Job Title:
Community Development Worker (ONSIDE Evolution)
Salary:
Band 4 – £28,138.87
JobLocation:
Belfast or Derry or Dungannon offices with travel and support provided across Northern Ireland-welcomeapplicantsfromMidUlster.
Working Hours:
F/T35hoursperweek
Duration:
FixedtermuntilMarch2029(subjectto Funding)
Disability Action is a dynamic and thriving charity committed to improving the lives of disabled people across Northern Ireland. We provide a wide range of services and support for and by disabled people which empower access to employment, education, advocacy and more. Ensuring we can live independently and participate fully in society.
ONSIDEEvolutionisacross-borderinitiativethatsupportsdisabled peopleandcarersto becomemoreconnected,confidentandactive within their communities.
Theprogrammeaimstoreducesocialisolationanddigitalexclusion by providing:
- digitalskillsdevelopment
- accesstotechnology
- communityengagementopportunities
- ActiveCitizenshipprogrammes
- peernetworksandcommunityleadershipopportunities
The programme works across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and will support thousands of disabled people and carers to increase their confidence, build digital skills and participate more fully in community life.
The Community Development Worker will provide frontline support to disabled people participating in the ONSIDE Evolution programme, helping disabled people and carers overcome barriers tosocialparticipation,digitalinclusion,andcommunityengagement.
Therolewillinvolveworkingdirectlywithdisabledpeopleandcarers to develop personalised participation plans, supporting them to access digital skills training, community opportunities, and local services.
Community Navigators will support participants to build confidence, strengthen peer networks, and engage with local decision-making structuressuchascommunityplanninggroups,housingforums,and public participation networks.
The role will contribute to reducing social isolation and enabling disabled people to become active citizens within their communities.
The responsibilities of the Community Development Worker will include:
ParticipantSupportandCommunityNavigation
- Provideone-to-onesupporttodisabledpeopleparticipatingin the programme.
- Carryoutholisticbaselineassessmentswithparticipants including goal setting and identification of barriers to participation.
- Supportparticipantstodeveloppersonalisedactionplansto increasesocialinclusion,digitalconfidence,andcommunity engagement.
- Assistparticipantstoaccessdigitalinclusiontraining,active citizenship programmes, and community activities.
- Provide guidance and signposting to relevant services and supports.
- Support participants to overcome barriers relating to access, confidence, digital skills, or social isolation.
Outreach and Engagement
- Conductoutreachactivitiestoengagedisabledpeoplewho may benefit from the programme.
- Build relationships with community groups, voluntary organisations,andstatutoryservicestopromoteprogramme participation.
- Supporttherecruitmentofparticipantsacrossprogramme areas.
- Promoteinclusiveparticipationandensureprogramme activities are accessible.
Community Development and Active Citizenship
- Support participants to engage in Active Citizenship programmesandcommunityleadershipopportunities.
- FacilitatethedevelopmentofActiveCitizenshipandDisability Networks (ACDNs).
- Encourageparticipantstoparticipateincommunitydecision-making structures such as housing forums and community planning groups.
- Supportparticipantstodeveloppeersupportnetworksand collective advocacy initiatives.
Programme Delivery
- Supportthedeliveryofdigitalinclusiontrainingprogrammes and Active Citizenship courses.
- Assistinorganisinglocalworkshops,groupsessions,and community engagement activities.
- Workcollaborativelywithprogrammepartnersanddelivery organisations.
- Supportthedeliveryofinformationandawarenesssessions for carers.
Monitoring, Reporting and Documentation
- Maintain accurate records of participant engagement and programme activities
- Supportthecollectionofmonitoringandevaluationdata required for programme reporting.
- PrepareprogressupdatesandreportsfortheProject Manager.
- Ensurecompliancewithprogrammemonitoringandreporting requirements.
Partnership Working
- Workcloselywithprogrammepartnersincludingcommunity organisations and statutory agencies.
- Developreferralpathwaystosupportparticipantsaccessing appropriate services.
- Participateinprogrammemeetings,planningsessions,and partnership activities.
Safeguarding and Data Protection
- Ensurecompliancewithsafeguardingpoliciesandprocedures.
- Maintainconfidentialityandsecuremanagementofparticipant information.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR and organisational data protection requirements.
- QualificationinCommunityDevelopment,DisabilityStudies,
Social Care, or a related discipline or
- Minimum2yearsrelevantexperienceinacommunity development, social inclusion, or support role.
- Experiencesupportingdisabledpeopleorothermarginalised groups.
- Experiencebuildingrelationshipswithcommunity organisations and services.
- Experiencesupportingindividualstoaccesstraining,services, or community activities.
- Anunderstandingoftheprinciplesofindependentliving
- An understanding of disability rights and issues affecting disabledpeopleincludingsocialexclusionandbarriersto participation.
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Abilitytoworkindependentlyandmanagetasksefficiently.
- KnowledgeandunderstandingofDataProtectionlegislation and GDPR, and ability to apply these when handling confidential participant information.
- *Afulldrivinglicenceandaccesstoacarforbusinessuse
*If the effects of a disability preclude an individual from holding a driving licence, please indicate how you can meet the mobility requirements of the post – i.e. the ability to travel throughout Northern Ireland, during normal working hours and on some occasions at evenings and weekends
- ExperienceworkingonEUfundedprogrammes.
- Experiencedeliveringdigitalinclusionorcommunity engagement initiatives.
- KnowledgeoftheUNConventionontheRightsofPersons with Disabilities.
- Experiencefacilitatinggroupworkshopsortrainingsessions.
- Lived experience of disability
What we can offer you:
- EnhancedMaternitypackages
- HybridWorking
- DeathinServicepackage
- Cashplan
- In-housecounsellingservices
- Commitmenttodiversity,inclusion,andemployeewell-being
- 27dayspaidholidaysperyearand11bankholidays (Based on a full-time role)
- Opportunities for growth in business development, project implementation, training and development and personal development plans
Disability Action is an equal opportunities employer committed to providing opportunities for all. We offer salary packages that are reflective of experience and aligned with industry standards, alongsideasupportiveenvironmentthatencouragesprofessional growth. As a progressive charity, we provide our employees with opportunities to develop their skills and gain experience across a wide range of areas in a secure and thriving workplace.
We are a Responsible Body for Access NI. A disclosure check will be undertaken; however, a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining this role.
Onside Evolution is supported by Peace Plus, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
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