Community Development Worker CV Example
A community development worker CV demonstrates your ability to engage with diverse communities, develop programmes, and drive social change at a grassroots level.
Recommended template: ProfessionalPro
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Highlight specific community projects you have initiated or contributed to.
- Include measurable outcomes such as participation numbers or funding secured.
- Mention experience working with specific demographics or in particular communities.
- Showcase your ability to build partnerships with local organisations and stakeholders.
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Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your Community Development Worker CV
A community development worker CV should showcase your ability to work alongside communities to identify needs, develop solutions, and build local capacity. Employers and funders want to see evidence that you can engage diverse groups, manage programmes effectively, and demonstrate measurable impact. Whether you work for a local authority, a charity, or a social enterprise, your CV should reflect your commitment to empowering communities and addressing social inequalities.
CV Structure
Use a reverse-chronological format with a strong personal statement followed by your career history, qualifications, and skills. Each role should describe the community or demographic you served, the programmes you delivered, and the outcomes you achieved. Include a dedicated section for relevant training and qualifications, particularly in community development, safeguarding, and facilitation. Keep your CV to two pages.
CV Format
Choose a professional template that is clean and accessible. Avoid overly corporate designs that may feel disconnected from the community sector. Use clear headings and bullet points to make your experience easy to scan. Ensure your CV is accessible to screen readers if submitting electronically, and save as a PDF unless otherwise specified.
CV Profile Examples
Experienced Community Development Worker
Passionate community development worker with six years of experience designing and delivering grassroots programmes across disadvantaged urban communities in the West Midlands. Skilled at conducting needs assessments, securing grant funding, and building sustainable partnerships with local charities, health services, and housing associations. Achieved a 35% increase in programme participation through targeted outreach strategies.
Senior Community Worker
Dedicated community professional with a decade of experience leading multi-agency projects that address social isolation, health inequalities, and youth engagement. Experienced in managing budgets of up to £200,000, supervising teams of volunteers and support workers, and producing impact reports for funders and commissioners. Holds a Level 5 Diploma in Community Development Practice.
Career-Change Community Worker
Former youth worker transitioning into community development, bringing five years of frontline experience supporting young people in areas of high deprivation. Strong track record of building trust with hard-to-reach groups, facilitating community consultations, and advocating for local residents in partnership with statutory agencies. Motivated by a commitment to social justice and community empowerment.
Your profile should state your years of experience, the communities or demographics you have worked with, and your key areas of expertise. Include one or two impact figures, such as the number of participants engaged or funding secured, to demonstrate your effectiveness from the outset.
Key Skills for Your Community Development Worker CV
Community Engagement
Reaching out to residents and community groups to build trust, understand needs, and encourage participation in local programmes.
Programme Development
Designing, planning, and delivering community programmes that address identified needs and produce measurable social outcomes.
Partnership Working
Collaborating with charities, statutory agencies, and community organisations to create joined-up services and referral pathways.
Needs Assessment
Gathering and analysing data on community needs through surveys, consultations, and stakeholder engagement to inform programme design.
Funding Applications
Writing compelling grant applications and tender submissions to secure funding from trusts, foundations, and public sector commissioners.
Group Facilitation
Leading workshops, focus groups, and community meetings in a way that encourages participation and captures diverse perspectives.
Safeguarding
Identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns in line with local authority procedures and organisational policies.
Impact Evaluation
Measuring and reporting on programme outcomes using evaluation frameworks, surveys, and case studies to demonstrate social value.
Work Experience Examples
For each role, describe the community context and your remit before listing responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs like engaged, facilitated, developed, and secured. Quantify outcomes wherever possible — participation numbers, funding amounts, partnership agreements, and evaluation results all help to demonstrate your impact.
Community Development Worker
Coventry Community Action Trust
Designed and delivered community programmes across three priority neighbourhoods in Coventry, targeting health inequalities, social isolation, and digital exclusion among residents aged 50 and over.
Responsibilities
- Conducted door-to-door and community venue outreach to identify needs and recruit participants for wellbeing programmes.
- Developed and facilitated weekly group sessions including digital skills workshops, walking groups, and social cafes.
- Built partnerships with local GP surgeries, Age UK, and housing associations to create referral pathways into programmes.
- Managed a programme budget of £85,000, tracking expenditure and reporting quarterly to the Big Lottery Fund.
- Recruited, trained, and supported a team of 12 community volunteers to sustain activities beyond funded periods.
Achievements
- Increased programme participation from 45 to 180 regular attendees within 18 months through improved outreach and partnership working.
- Secured an additional £30,000 in grant funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to extend the digital inclusion programme.
- Reduced self-reported social isolation among participants by 42%, as measured by the Campaign to End Loneliness evaluation tool.
Youth Outreach Worker
Spark Community CIC
Provided detached and centre-based youth work across two estates in South Birmingham, engaging young people aged 11 to 19 in positive activities and personal development.
Responsibilities
- Delivered evening and weekend detached youth work sessions, building relationships with young people in public spaces.
- Planned and delivered structured programmes covering employability, healthy relationships, and substance awareness.
- Maintained safeguarding records and made referrals to social services, CAMHS, and early help teams as required.
- Contributed to funding applications and progress reports for Youth Endowment Fund and local authority contracts.
Achievements
- Engaged 95 young people in structured activities who had previously been identified as not in education, employment, or training.
- Supported 12 young people into apprenticeships or employment through a bespoke employability programme delivered in partnership with local employers.
Education & Qualifications
List any community development qualifications, such as the Level 5 Diploma in Community Development Practice or a degree in community studies, social work, or a related field. Include relevant short courses in safeguarding, mental health first aid, or evaluation methods.
Level 5 Diploma in Community Development Practice
A professional qualification for community development practitioners, recognised by the National Occupational Standards for the sector.
Safeguarding Adults and Children
Training in identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns, essential for anyone working with vulnerable groups in community settings.
Youth Work JNC Qualification
A professionally recognised qualification for youth workers, validated by the Joint Negotiating Committee for youth and community workers.
Mental Health First Aid
A certification equipping practitioners to recognise signs of mental ill health and provide initial support to individuals in community settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need for community development work?
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