- customer service skills
- knowledge of psychology
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to work well with others
- leadership skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- knowledge of English language
- the ability to work on your own
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Your day-to-day duties might include:
- finding out about the community's needs, problems and barriers
- making sure local people take action and have their say
- developing new opportunities and monitoring existing projects
- helping to raise public awareness about community issues
- building links with other groups and agencies
- raising funds
- recruiting and training staff and volunteers
- planning meetings and events
- managing budgets
- helping groups to settle differences of opinion on local issues
- doing administrative work
You could work in the community or in an office.
You could specialise in a particular issue or broaden your experience and work with different issues or groups.
You could move into management, policy making, or work as a freelance trainer or consultant.
You can get more details about working in community development from your local council and locality.
