This vacancy has now closed

Community Centre Development Worker

  • Part time
  • £41,600 pro-rata
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 17th February 2023


  • Advertised from 9th February 2023
  • This position is for a self employed person.

Role

The Southside Community Centre SCIO wishes to appoint a Community Development Worker.

Background

The Centre currently hosts a wide variety of activities, and we strive to support the health and wellbeing of all members of our community regardless of race, gender, ability, background, beliefs or orientation. The Edinburgh Southside Centre Management Committee, in conjunction with the City of Edinburgh Council, is keen to continue development and support of the community-based activities within the Centre’s facilities. The Centre is based in a handsome heritage listed building of historical significance and has a well-appointed kitchen and café space, a small and medium sized meeting room, as well as a large, impressive auditorium. The post holder will advise the Management Committee and work with existing stakeholders, service providers and the community to develop current and new projects which will benefit the locality and, most importantly, galvanise a sense of joint purpose and shared community.

Responsibilities

The Community Centre Development Worker will be expected to;

  1. Familiarise themselves with groups and activities currently taking place in the Centre and offer support to groups/group leaders as required and where appropriate.
  2. Develop local groups, events, shows, and activities which further the Centre’s vision and work alongside the Management Committee to agree classes, events, and shows operating in the building.
  3. Work collaboratively with the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) and in partnership with Centre based employees with the aim of promoting the smooth running of the Centre’s activities. Provide key-holding responsibility periodically (subject to Council/ Management Committee approval)
  4. Work with the Management Committee to identify/deliver fundraising activities, such as researching potential sponsors and funders, developing fundraising events, and writing proposals to potential sources of funds.
  5. Develop outreach work to deliver our inclusive goals and engagement remits through networking and open dialogue across and between current centre users, local neighbourhood and the wider diverse communities.
  6. Develop use of the main hall theatre/cinema space to attract commercial lets, to raise the profile of the Centre and create both income and resources to support community projects.
  7. Represent the Centre at local events to promote the Centre’s contribution to the locality.

Contractual arrangements

  1. This is a short-term contract delivering on very specific project goals. It is for an initial period of 6 months. Job share arrangements are negotiable.
  2. The fee for the period will be £800 for a 32 hour per week (flexi-time as required). Working pattern to be agreed between the committee and the successful candidate(s). Working-time should be appropriately logged.
  3. The post-holder will be directly responsible to the Management Committee Chair (or other named Committee member). A regular report should be provided to the monthly Management Committee. Any short period of leave must be arranged and agreed in advance.
  4. Office facilities will be provided in the Centre.
  5. The SCIO is an equal opportunity employer and is guided by the City of Edinburgh Equality and Diversity Framework.

The successful candidate must have;

  1. Demonstrable experience of working in partnership settings with a wide range of stakeholders including but not limited to; Community Councils, Local Community Planning Partnerships, Tenants and Residents organisations, Community Centre Management Committees, statutory agencies and voluntary sector partners.
  2. Demonstrable experience in the development and leading of multi-agency groups in a partnership setting with particular emphasis on collaboration, consistency, coordination, and public engagement.
  3. Demonstrable experience in community engagement and capacity building.
  4. Demonstrable experience in supporting/enabling community involvement/influence, in the decision-making processes associated with the development of Centre based and community development programmes.
  5. Demonstrated ability to communicate, influence and negotiate effectively at all levels whilst maintaining effective relationships with a diverse range of people and organisations.
  6. Excellent problem-solving skills including interpretation of policy and guidance in a range of situations and the ability to provide creative solutions to problems that may arise with a range of partners, stakeholders, and funders.
  7. Ability to work flexible hours including occasional weekend work.

Qualifications and training

Qualified to degree level or equivalent in a relevant professional discipline. In exceptional cases this requirement may be satisfied through relevant experience and demonstrated competence.

Application notes

Individuals interested in applying for the post are invited to speak informally to the Chair of the Management Committee (chair@southsidecommunitycentre.co.uk) in the first instance.

Applications, including proposals for developing the Centre’s activities, a CV and the names (and contact details) of two referees, should be submitted in writing to the Chair of the Management Committee and sent to Edinburgh Southside Centre, 117 Nicholson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9ER, or to chair@southsidecommunitycentre.co.uk, by 17 February 2023. Interviews for shortlisted candidates are provisionally planned for Friday 24 February 2023.