Job Title: Development Worker

Reports to - Chief Executive

Purpose of the job - To contribute to the CVS core functions through:

• Identifying gaps in local provision and working with others to develop solutions.
• Enhancing the effectiveness of new and existing groups by providing relevant information , training and support.
• Co-ordinating capacity building and joint working activities.

Main responsibilities

1. Organisational support and development

• To assist voluntary groups to review their organisations operations, prioritise areas for development support and devise realistic action plans for implementation.
  
• To encourage national and regional voluntary organisations to work within the High Peak where there is an identified need and provide relevant support services to help them achieve this.
  
• To enable voluntary groups to develop and participate in joint working or partnership initiatives through development and liaison support.
  
• To take out the appropriate mobile CVS resources to groups in their local areas.
  
• To work with groups employing paid workers, on their ideas for voluntary action.

2. Information, training and support

• To contribute to the CVS information and advice services through dealing with enquiries via the telephone and one to one support with a focus on larger organisations.
  
• To contribute to the preparation and production of the CVS newsletter/mailings/web site and any other information material useful to the voluntary and community sector·
• To design, organise and assist in the delivery of accessible training to local groups

3. Administration

• To complete relevant administrative tasks including record keeping and monitoring of activities
  
• To write reports as required
  
• To contribute to CVS policy development
  
• To provide relevant management information as required

4. Management

• To deputise for the Chief Executive in his absence by attending various meetings to represent the High Peak CVS
  
• To manage specified staff through providing clear direction for their work, support and appraisal in line with CVS policy.

5. Liaison

• To work in a complementary way with other local community development workers
  
• To take an active role in the High Peak Community Development Workers Forum.
  
• To work closely with the Small Groups Project, Peak Rural Deprivation Forum (PRDF) and Derbyshire Rural Community Council.

6. General

• To undertake other reasonable tasks appropriate to the job as may be required from time to time.
  
• To carry out work in line with the CVS Equal opportunities Policy.

7. Decision making

The development Worker is responsible for:
Decisions relating to development and support activities.

8. Special circumstances

This post is self-servicing in terms of administration.

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Person Specification for Development Worker

Essential

Qualifications - No specific requirements

Knowledge
1. Knowledge and understanding of voluntary sector
2. Knowledge of group work, organisation and community development theory

Skills & Experience
A proven track record in the following:
3. IT skills specifically word processing/database and desktop publishing, e-mail and internet
4. Planning & organisational skills
5. Networking & liaison skills
6. Negotiation and facilitation skills
7. Capacity to form positive working relationships with people fulfilling a wide range of roles within organisations
8. Ability to work as part of a team and participate in project management groups
9. Understanding of community development principles
10. Work with a broad range of groups
11. Effective time management skills
12. Experience of identifying and meeting training needs
13. Commitment to equal opportunities
14. Good written and verbal communication
15. Ability to work using ones own initiative

Desirable

16. Qualifications
- Relevant qualification in Youth Work, Community Development or Social Work

17. Knowledge
- Familiarity with partnership working across all sectors
- Multi-agency working
- Legislation relevant to charities and voluntary groups
- Experience of working in rural and urban environments

18. Skills & Experience
- Experience of working in the voluntary sector
- Presentation skills

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