Full Time, Fixed Term until 31st March 2028 funded through the Public Health Substance Use Team.
Are you passionate about empowering communities and tackling inequality? Do you have experience or understanding of recovery from drug or alcohol use, and want to create meaningful change across Bristol, improving representation of diverse communities within substance use services?
We’re looking for a Community Development Practitioner to join us, supporting and strengthening recovery communities through a lived experience and equity-led approach.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside people in recovery, community organisations and partners to improve access, inclusion and representation in drug and alcohol services, particularly from members of diverse communities.
Responsibilities
* Work directly with people with lived experience of substance use to strengthen their voice and influence.
* Build connections across communities using asset-based approaches.
* Facilitate inclusive spaces where people can share experiences, explore challenges and co-design solutions.
* Help reduce barriers to participation and tackle inequality.
* Develop partnerships across the council, NHS, and voluntary and community sector.
* Support communities to take action and build long‑term resilience.
About you
* Experience or understanding of drug and/or alcohol recovery and the role of community support.
* A strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
* Insight into inequality and how it affects individuals and communities.
* Experience of facilitating groups and working with diverse communities.
* Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
* Ability to use data, learning and feedback to improve practice.
Desirable (but not essential)
* Background in community development, youth work, or public health.
* Experience of asset-based community development approaches.
* Confidence using digital tools for engagement and communication.
What you’ll get
* The opportunity to shape innovative, community-led work across Bristol.
* A supportive and collaborative team environment.
* Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities.
* The role is based in the South Community Development Team with a city‑wide remit.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
Bristol City Council is committed to creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of substance use and recovery, and individuals from under‑represented groups. We warmly welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience and from under‑represented communities.
If you want to help build stronger, more inclusive communities and make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
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