Community Engagement Worker

Sunderland City Council; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunderland City Council is seeking a Community Engagement Officer to empower local communities and enhance public safety. This role involves building relationships with residents, organizing community events, and promoting safety awareness. Ideal candidates will possess relevant qualifications and experience in community engagement.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

26 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Ongoing training and professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience in community engagement or development roles.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism.
• Confidence in organizing community events.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with residents and stakeholders.
• Promote community safety through engagement and education.
• Organize community events and outreach sessions.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Community Engagement

Education

Community Development or equivalent

Job description

We are looking for passionate and proactive individuals to join Sunderland’s newly established Community Safety Team as Community Engagement Officers. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape local communities, build trust with residents, and improve feelings of safety across our city.

You’ll be based within a multi-agency Community Safety Hub, working collaboratively with local people, community organisations, and partner agencies to strengthen neighbourhoods and deliver meaningful, lasting impact.

About the Role:
Working at the heart of Sunderland’s neighbourhoods, you will play a key role in empowering communities and enhancing public safety.

As a Community Engagement Officer, you will:
-Build strong, trusting relationships with residents, local groups, and stakeholders
-Promote community safety through engagement, education, and awareness campaigns
-Support individuals and groups to access services and contribute to local initiatives
-Work alongside multi-agency partners to address local concerns and priorities
- Organise and attend community events, outreach sessions, and public forums
-Respond to emerging issues affecting community wellbeing and cohesion
-Encourage residents to take an active role in shaping services and local decision-making
-Maintain accurate records and contribute to reports, evaluations, and monitoring

What We’re Looking For:
- We’re seeking confident, passionate, and community-minded individuals with:
- A relevant qualification (e.g. Community Development, Youth Work, Social Sciences) or equivalent practical experience
- Proven experience in community engagement, outreach, or development roles
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse communities
-An understanding of community safety, social inclusion, and partnership working
-Experience working in locality-based or multi-agency teams (desirable)
-The ability to manage sensitive or challenging situations with empathy and professionalism
-Confidence in organising and facilitating events, meetings, and public engagement sessions

Please note: Appointment to this post will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Why work for Sunderland City Council?
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), offering secure and flexible retirement benefits
- Flexible working hours through our flexi-time scheme
- You’ll receive 26 days annual leave (31 after 5 years’ continuous service), plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave through the Council’s flexible benefits scheme
- Ongoing training, professional development, and career progression opportunities
-A supportive, collaborative, and inclusive working environment where your contribution makes a difference

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Michelle Coates, Neighbourhood Enforcement Manager, by email [e-mail]

Applications must be completed on-line at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. If you need any support, contact:[e-mail]

Please note that CVs are not acceptable.

All communication about your application for this post will be to the email address that you register with North East Jobs. This may include details of an online assessment you may need to complete and an invite to interview if you are short-listed. Please check your email inbox after the closing date for notifications as you may not be notified by any other method. Please remember to check your junk mail items.