Job profile
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
Job reference
REQ
Date posted
28/08/2025
Application closing date
07/09/2025
Location
Penrith
Salary
£38,220 - £39,152
Package
Contractual hours
30
Basis
Part time
Attachments
Community Development Officer - WMF2239e
Job description
Location: Penrith, Voreda House
Contract Type: Fixed Term to September 2026
About this opportunity
Do you have the experience and motivation to really make a difference in a local community?
We have a permanent opportunity for an enthusiastic and highly motivated person to join our Community Development team, working towards the effective development of Eden and the wider Westmorland and Furness area. This is a varied and challenging role, and we are looking for someone with the right skills who can join us and hit the ground running, working to support the local community.
This is an incredibly diverse role, and the right person will need to be highly adaptable; responding to local community issues, as well as having the organisational skills to initiate, plan and support projects.
Whilst you will collaborate with the team in many areas; developing, initiating and progressing plans and projects that will improve the health and wellbeing of focus areas in the local community. The role includes supporting local Members and Managers in delivering key council priorities, facilitating the development of community groups, use of appropriate funding streams and assisting communities to identify and mobilise assets.
This job involves proactive work, engaging with the local area, understanding the needs of the community, and working to bring together the right support and resources, enabling groups to work towards positive change and development.
Who we are looking for…
The successful candidate for this role will have proven experience in community development, as well as a strong knowledge of the local area and the drive to make a difference.
Excellent interpersonal skills are essential, as well as a strong focus on customer service and the ability to engage with many people, from voices in the community, to senior management and elected members. You will need to be able to travel across the Eden area and sometimes further, and this role may include some evening and weekend activity.
What can we offer you
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers )
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
* Post Specification
* Role Profile
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 7 September 2025
Interview date: TBC
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
Westmorland and Furness Council are now able to offer sponsorship for Skilled Worker Visa applications for eligible roles. Please note, we cannot guarantee the eligibility of all of our roles, therefore, if you would like more information on roles that may be eligible please visit the government website - Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes - GOV.UK.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old, that meet the essential criteria for the role.
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