Join our dynamic advocacy team at POhWER, dedicated to empowering communities and enhancing service delivery in Hertfordshire. We are looking for a motivated Community Development Worker who is passionate about making a difference by identifying service gaps and fostering strong networks within the community.
Key Responsibilities
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Engage with diverse community groups, organisations, and stakeholders to build and strengthen partnerships.
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Conduct assessments to identify gaps in services and resources within the community, focusing on advocacy needs.
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Develop and implement strategies to address identified gaps and enhance accessibility to services for vulnerable populations.
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Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and events to promote awareness of advocacy services and encourage community involvement.
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Collaborate with other agencies and organisations to promote integrated service delivery and improve outcomes for community members.
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Collect and analyse data related to community needs and service utilisation to inform advocacy efforts and policy development.
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Act as a liaison between community members and service providers, ensuring that the voices of those in need are heard and considered.
Why join us?
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Be part of a committed team focused on community empowerment and service improvement.
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Opportunity to influence positive change within the Hertfordshire community.
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Access to ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
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A supportive and inclusive work environment that values innovation and collaboration.
Community Development Worker Requirements:
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Relevant qualifications in community development, social work, public health, or a related field.
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Experience in community engagement, advocacy, or service development, preferably within a social services context.
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Strong networking skills with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on active listening and empathy.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team setting.
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Knowledge of community resources, local issues, and advocacy practices in Hertfordshire.
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Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
Desirable:
- Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
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Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
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Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.
Benefits:
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25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!
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Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
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1 Community Leave Day per annum.
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Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
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Auto enrolment Pension plan
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Death in service cover.
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Bike to work scheme.
Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do
At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.
We provide a full induction, training and equipment including a laptop and mobile phone. It is a contractual requirement that all advocates hold or are working towards an advocacy qualification. The most recognised qualification is the City and Guilds Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice Qualification (IAP) for practising advocates, previously completed City and Guilds Level 3 National Advocacy Qualification (NAQ). If you do not already hold an NAQ certificate or diploma or IAP qualification or equivalent, the expectation will be that you will gain the City and Guilds IAP qualification following successful completion of probation and pre-enrolment process. POhWER will fully sponsor this and provide a reasonable amount of study time and in return expect advocates to manage their time and complete within 12 months of registration.
Think you are the perfect fit for this Community Development Worker role? Don't wait! Apply Now !
An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.
We're proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.
Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle.
POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce.
To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.
POhWER is a charity who provide information, advice, support and advocacy to people who experience disability, vulnerability, distress and social exclusion.
POhWER was set up in 1996 by service users who, tired of others making assumptions about their capabilities and views, wanted equal access to information and a voice of their own.
Get in touch:
[email protected]
