Community Development Officer (trainee)
| Posting date: | 30 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £25,000 to £27,000 per year, pro rata |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 18 May 2026 |
| Location: | FK1 1XR travelling to Upper Braes |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | CVS Falkirk & District |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Role Overview
This is a new and exciting trainee opportunity to work directly within local communities, supporting the development of community capacity, increasing engagement, and encouraging volunteering and participation.
The part-time Trainee Community Development Officer will work alongside experienced staff to gain hands-on experience in community development practice. The role focuses on supporting local people, groups, and organisations to build skills, strengthen networks, and turn community ideas into successful projects and activities.
Main Purpose of the Post
Using a place-based approach, the (Trainee) Community Development Officer will assist in supporting and stimulating community activity. The role will help build on residents’ skills, knowledge, and strengths while encouraging increased volunteering and participation within each village.
The postholder will contribute to creating opportunities for individuals (of all ages) and groups to collaborate, develop ideas, and deliver projects that align with local priorities and the Community Action Plan.
Key Responsibilities
Community Engagement and Participation
· Establish relationship and support engagement with residents, community groups, and partner organisations
· Encourage participation by helping individuals connect with existing community activities and opportunities
· Assist in promoting inclusive practices that ensure equal access for all
Volunteer Development
· Assist in supporting volunteer recruitment and management within local groups
· Encourage and promote volunteering opportunities across the community
· Help strengthen connections between volunteers and community organisations
Capacity Building and Group Support
· Provide basic support to new and emerging groups (e.g. governance structures, constitutions, and start up processes)
· Assist in delivering capacity-building activities, including governance, funding awareness, and community engagement
· Support informal groups to build relationships and explore collaboration opportunities
Project and Activity Development
· Work with community groups to help develop ideas into practical projects and events
· Assist groups in identifying funding opportunities and support application processes
· Help identify appropriate resources, venues, and training opportunities
Partnership and Collaboration
· Encourage partnership working between local organisations and community groups
· Support community events and engagement activities that align with local priorities
· Promote involvement in networks, forums, and membership opportunities to strengthen the local third sector
Learning and Development Focus
As a trainee role, the postholder will:
· Receive ongoing support, mentoring, and training
· Develop practical skills in community development, engagement, and project delivery
· Gain experience in working with diverse communities and partner organisations
· Build confidence in supporting grassroots initiatives and local leadership
General Duties
· Manage a personal workplan with guidance from their Line Manager
· Maintain accurate records and contribute to monitoring and reporting processes
· Support communication activities, including website and e-bulletin updates
· Work collaboratively as part of a team to support organisational priorities
· Handle sensitive and confidential information professionally
· Comply with all organisational policies and legal requirements
· Promote the organisation’s vision, values, and commitment to best practice
· Act as a positive ambassador for the organisation
This is a new and exciting trainee opportunity to work directly within local communities, supporting the development of community capacity, increasing engagement, and encouraging volunteering and participation.
The part-time Trainee Community Development Officer will work alongside experienced staff to gain hands-on experience in community development practice. The role focuses on supporting local people, groups, and organisations to build skills, strengthen networks, and turn community ideas into successful projects and activities.
Main Purpose of the Post
Using a place-based approach, the (Trainee) Community Development Officer will assist in supporting and stimulating community activity. The role will help build on residents’ skills, knowledge, and strengths while encouraging increased volunteering and participation within each village.
The postholder will contribute to creating opportunities for individuals (of all ages) and groups to collaborate, develop ideas, and deliver projects that align with local priorities and the Community Action Plan.
Key Responsibilities
Community Engagement and Participation
· Establish relationship and support engagement with residents, community groups, and partner organisations
· Encourage participation by helping individuals connect with existing community activities and opportunities
· Assist in promoting inclusive practices that ensure equal access for all
Volunteer Development
· Assist in supporting volunteer recruitment and management within local groups
· Encourage and promote volunteering opportunities across the community
· Help strengthen connections between volunteers and community organisations
Capacity Building and Group Support
· Provide basic support to new and emerging groups (e.g. governance structures, constitutions, and start up processes)
· Assist in delivering capacity-building activities, including governance, funding awareness, and community engagement
· Support informal groups to build relationships and explore collaboration opportunities
Project and Activity Development
· Work with community groups to help develop ideas into practical projects and events
· Assist groups in identifying funding opportunities and support application processes
· Help identify appropriate resources, venues, and training opportunities
Partnership and Collaboration
· Encourage partnership working between local organisations and community groups
· Support community events and engagement activities that align with local priorities
· Promote involvement in networks, forums, and membership opportunities to strengthen the local third sector
Learning and Development Focus
As a trainee role, the postholder will:
· Receive ongoing support, mentoring, and training
· Develop practical skills in community development, engagement, and project delivery
· Gain experience in working with diverse communities and partner organisations
· Build confidence in supporting grassroots initiatives and local leadership
General Duties
· Manage a personal workplan with guidance from their Line Manager
· Maintain accurate records and contribute to monitoring and reporting processes
· Support communication activities, including website and e-bulletin updates
· Work collaboratively as part of a team to support organisational priorities
· Handle sensitive and confidential information professionally
· Comply with all organisational policies and legal requirements
· Promote the organisation’s vision, values, and commitment to best practice
· Act as a positive ambassador for the organisation