Community Development Worker

Bracknell Forest Council; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Bracknell Forest Council is seeking a Community Development Worker to drive the Thriving Communities initiative. This role focuses on empowering local residents to enhance their health and wellbeing through community engagement and co-production of strategies. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to inclusivity.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Ongoing training

Supportive team culture

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact

Qualifications

• Knowledge of local neighbourhoods and available services.
• Experience engaging people with protected characteristics.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Assist local residents and groups in the Thriving Communities initiative.
• Collaborate to co-produce strategies supporting health and wellbeing.
• Facilitate engagement conversations with seldom heard voices.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Negotiation

Empathy

Job description

37 hours per week. With the potential for occasional evening or weekend work.

As a Community Development Worker, you will collaborate with colleagues within Bracknell Forest Council and our charity to implement the Thriving Communities initiative. This is an exciting opportunity to drive the development of a Bracknell Forest approach that encourages local communities to engage, co-produce, and take positive action to enhance their health and wellbeing. The programme, which commenced in 2024, aims to extend from the town centre pilot area into additional wards over the next two years, facilitating active local engagement and harnessing valuable insights for future initiatives. Jointly funded by the council and the Frimley Integrated Care Board, this role focuses on empowering local people to foster confidence and community resilience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist local residents, professionals, charities, community groups, and social enterprises in recognising their potential contributions to the Thriving Communities initiative.
• Collaborate with specific communities to co-produce actionable strategies that support health and wellbeing.
• Work alongside the Thriving Communities team to collect and evaluate insights, enhancing the sustainability of the programme.
• Facilitate engagement conversations, particularly with seldom heard voices, to promote prevention and self-care initiatives.
• Develop new community actions and activities that foster health and wellbeing.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Knowledge of local neighbourhoods and available services.
• Experience in engaging people with protected characteristics and those typically unrepresented.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• A commitment to confidentiality and data protection.
• Ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Effective problem-solving and negotiation abilities.
• A caring and empathetic nature, dedicated to equal opportunities and co-production.

Benefits on Offer:

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the community.
• Flexible working environment with the potential for occasional evening or weekend work.
• Ongoing training
• Supportive team culture dedicated to community empowerment and engagement.

Diversity Statement:

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Call to Action:

If you are ready to make a difference in your community, we would love to hear from you!

Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.