Community Engagement Officer

Supporting our local communities and staying safe has never been a greater priority. 

Do you want to be part of an innovative team, supporting students and working in the local community?

Are you interested in a flexible, part time job that provides experience in working with community organisations?

The University is seeking to recruit Community Engagement Officers to work with our Community Liaison Team throughout 2024/25. 

Community Engagement Officers encourage the integration of students as active citizens and facilitate the work of the Community Liaison Team. The Community Engagement team works closely with the University, Students’ Guild, local Police and City Council to support fellow students living off-campus.

Officers conduct 'walkabouts' in their area, signpost students with community queries, attend community meetings and develop termly community projects. Officers also facilitate ongoing campaigns and initiatives, including the end of term 3 ‘Students on the Move’ refuse removal scheme. They can help to security-mark your valuables and also run a glass caddying scheme at the end of each term to help collect and recycle your glass.

Officers have access to the Community Fund, financing projects that bring students and permanent residents together.

The Community Engagement scheme has been developed and supported by the University, Exeter Community Safety Partnership, and Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.

The Community Engagement Officers work an average of x5 hours per week.

Job Details:

JOB TITLE: Community Engagement Officer

SERVICE DEPARTMENT: Education and Student Support

TEAM: Community Liaison

ORGANISATION: University Of Exeter

REPORTING TO: Rory Cunningham and Sophie Meadows (Community Liaison Team)

PAYMENT: per hour, working an average of 5 hours per week

DURATION: week beginning 9th September 2024 and completing 18th July 2025

• DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 5 May 2024
• INTERVIEWS: w/c 6 May 2024
• TRAINING: Candidates must also be available for in-person training in Exeter on two days w/c 9th Sept 2024 (precise dates TBC)

MAIN SUMMARY OF JOB:

Purpose of post

The Community Engagement Team ultimately encourages the integration of students as active citizens and promotes greater community cohesion in residential areas. Officers work in three teams of four, facilitating the work of the Community Liaison Officer and strengthening links between the University and the local community.

Main duties and responsibilities

1.    To contribute to improving community cohesion within a designated residential area, including taking part in proactive ‘walkabouts’ to identify potential community problems and escalating them accordingly.

2.    To attend initial and follow-up training, bi-weekly team meetings, progress meetings and other meetings as relevant to the post.

3.    To establish and maintain regular contact with residents in a designated area, including welcoming students to specific streets within the city and maintaining contact with resident groups.

4.    To co-ordinate community projects at least once a term.

5.    To provide information to residents about local issues, facilities and services, and refer students to relevant sources of support.

6.    To take part in relevant information fairs and road-shows promoting community issues.

7.    To disseminate information to promote awareness of specific issues (e.g. burglary, personal safety, refuse and recycling matters)

8.    To occasionally follow up concerns relating to the welfare of individual students in the community (relevant support and training provided)

9.    To record anonymous statistical information on activities undertaken.

10. To recognise own limitations and work within them, seeking further support and guidance as necessary.

11. To help support the sustainability of a new intergenerational project that involves a co-living arrangement between members of the elderly community and university students. Tasks may include house safety checks, conflict resolution house visits and promoting the project for future years. Training will be provided.

Notes

1.     Community Engagement Officers must be students who have some experience of living in private accommodation (off-campus)

2.     Community Engagement Officers will be required to work in small teams of four, as part of a designated community area – there will be occasions when wardens work as a full team of twelve in other areas of the city.

3.     Community Engagement Officers are employed for an average of 5 hours each week. Working hours are flexible and can be planned with support from the Community Liaison Officer.

4.     Community Engagement Officers report directly to the Community Liaison Officer but will liaise with PCSO's (Police Community Support Officers) and City Council Refuse/Recycling staff directly

5.     Community Engagement Officers cannot be 'called out' and do not have a disciplinary function.

6.     Some occasional weekend work and evening work will be required as campaigns and projects develop.

Personal Specification

Essential skills and attitudes:

·      Able to communicate clearly with a wide range of students

·      An interest in employability

·      Able to represent the University in a professional and approachable manner

·      Approachable and friendly

·      A confident communicator

·      Flexible and adaptable

·      Reliable

·      Proactive

·      Team Player

·      Supportive and Cooperative

·      Tactful and diplomatic

Desirable skills and attitudes:

·      Computer literacy - Microsoft XP

·      Computer literacy – Internet and Microsoft Outlook         

·      Able to present written information clearly and concisely

·      Able to overcome hurdles and problems in a constructive manner

·      Geographical knowledge of the St. James ward of Exeter

·      Some awareness of community issues

·      Able to demonstrate initiative