Community work

What it involves

Local authorities, self-help organisations and charities and voluntary organisations employ community workers. The work is challenging and varied with duties that typically comprise:

• establishing new community services
• providing advocacy to individuals and groups
• writing reports
• raising funds
• recruiting, training and supervising employees and volunteers
• maintaining records
• preparing and distributing publicity materials and displays
• giving presentations
• liaising with relevant groups and organisations
• managing budgets
• facilitating self-help community groups.

What's required

A minimum of one year's relevant paid or voluntary work experience is usually necessary prior to entry into the profession. This can be gained via community/youth work or by involvement in student community schemes, pressure groups or women's projects. Employers generally consider personality and experience to be more important than degree subject studied, although qualifications in law, social work, politics, public administration or social sciences can be advantageous. A relevant postgraduate diploma/degree can also be helpful, and is often necessary for senior positions. Good verbal and written communication skills are essential, as is a mature, confident and patient manner.

Where to find out more

Funding cuts have resulted in fewer opportunities and consequently strong competition for most positions. Vacancies are advertised in local, regional and national newspapers, local authority jobs lists, and a range of specialist publications including The Big Issue. Speculative applications are advisable (particularly for work experience placements), for which the Voluntary Agencies Directory, the Social Services Year Book and Charities Digest may be useful. Local charities and volunteer bureaux can often provide work experience placements - Volunteering England can help you find your local bureau.