Community Child Development Officer
Job description
The Community Child Development Officer will support the delivery of community-based programmes, with a particular focus on early years and children’s services. This role involves engaging with families, facilitating child-centred activities, and working in partnership with local agencies to enhance outcomes in health, education, income, and employment.
Responsibilities
- Work alongside the Community Child Development Lead, following their leadership and guidance to ensure the effective delivery of programmes and services.
- Build, strengthen, and sustain relationships within communities to support identified needs, such as school readiness and after-school support.
- Identify service users in need, provide home visits, offer signposting, and facilitate (or assist in facilitating) targeted group sessions for children and parents.
- Deliver engaging, age-appropriate play and learning opportunities that support children’s development in safe and welcoming environments.
- Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring that planning considers children’s abilities, interests, language, and cultural backgrounds.
- Support parents in maximising their children’s potential, including home-based interventions where needed.
- Foster children’s emotional and social development by promoting positive behaviour through role modelling.
- Ensure facilities, resources, and equipment are well-maintained, compliant, and appropriate for children’s needs.
- Network with schools, churches, food banks, community groups, and other agencies to enhance service provision.
- Maintain accurate records, reports, and safeguarding procedures, ensuring compliance with organisational policies.
- Promote Community Root Cause by participating in local events and assisting in the development of promotional materials.
- Participate in training and professional development to enhance skills and effectiveness in the role.
Skills and Qualifications
Essential Skills
- Minimum of QCF Level 2 Child Care qualification or equivalent (or working towards).
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above.
- Minimum of 1 year’s paid / unpaid working in an early years or child development setting.
- Experience of planning and facilitating groups.
- Ability/commitment to work flexible hours as required (including evenings and weekends).
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Package.
- The candidate must hold a full and current driving licence valid in the UK with access to a car and business insurance on appointment.
Desirable Skills
- Paid / unpaid experience of partnership and multi-agency / multi-disciplinary working within communities.
- Knowledge and/or experience of Community Development Work.
- Vacancy ID
- 1789253
- Job ref.
- E/CDO/B/926
- Job Sector
- Childcare and Social Work
- Area
- All of Northern Ireland
- Location
- Belfast/Lisburn/Newtownabbey
- Salary
- £ 24,719.97 per annum
- No. vacancies
- 1
- Contract Type
- Temporary
- Weekly hours
- 35
- Published date
- 29/09/2026
- Closing date
- 13/10/2026
- Worktime
- 9am - 5pm, days to be confirmed.