Assistant community development officer

*Closing date: 30th June 2026*
 

 

 

Assistant Community Development Officer

Market Street, Belfast

Temporary (Approx 12 weeks)

£14.35 per hour

24 hours per week (flexibility required regarding working hours due to community centre requirements)

 

 

Main Purpose

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.

 

Main Roles and Responsibilities


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 (Children's 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.  


 

Essential Criteria:

(Please note that Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd require original certificates as proof of all qualifications listed on CV)

 

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.

 

 

Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and a Corporate Member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd adheres to all current employment legislation.

We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date, should we receive sufficient applications. If interested, please send your CV as early as possible.

Please note only those candidates shortlisted may be contacted.

**Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK and Ireland. We are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. **

Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd regardless if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level