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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 subject studied. Work is currently underway to develop more relevant and standardised qualification and progression routes.

Prospective recruits who will be working with children or vulnerable adults will be expected to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

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 of relevant experience is usually required. For further information on courses in youth work, see The NYA Guide to Youth Work and Youth Services (youth work is more specialised and often involves a different agenda than community development work). For details of other courses see Prospects Postgraduate Directory. Scottish courses, and a few elsewhere, are often referred to 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 community work. Development work overseas may also be relevant. It is essential to have a proven interest in community and social issues. Experience of 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:

coordination, planning and delivery of training;
advocacy and networking skills;
excellent communication, interpersonal and team-building skills;
research and report writing skills and the ability to interpret or present data;
detailed knowledge and understanding of community and social issues;
creative thinking and problem solving;
political and social skills to establish and maintain effective links with organisations and departments dealing with such issues as housing, education, transport and legal and planning processes as well as the ability to negotiate and lobby to achieve the community's goals;
an understanding of how public sector bodies work;
the ability to empathise with people's life experiences;
fundraising - at a management level, there is an increasing emphasis on the 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 conflicts and setbacks. Results are long term rather than immediate, so patience and perseverance are essential, not least in developing links with groups and individuals. Close involvement with the community group can deepen your empathy, 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 are often more secure than other posts. It 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. It is illegal for employers to discriminate against candidates on the grounds of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or religious faith. For more information on equality and diversity in the job market and how to handle discrimination, see Handling Discrimination.

For more information see work experience and find courses and research.

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