Community Development Officer

• Job Type: Part time (18 hours per week)
• Location: Essex
• Salary: Competitive

I am looking for a dedicated Community Volunteer Officer to develop and maintain links between my client and the local communities. This role is crucial in ensuring the safe and effective delivery of the volunteer strand of Children and Family Services, supporting their vision and mission.

• Lead the recruitment process for volunteers, working closely with Communications and Marketing Teams to market volunteering opportunities.
• Collaborate with project leads to identify and create volunteering roles.
• Partner with other volunteer organisations to support recruitment efforts.
• Assess and match volunteers with suitable opportunities.
• Facilitate volunteer induction and training, providing onsite inductions where necessary.
• Arrange and deliver training and mentoring for volunteers, including regular network events.
• Conduct reflective supervision with volunteers, both individually and in groups.
• Maintain the volunteer database with accurate records, adhering to data protection policies.
• Implement data collection and recording systems to monitor service impact and evaluate volunteer contributions.

• Sound understanding of safeguarding procedures.
• Experience working with families, particularly those facing disadvantage or vulnerability.
• Proven track record in developing and delivering community-based initiatives.
• Experience in volunteer recruitment, supervision, and mentoring.
• Minimum GCSEs in Maths and English (or equivalent), with professional development in a relevant field.
• Level 2 Safeguarding qualification.
• Knowledge of strength-based practice relating to families and young children.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by expectant families or those with young children in Essex.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Office, internet, and email.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with diverse backgrounds.
• Full driver’s license and access to a vehicle for frequent travel across South Essex.
• Flexibility to undertake occasional weekend and evening work.

• Opportunities for professional development.
• Engaging and impactful work within the community.
• Supportive team environment.