Community Services Officer – Braintree District Council

Essex County Counci; Braintree; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team as a Community Services Officer, where you will play a vital role in enhancing community cohesion and wellbeing. This position offers a unique opportunity to manage community grants, conduct research, and develop projects that address social isolation and support vulnerable groups. You'll be instrumental in producing the Council’s annual Equality Action Plan and representing the Council in various meetings. With a focus on flexibility and innovation, this role promises a rewarding experience in a supportive environment dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. If you are passionate about community service and eager to contribute, this role is for you.

Benefits

Competitive pay and benefits

Flexible working

Hybrid working arrangements

Free parking

Local government pension scheme

Learning and development

Staff discounts at local businesses

Staff recognition schemes

Health and wellbeing programme

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Experience working with community partners and voluntary sector.
• Good written and verbal communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Manage Councillors Community Grants scheme and monitor projects.
• Lead initiatives to reduce social isolation and promote community wellbeing.

Skills

Community Engagement

Communication Skills

Research Skills

Presentation Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Experience in Community Work

Knowledge of Voluntary Sector

Job description

Community Services Officer - Braintree District Council

Braintree District Council

Permanent, Full Time

£30,313 - £34,612 per annum

Location: Braintree

Closing Date: Sunday 9th February 2025

Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Braintree Council to recruit this Community Services Officer.

The Opportunity:

We have a great opportunity for a Community Services Officer to join our thriving Communities team, which covers a wide range of services including Community Safety, Community Wellbeing, Children, Young People & Safeguarding and Community Transport.

The Role:

Taking a lead on the Council’s work to reduce social isolation and loneliness, you will work with partners to build community cohesion, wellbeing and integration.

You will manage and monitor the Councillors Community Grants scheme, research and assist in the development of community-related projects and identify vulnerable people and under-represented groups, providing feedback on issues to the Council.

You will also produce the Council’s annual Equality Action Plan, ensuring compliance with the Equality Act 2010, and provide representation at internal and external meetings, preparing reports and delivering presentations.

Accountabilities:

• To manage and monitor the Councillors Community Grants Scheme
• To lead the council’s work to reduce social isolation and loneliness and with partners support communities to build positive social networks and connections.
• To undertake research and assist in the development of community-related projects based on evidence of need.
• To review and monitor grant agreements with community and voluntary organisations
• To contribute towards community cohesion, community wellbeing and integration by identifying vulnerable people and underrepresented groups and to understand and articulate issues to the council and partners.
• Produce the Council’s annual equality action plan and support the council to comply with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
• Keep up to date with any emerging equality and diversity issues and changes to legislation.
• Develop & maintain effective relationships between the council and community & voluntary sector
• To represent the Council at internal and external meetings, deliver presentations and prepare reports.

The Experience You Will Bring:

The successful candidate will need experience or knowledge of working with community partners and ideally experience working with the voluntary sector.

You will need to have good written and verbal communication skills, including experience of writing reports, carrying out research and delivering presentations.

You will also need to have excellent interpersonal and influencing skills to ensure new relationships can be built and existing relationships maintained.

In return we will offer our Community Services Officer excellent benefits including;

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Flexible working
• Hybrid working arrangements are available in this role (home/office based) subject to business need
• Free parking
• Local government pension scheme
• Learning and development for all staff
• Staff discounts at local businesses
• Staff recognition schemes
• Extensive health and wellbeing programme including discounted gym membership

Why choose Braintree District Council?

Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative, innovative and forward-thinking approach and promote flexible working as part of our fit for the future programme. We are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it.

If this sounds like the role for you and you would like to join our team then please click here: Community Services Officer.

Closing date for receipt of applications: Sunday 9th February 2025

Please Note – Essex County Council is advertising this role on behalf of Braintree District Council and if successful you will be employed by Braintree District Council.

If you have any queries regarding submitting an application or require anything further, please email [e-mail]