Job Description
Mae'r ddogfen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg / This document is also available in Welsh.
RCT Council's Graduate Programme 2026
A Graduate Placement with Award-Winning RCT Council is a step towards an excellent career
Making A Difference with RCT Council
This is an exciting and challenging time for RCT Council as we continue to provide high-quality services while delivering value for money. The role of local government in shaping the future of local communities is more important than ever. Working in Local Government offers some of the most intellectually stimulating challenges, as we provide services that affect thousands of lives in many different ways.
Maximise Your Potential
RCT Council is preparing to recruit to its Graduate Programme, offering fantastic opportunities to work in a vibrant environment, learn new and transferable skills, meet people from a range of backgrounds and develop a professional career in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
All Graduate Officers will be supported to complete either a Level 4 Project Management qualification or job-related technical training (all fully funded) as part of the programme.
About The Department
The
Early Help and Community Programmes
is a new and ambitious Council Service area which brings together key functions that support early intervention, prevention, and strong, resilient communities. This includes:
Community Assets & Facilities
; Supporting the Council's successful Community Asset Transfer scheme and developing and sustaining Community Hubs and venues that act as vibrant focal points for local support.
Community Programmes and Grants;
Delivering effective grant funding programmes such as the Community and Children's Grant, Direct Food Support and Warm and Safe places, and supporting early intervention through flagship initiatives like Flying Start.
Early Help;
Improving access to Early Help for residents and working collaboratively with communities, partners and Council‑wide services to build confidence, capacity and resilience.
More About The Early Help Service
Early Help is an emerging and future focussed service area focused on delivering transformative, co-ordinated support at the earliest opportunity. We work across multiple services and agencies to make sure residents get accessible information, advice and support through a clear graduated response, ensuring people receive the right help at the right time.
Building on the strong foundations laid by the Council's Community Development Teams, including
RCT Together
, RCT Together - Supporting Communities and Residents to Thrive | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council the Early Help Service will:
* Strengthen and expand our network of Community Hubs, Spokes and Neighbourhood partnerships.
* Lead community conversations to understand needs and co‑produce local solutions.
* Embed community‑based approaches that help residents become more resilient and empowered.
This is your chance to join a service at the start of its journey—helping shape new pathways, new partnerships and genuine change for local families and communities.
As the Graduate Transformation Officer for Early Help, you will:
* Support the development and delivery of early intervention pathways.
* Work directly with communities, partners and Council teams to strengthen local networks.
* Contribute to commissioning activity, community projects and the evolving Early Help model.
* Help design and deliver innovative approaches to improve access to support and increase resilience.
You'll gain invaluable experience across community development, partnership working, early intervention and systems‑based approaches, perfect for someone looking to build a meaningful career in public service, social policy, community engagement or children and family services.
Who We're Looking For
We are seeking graduates who are:
* Motivated, curious and passionate about community impact.
* Strong communicators, confident working with a wide range of people and partners.
* Creative problem-solvers who enjoy co‑producing solutions and understand process developments that support innovation.
* Committed to helping individuals, families and communities thrive.
Essential Criteria
A minimum of a 2:2 degree in Behavioural Science, Sustainability & Social Change, Public Services, Health & Social Care or a closely related discipline.
Use of AI Tools
If you decide to use AI tools to assist with drafting, reviewing, or refining your application, make sure that:
* The content accurately represents your own experiences and qualifications
* You can clearly and confidently explain all aspects of your submission
* Your unique perspective comes through clearly
Please visit our website for further information on the use of AI tools: RCT Graduate Platform
Application Form/Competencies
Each competency response must be limited to a maximum of 200 words and only your first 200 words for each response will be considered. Any response exceeding this limit may result in the application not being reviewed or shortlisted.
Staff Benefits Package
* Tailored induction programme
* Ongoing support from a dedicated Graduate Co-ordinator
* Hybrid working opportunities
* Pension Scheme
* 26 days annual leave (Plus bank holidays)
* Financial management scheme
* Subsidised membership fees for Leisure Centres within RCT
* Vivup discount card for businesses
For further information regarding this position, please contact the Employment, Education & Training Team at
Protecting children and vulnerable adults is a core responsibility of all staff appointed to the Council.
The Council values diversity in its workforce. We are committed to ensuring that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, transgender, including those with non-binary identities, religion or belief or pregnancy and maternity. We offer a number of staff networks for employees including the Allies Network, a Disability and Carers Network and Perthyn our LGBTQ+ Network.
An application submitted for this post in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.
As part of the Council's longer term objectives in relation to the Welsh language and its Workforce Planning Strategy, it is committed to a guaranteed interview scheme for Welsh-speakers of Level 3 and above. If you meet the essential criteria as identified in the person specification for the job and are a Welsh-speaker of Level 3 and above, you will be invited to interview if you choose to participate in the scheme.
In view of the large number of Application Forms which are currently being submitted individual applications are not acknowledged. Consequently if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application is unsuccessful on this occasion. In which case you are thanked for the interest you have shown in applying for a position within the Council.
In support of the Council's voluntary pledge to support the Armed Forces, the recruiter must always be prepared to ensure that applicants who have identified themselves as members of the Armed Forces including Service Leavers, Veterans or Reservists and who meet the essential criteria of the person specification, are offered an interview.