Community Development Support Worker

A Community Development Support Worker helps people in local communities to create change in their local area.
You will meet lots of people from different backgrounds, and work with them to have their voices heard, and create opportunities that improve life in their local area.
Your work might address a wide range of issues such as how to improve local facilities, leisure and housing, or how to reduce anti-social behaviour. You could also specialise in just one field.

Community Development Support Worker is also known as Community Development Practitioner, Community Development Worker, Community Engagement, Community Coordinator.

Role Characteristics

Find out about the needs, problems, and barriers affecting local communities
Advocate for people to improve their local area
Monitor and find new opportunities to help the community
Help to raise awareness about community issues
Raise funds and manage budgets
Plan meetings and events

Skills

Communication
Organisation
Empathy
Problem-solving
Working with groups
Public speaking

Day in the life

Watch this video to find out what community development is.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

Volunteering or work experience

GCSEs

BTEC

T-Level

A-Levels

How to become

There are many routes into becoming a Community Development Support Worker; these include university, apprenticeships, or work experience.

You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths and sciences, or equivalent. You will normally need either A-Levels, BTEC or T-Levels depending on your preference in learning. However, volunteering and work experience is valued by employers. While it is not always essential, it could help you to complete an undergraduate degree in Public Health or Community Development.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

With experience you could become a team leader and train others in community development.
With training, you could move into a policy-making position or progress to the role of director with responsibility for implementing larger-scale projects.