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Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: BELFAST DEVELOPMENT TRUST CIC. Belfast Development Trust CIC is committed to inclusive economic regeneration and community-led development. The objectives of the CIC are to carry on activities which benefit the community and in particular (without limitation) to: Acquire, develop, hold and manage property and facilitate the acquisition and safeguarding of community assets. Promote and support social enterprise and sustainable means of achieving economic growth and urban regeneration. Promote community wealth building across the city of Belfast; and Advance community development by providing facilities, encouragement, assistance, support, and carry out capacity building to other voluntary and community and social enterprise organisations. We work in partnership with government departments, Belfast City Council, local businesses, social enterprises, and community organisations to deliver projects that promote economic justice and sustainable development in Belfast. This role is part of the Department for Communities Job Start Initiative, designed to give young people meaningful work experience and training. As a Community Wealth Building Assistant, you will support initiatives that promote local economic resilience, fair employment, and inclusive growth. You will help raise awareness of community wealth building strategies and assist in delivering campaigns and events that encourage local procurement, cooperative development, and financial wellbeing. You’ll work closely with anchor institutions, community organisations, and residents to build a more equitable and economically empowered Belfast.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and promotion of campaigns focused on fair employment, local business support, and inclusive economic practices.
• Disseminate information on services such as job coaching, cooperative development, and ethical finance.
• Contribute to the creation and distribution of promotional materials, including digital content for social media.
• Support the planning and delivery of events such as job fairs, cooperative showcases, and financial wellbeing workshops.
• Engage with event participants to facilitate access to services and raise awareness of community wealth building opportunities.
• Gather and examine feedback to inform future outreach and engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with partner organisations to respond to issues such as unemployment, cost-of-living pressures, and barriers to fair work.
• Share accurate, accessible information through community networks to promote inclusive economic opportunities.
• Participate in structured training on community wealth building, communications, and event coordination.
• Learn from experienced mentors in areas such as inclusive economic development, digital engagement, and public service delivery.
• Gain valuable experience relevant to careers in economic development, community work, or local government.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Awareness of economic challenges affecting deprived communities.
• Strong motivation to contribute positively to community development.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic proficiency in IT and social media platforms.
• Demonstrated interest in economic justice, employment, or regeneration.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with the West Belfast area and local support organisations.
• Prior experience in volunteering or community/economic development projects.
• Interest in digital tools for community engagement (e.g., websites, apps, social media).

Further Information

The Employer is: BELFAST DEVELOPMENT TRUST CIC. JobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information. Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week. Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach. Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment. The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.