Community development worker : Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, a degree/HND in social sciences may improve your chances.

Entry without a degree or HND is possible, although career development is more restricted. A degree in any subject will be an advantage in gaining higher level posts. Relevant experience is far more important than the subject area studied. Training varies between the devolved regions of the UK and a variety of vocational college or work-based training courses are available, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate-level study at a wide number of universities.

Employees will be required to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check before being allowed to work directly with children or vulnerable adults.

For many posts, postgraduate qualifications are essential in order to progress to more senior-level positions. This is particularly true in generic community work. A variety of full-time and part-time courses are available, with some open to diplomates. One or two years' relevant experience is usually required.

Community development is often linked to youth work and many training courses will reflect this. Youth work is more specialised and often involves a different agenda than community development work. For further information on courses in youth work, see The National Youth (NYA) - Guide to Youth Work and Youth Services . Scottish courses (and a few in other locations) often refer to community development as community education.

Pre-entry experience and/or voluntary work is crucial. People often become community development workers after working in teaching, youth work, the health sector or other roles within the community. Development work overseas may also be relevant. It is important to have a proven interest in community and social issues and at least a year's involvement in areas such as community work, women's projects, pressure groups or youth work is advisable. Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• advocacy and networking skills;
• excellent communication, interpersonal and team-building skills;
• good listening skills;
• research and report-writing skills and the ability to interpret or present data;
• knowledge and understanding of community and social issues;
• creative thinking and problem solving;
• political, social and negotiating skills;
• an understanding of how public sector bodies work;
• the ability to empathise with people's life experiences;
• fundraising - at management level there is an increasing need to identify and pursue sources of funding.

Community work is challenging, exciting and at times frustrating. You need to be prepared to cope with inevitable conflict and setbacks. Results are long-term rather than immediate, so patience and perseverance are essential. Close involvement with the community group can deepen your empathy, your sense of identification and commitment. At the same time, you need to be able to switch off from your work. Above all, you need tact and diplomacy in order to negotiate your entry into a community.

Try to get involved in voluntary work as a student. Contact your local Volunteer Bureau (you can search for your nearest branch via Volunteering England or the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) ) to get community project experience.

Competition for jobs is keen, especially for the limited number of local authority posts, which often offer greater job security. Competition is also affected by political climate, current issues (e.g. unemployment, immigration) and the identification of groups within the community that need particular support.

Strong commitment to equal opportunities in the public sector creates a demand for ethnic minority applicants, particularly those with language skills. Life experience can be a factor.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.