Community Learning and Development Worker

Job Description

Community Learning & Development Worker (10/156)

Stranraer or Newton Stewart

Unqualified Band 8 £36,774 - £39,363

Qualified Band 9 £40,470 - £43,437

The Community Empowerment Service are offering an exciting opportunity to Community Learning and Development Workers who have experience in working with communities to join an innovative and award-winning team to support communities across Dumfries & Galloway.

The team provides a range of support to communities to achieve their ambitions and engage and involve them in decisions that affect them.  This will include:

• Supporting communities of place and interest to identify local needs, build on local strengths and develop solutions.
• Building the capacity of community organisations and Community Councils.
• Supporting community organisations who seek to take on ownership and manage community assets.
• Supporting groups working to reduce poverty and inequality
• Supporting delivery of the councils Community Participation and Volunteering Strategies.
• Facilitating community engagement and participation activities

You must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience of working with individuals and or groups using a community development approach together with knowledge of the Third Sector and ideally be a member of the CLD Standards Council.  You should be motivated and passionate about working with communities and have experience of working within community settings, supporting part-time staff and or volunteers.  Excellent communication skills are essential.

To be appointed at Band 9, you must be qualified to degree level in Community Learning and Development or a degree recognised by the CLD Standards Council. Applications are also welcomed from individuals who do not hold a recognised CLD degree but have at least two years' relevant Community Learning and Development experience. Successful candidates may be considered for appointment at Band 8, depending on qualifications and experience.

This is an opportunity to become part of a highly regarded service that works at the heart of communities across Dumfries and Galloway. You will have the chance to support meaningful community-led change, work alongside committed colleagues and partners, and contribute to shaping stronger, more resilient and connected communities.

A current driving licence is an essential requirement of this post. However, if you have a disability which precludes you from holding a driving licence consideration will be given if alternative transport can be arranged.

Requirements

This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.  From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.

With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing.  Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more.  Employees also get access to membership of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.

Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.

For further information please contact: Ingrid Gemmell, Community Empowerment Ward Manager – Ingrid.Gemmell@dumgal.gov.uk   Tel:  07554413395