
Development & delivery of community-based initiatives
* Design, source funding, deliver, monitor and evaluate a range of community-based initiatives, services, activities, projects and events which meet identified community needs, and are led by the community.
* Identify and prioritise projects which meet local needs in collaboration with the community.
* Develop sustainable services and activities using asset-based approaches to pro- actively promote community development.
* Ensure all services are accessible and inclusive to a range of individuals and groups, especially those who are often hard to reach and most vulnerable.
* Develop funding proposals and bids with the coordinator to support activities, services or events using partnerships, networks and community groups as necessary to assist.
* In conjunction with the team maintain a strategy for promoting and communicating the work to partner organisations, a range of funders and the wider community.
* Organise and contribute to a calendar of events, in partnership with statutory, voluntary and community sector organisations and groups.
Partnership & volunteer coordination:
* Support effective joint working with local residents, statutory, voluntary and community sector services, organisations and groups in the development and delivery of place- based action which promotes community development.
* Actively participate in local networking groups /events.
* Enhance existing links and services with local community-based organisations through advertising and promotion of services provided.
* Identify potential partners across sectors and encourage regular discussions to disseminate information, advertise services, apply for funding, exchange referrals or share good practice.
* Build community capacity through developing volunteer engagement, training and input to the sustainability of activities.
* Identify fund-raising opportunities and write bids to obtain the available funds.
* Ensure all venues and events are fully risk assessed.
* Support local community groups as appropriate.
Monitoring & Reporting
* Monitor and evaluate work undertaken in line with various funding targets and provide written and statistical reports and evidence as required to management, funders, and other partners.
* Create reports as required by funders/ partners or as directed by Coordinator.
* Contribute to strategic reports and development of strategy within the organisation and specific delivery areas developed to meet the needs of the local community.
Any other duties deemed necessary to provide a quality service including:
* Meet regularly with the Coordinator for supervision and to ensure services, projects, events and activities are being delivered in line with organisation requirements, funding specifications and targets.
* Attend training, team meetings and events as required.
* Ensure that all requirements outlined in the Cranmore Community Cooperative Society Ltd staff handbook and the organisation's policies are adhered to.
* Be familiar with and conform to responsibilities under GDPR.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
HEADINGS ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE
SKILLS Strong communication skills both oral and written Good groupwork skills
& Excellent facilitation skills Good IT skills
ABILITIES Ability to work on own initiative or part of a team Good social networking skills
Organisational, planning and prioritising skills Access to own transport and be indemnified for work purposes
Good time management
Excellent report writing skills
EXPERIENCE At least 2 years' experience of planning, developing Community development and delivering programmes, activities and /or experience in an urban housing
& services to groups experiencing poverty, exclusion estate
KNOWLEDGE and/or inequality
Experience of Working in
Demonstrate an ability to support, motivate and Community Setting engage local communities, families and individuals
Experience working with youth
Knowledge of Community Development
Experience working in climate
An understanding of the causes of poverty and action/ just transition disadvantage
Experience in social enterprise/ communications/I.T./ fundraising
EDUCATION A relevant third level qualification – Minimum Level 8 in Community Development, Youth Work, Social/ Community Enterprise, Sustainable Development, Climate Action, Social Care, or other related discipline
TRAINING Social Care, Climate Action or other related discipline
PERSONALITY Positive outlook
& Good social skills
VALUES Respectful and Patient
Friendly and Confident
Honest and Trustworthy
Encouraging and Empowering
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Non-Judgemental
Committed to Community Development Ethos,
Values and Practice
Please submit your CV and cover letter, including contact details of two referees to:
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 30th September 2025. With a provisional date for interviews for shortlisted candidates on Monday 6th October 2025. This project an equal opportunities employer.
Cranmore Coop is an equal opportunities employer. We reserve the right to shortlist based on both essential and desirable criteria.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person