Job Description

Community Engagement Officer, Thriving Communities, Volunteer Centre Dorset



About the role



Volunteer Centre Dorset (VCD) is a key partner in delivering Dorset Council's Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) infrastructure support and has been awarded the contract to deliver the foundation phase of the Dorset Thriving Communities Network (DTCN). To deliver this work, VCD will establish VCS networks across Dorset, enabling these integrated programmes to strengthen the VCS by providing training, business planning, marketing strategy, access to resources; and promoting collaboration and project sustainability. Additionally, the DTCN will underpin selected VCS organisations in chosen geographical areas with grants and infrastructure support who are delivering services and activities supporting older people to live healthier, happier, and more independent lives in their communities.



We are recruiting a Community Engagement Officer to lead the development and coordination of these networks across the Dorset Council area. This is a unique opportunity for someone who is passionate about grassroots collaboration, capable of working across sectors, and ready to play a central role in transforming how Dorset's VCS connects, supports and grows.



This role will be instrumental in:

building and supporting networks of VCS groups facilitating partnerships with local organisations and stakeholders enabling effective early help and prevention services for older people coordinating the distribution and monitoring of small community grants
We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Community Engagement Officer to lead on the delivery, development and day to day management of this project to help shape a new approach to community support in Dorset.


Key responsibilities



Network development and engagement

identify, recruit and support local VCS groups, micro-organisations and informal or grassroots groups to join place based networks support the development of place based networks by convening and facilitating in person and virtual meetings, workshops, and peer learning events; enabling sector updates and themed discussions signposting to local and county wide training, funding, and development opportunities, including organisational support offered by VCD support network members to develop individual Action Plans, to develop or enhance solutions focused on older people's wellbeing, prevention, and independence co-ordinate learning opportunities and key speakers' presentations at networks to share information to develop and strengthen the local offer ensure representation in groups is inclusive, equitable and representative of the community manage the promotion, administration and monitoring of small grant funding to community groups in each area
Partnership and collaboration

work closely with statutory partners including Dorset Council, local elected members, NHS Dorset, GP surgeries, and Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) build trusted relationships with key stakeholders including community leaders, Parish and Town Councils, local businesses, and faith groups, and the wider VCS champion collaborative working and share local insights to inform system wide planning and service alignment liaise with infrastructure partners, the Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly (VCSA), and local networks to avoid duplication and promote joined up delivery promote joint-working and co-production opportunities between VCS and statutory partners to support community led solutions. feed learning and insights from local networks into Dorset wide strategic forums.
Project delivery and administration

coordinate delivery plans in line with agreed project milestones and outcomes manage a programme of community based micro-grants, including outreach, application support, and monitoring of funded projects work collaboratively with the wider VCD team to ensure the best resources are suggested and deployed to support groups support groups to develop individual Action Plans to guide their development and delivery promote inclusion, accessibility and equity in all aspects of delivery
Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

collect qualitative and quantitative data on activity, trends, emerging needs, service gaps and outcomes across the networks capture stories of change and community impact record all contacts, attendance, progress, outcomes and tasks on VCD's CRM database contribute to quarterly monitoring reports and an annual evaluation report use insights from engagement to identify service gaps, opportunities, and community led innovations ensure feedback and learning are fed into ongoing project planning and strategic discussions
Person Specification



Essential

ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with a wide range of diverse groups and partners demonstrable experience in community development, VCS engagement or multi-agency partnership working strong facilitation and communication skills--confident leading meetings and workshops and presentations organised, self-motivated and able to manage multiple priorities independently understanding of VCS infrastructure support, the needs of small community groups and the role of the VCS in supporting communities IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office and online communication and presentation tools strong written and verbal communication skills flexible approach to working hours including, outside regular office hours full UK driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle
Desirable

knowledge of Dorset's communities, geography, local assets and stakeholder landscape experience administering small grants or supporting funding applications familiarity with co-production or community led design knowledge of issues affecting older people and the importance of early help and prevention experience working with or alongside statutory services (eg local authority, NHS) knowledge of NHS structures, Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, or Primary Care Networks * experience using CRMs or contact management systems for reporting