We are Hiring: Community Development Worker

13/07/2026

Apply by: Monday 3rd August 2026. However, please submit your application as soon as possible, as we may close this role ahead of the advertised deadline if we find the right candidate.

Join our work to support our communities to thrive

Do you believe in the power of community? Are you passionate about helping people connect, build on their strengths, and create positive change where they live?

We are looking for a Community Development Worker to join our team, supporting individuals, groups, and communities to identify what matters most to them and turn local ideas into action.

Working alongside residents, partners and volunteers, you will help to nurture community-led initiatives, strengthen local networks, and create opportunities for people to develop the confidence, skills and resources they need to make a lasting difference. Through listening, relationship-building, and collaboration, you will play a key role in helping communities thrive and to eunsure local voices shape the activities and opportunities we develop together.

About you

  • You are passionate about building stronger communities and have a proven track record of working collaboratively with local people, organisations, and partners to create positive impact.
  • With at least two years’ experience in a community-focused role, you understand the importance of meaningful engagement and inclusive participation.
  • You are a creative problem-solver who enjoys connecting with people, building trusted relationships, and finding practical solutions to challenges.
  • You thrive in a collaborative environment and have experience contributing to the delivery of high-quality, innovative projects and initiatives.
  • Reflective and self-motivated, you take ownership of your work while also valuing the strengths of those around you. As a supportive team player, you are committed to continuous learning, shared success and making a real difference in the communities you work in.

About us

Southmead Development Trust is a Bristol-based charity made up of staff, volunteers, and residents working together to keep power in our community. We work alongside local people and partners to improve health, wellbeing, employment, and local pride – while tackling social isolation and bringing investment into the area.

Guided by residents, our vision is a thriving and healthy community. We provide the support, spaces, and services our community needs through our two well-loved sites, Greenway Centre and The Ranch Adventure Playground and Youth Space. These venues host a wide range of activities, including wellbeing services, youth and play sessions, fitness classes, community groups, and local celebrations.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from everyone. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, just let us know – we will do our best to support you.

About the Role

  • Working alongside our internal teams and external partners, our Climate and Energy Action Coordinator will grow and maintain our climate and energy projects and be a key advocate for climate work both internally and externally.
  • A vital element of the role is to be able to engage and help to empower our residents to take action to support our climate, nature, and energy usage.  Working alongside residents you will develop new projects and champion action for the Trust and across the community.
  • You will represent and promote the Trust’s climate action and energy projects via networks and partnerships to share learning and to draw on best practice.

Details

  • Location: Greenway Centre, Bristol, BS10 5PY
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Salary: £29,239.25 – £30,420.50 (yearly, in proportion to hours) depending on experience
  • Hours: 22.5 per week, with paid overtime opportunitites
  • Reports to: Community Development Manager
  • Holiday: 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays) in proportion to hours
  • Sick Pay: 4 weeks over rolling year, in proportion to hours
  • Training and Development Opportunities: All mandatory training and job-specific training offered, e.g. First Aid, Safeguarding, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed and Reflectice Practice
  • Pension Contribution: Nest Pension Scheme, combined 7% (employer 3%, employee 4% as standard)
  • Benefits: Free membership to Greenway Gym and classes, cycle to work scheme, cafe discount
  • How to apply: Please email your CV, along with a cover letter describing how your experience is relevant to the responsibilities of the role and how you meet the essential criteria, to: wellbeing@southmead.org
  • Interview process: If you are successful in the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to an in-person interview. This will consist of a series of questions, a short community development related task, and an admin task
  • Deadline: 9am, Monday 3rd August (interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday 11th August)
  • Contact: To arrange a chat or visit our site in person, contact Lucille Smith, tel: 0117 950 3335 or email: lucillesmith@southmead.org

Go to Person Specification HERE