Community Child Development Officer

Bryson Group; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Bryson Group is seeking a Community Child Development Officer to support delivery of community-based programmes with a focus on early years and children's services. Role involves engaging families, facilitating child-centred activities, and partnering with local agencies to improve health, education, income and employment outcomes.

Key duties include building community relationships, planning group sessions, home visits, signposting, and promoting school readiness.

Qualifications

• QCF Level 2 Child Care qualification or equivalent.
• English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above.
• Minimum of 1 year's paid/unpaid experience in an early years or child development setting.
• Experience in planning and facilitating groups.
• Ability/commitment to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
• Full UK driving licence with access to a car and business insurance on appointment.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of community-based programmes focused on early years and children's services.
• Build and sustain relationships within communities to support school readiness and after-school activities.
• Identify service users, provide home visits, signposting, and facilitate group sessions for children and parents.
• Deliver engaging, age-appropriate play and learning opportunities in safe environments.
• Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team to consider children's needs across languages and cultures.
• Support parents to maximise their children's potential, including home-based interventions.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional development through role modelling.
• Maintain facilities, resources, and equipment to meet children's needs.

Skills

Child development

Group facilitation

Multi-agency collaboration

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Education

QCF Level 2 Child Care qualification or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Community Child Development Officer will support the delivery of community-based programmes, with a particular focus on early years and children's services. This role involves engaging with families, facilitating child-centred activities, and working in partnership with local agencies to enhance outcomes in health, education, income, and employment.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work alongside the Community Child Development Lead, following their leadership and guidance to ensure the effective delivery of programmes and services.
• Build, strengthen, and sustain relationships within communities to support identified needs, such as school readiness and after-school support.
• Identify service users in need, provide home visits, offer signposting, and facilitate (or assist in facilitating) targeted group sessions for children and parents.
• Deliver engaging, age-appropriate play and learning opportunities that support children's development in safe and welcoming environments.
• Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring that planning considers children's abilities, interests, language, and cultural backgrounds.
• Support parents in maximising their children's potential, including home-based interventions where needed.
• Foster children's emotional and social development by promoting positive behaviour through role modelling.
• Ensure facilities, resources, and equipment are well-maintained, compliant, and appropriate for children's needs.
• Network with schools, churches, food banks, community groups, and other agencies to enhance service provision.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and safeguarding procedures, ensuring compliance with organisational policies.
• Participate in training and professional development to enhance skills and effectiveness in the role.
• Promote Community Root Cause by participating in local events and assisting in the development of promotional materials.
• Minimum of QCF Level 2 Child Care qualification or equivalent (or working towards)
• English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above
• Minimum of 1 year's paid / unpaid working in an early years or child development setting
• Experience of planning and facilitating groups
• Ability/commitment to work flexible hours as required (including evenings and weekends)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Package
• The candidate must hold a full and current driving licence valid in the UK with access to a car and business insurance on appointment
• Paid / unpaid experience of partnership and multi-agency / multi-disciplinary working within communities
• Knowledge and/or experience of Community Development Work.

A satisfactory Access NI Enhanced / Standard disclosure or Garda Clearance is required prior to commencement of employment.

Bryson adheres to Access NI Code of Practice available upon request.