Community Development Worker (Maternity Cover)

Full Time - 35 hours per week

South Dublin County Partnership works with people who experience poverty and social exclusion. SDCP promotes social cohesion, active citizenship and labour market participation with a focus on the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the area. South Dublin County Partnership is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from a diversity of backgrounds.

We offer a range of integrated activities in Community Development, Lifelong Learning, Enterprise and Employment Family and Early Childhood and Health and Wellbeing.

The work of the Community Development Team is designed to support collective community engagement and the development of sustainable communities. The CD Team provides direct supports to local communities build and develop the capacity of local Community groups.

SDCP are inviting applications for; a full-time Community Development Worker who has the capacity to engage with communities who are experiencing poverty and social exclusion.

Position Summary

The successful candidate will work as part of a dynamic Community Development Team.

The aim of the role is to:

• Provide supports to community groups/organisations and individuals to enable them to identify their needs, develop projects and initiatives, achieve their strategic aims, attain resources and influence policy
• Engage and support community groups to actively participate in local / regional / national structures and fora and represent issues facing disadvantaged and marginalized communities
• Build awareness among local community groups and organizations of the structural roots of inequality, exclusion and discrimination
• Support the establishment and development of local community groups whose aim is to empower communities to play a greater role in addressing social inclusion and equality issues
• Support Community Groups to raise public awareness on issues relevant to their community.
• Build links and form relationships with existing Community Groups and agencies / service providers
• Liaise with and support groups to set up new services
• Plan, attend and coordinate meetings and events
• Oversee the management of a limited budget.
• Carry out general administrative duties
• Be actively involved in the development, implementation, documentation, and evaluation of key elements of the SDCP Community Development Programme

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

• The successful individual will hold a third level qualification in Community Development or a related discipline with a minimum of 3 years’ experience working in the community development sector in a similar role.
• The successful candidate will have a full understanding of child / vulnerable persons protection regulations.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• At least three years’ experience of working in a frontline community development position in a severely disadvantaged area
• A clear understanding of the issues facing disadvantaged communities including, drug abuse, poor educational attainment, unemployment, intimidation and poverty
• Experience in the design and delivery of outcome-driven, targeted community projects and programmes, coupled with the ability to achieve targets and meet set deadlines
• A proven track record of successful working with disadvantaged communities
• Ability to assist community organisations to access supports for their plans
• The successful candidate will display empathy and leadership skills – this is repeated below
• Excellent administrative and IT skills
• Understanding, knowledge and experience of the range of social inclusion supports and services available
• Excellent communications skills both written and oral, excellent facilitation skills
• Good leadership, motivational and organisational and networking skills
• Ability to work on own initiative as part of a team and in partnership with other agencies and services
• Adherence to the highest standards of professionalism, and capacity to adhere to the policies and procedures of the organisation

Desirable

• Understanding and experience of dealing with funding agencies
• A working knowledge of community health initiatives would be an advantage
• Good working knowledge of CRM/Iris would be an advantage
• Knowledge and understanding of governance procedures for community organisations

Other Essential Requirements for the Job

• Garda Vetting
• Availability to work unsocial hours
• Full clean drivers licence and access to a car
• Be flexible regarding hours of work and location of their work base.

Renumeration Package & Benefits:

• The salary for this position will be based on the successful individual’s qualification and experience.
• Access to HSF private health insurance.
• 35 Hour per week (full time)
• Employee assistance programme (EAP)

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should pay particular attention to the essential and desirable criteria in the job description, your suitability and why you are the best candidate for this post in question.

Please send three copies of your up-to-date detailed CV (no more than 2 pages) and cover letter accompanied with completed confidential form marked: Community Development Worker Ref 170/2025 to:
Administration & Operations Department,
South Dublin County Partnership,
Unit D1,
Nangor Road Business Park,
Nangor Road,
Dublin 12

OR alternatively email your CV, Cover letter and an application form to jobs@sdcpartnership.ie – subject box to be marked: Community Development Worker Ref 170/2025

Closing date for receipt of applications: 31st January 2025, 5pm 
Note no late applications will be accepted.

South Dublin County Partnership is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applicants from a diversity of backgrounds.