Community Development Outreach officer

Inclusion Barnet is Barnet's Deaf and Disabled People's Organisation (DDPO), committed to creating more inclusive communities and greater social justice for all. We are looking for a Community Development Outreach Officer to support voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations across Barnet.

This is a community-based outreach role that will play a key part in supporting Barnet's local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector. The role delivers as part of the award-winning Barnet Together partnership with Young Barnet Foundation and Groundwork London.

A significant majority of this role will be based in the community. The successful candidate will spend most of their time travelling across Barnet, meeting organisations face to face, attending local meetings and events, visiting communities and building relationships with existing and potential members. Applicants must therefore be comfortable with regular travel throughout the borough and confident working independently in a range of community settings.

The postholder will carry out proactive outreach to community groups, voluntary organisations, resident-led groups and local networks. They will build trusted relationships, identify development needs and help organisations access the support, training and opportunities available through Inclusion Barnet Community Organisation Support. The role will involve providing one-to-one support to organisations on areas such as governance, safeguarding, small funding bids and project planning, as well as signposting groups to relevant services, networks and development opportunities. The postholder will also support community-led activities that help strengthen neighbourhoods and improve local places.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a demonstrable commitment to the social model of disability and disability equality.
• Is passionate about supporting communities and helping organisations to grow and succeed.
• Has experience of working, volunteering or engaging with community groups, voluntary organisations, residents or local projects.
• Has an interest in community development and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector.
• Has experience of building positive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Has strong communication, engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Is confident working independently in community settings and representing Inclusion Barnet and Barnet Together at local meetings and events.
• Can identify when organisations or individuals may benefit from additional support and confidently signpost them to relevant services, opportunities or resources.
• Has good organisational, digital and record-keeping skills.
• Has an understanding of safeguarding, or a willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Takes a practical, solutions-focused approach to supporting others.
• Can manage their own workload, prioritise effectively and follow through on agreed actions.

As Barnet's Deaf and Disabled People's Organisation, we encourage applications from people with lived experience of disabiliy, which could include mental health issues, neurodivergence or long term health conditions. Lived experience is highly valued within our organisation and helps shape and strengthen our work. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in employment.

We also welcome applications from people with transferable skills gained through education, volunteering, community involvement, employment or lived experience.

While some home working is available, regular face-to-face engagement across Barnet is an essential requirement of the role.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, and be willing to undergo a DBS check at an appropriate level for the role.