One of two Community Fund funded roles at Just Let Your Soul Grow in Sunderland. Details below and in the attachment. Application deadline: Wednesday 12th November.

Part-Time Community Development Worker Location: Just Let Your Soul Grow CIC, Sunderland. Hours: 16 Hours per week|Part-time | Funded for 3 years by The National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund

Salary: £13,333 per annum with an annual increase of 2.5% plus additional employee benefits.

Just Let Your Soul Grow is an award-winning community garden based in Sunderland. We have recently secured three years of funding from The National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund and are seeking a skilled and motivated Community Development Worker to join our dedicated team. This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to a nationally recognised project and to make a real difference in the lives of local people.

At JLYSG, we believe in the power of nature to nurture wellbeing, confidence and community connections. Our garden is a safe, welcoming environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can grow together.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage children and young people, including those who may be vulnerable or have special educational needs (SEN).
• Recruit, train and support our team of dedicated volunteers, as well as community and youth work students on placement.
• Plan, develop and deliver engaging, nature-based learning and wellbeing programmes.
• Contribute to the care and maintenance of the community garden, including planting, flowers, shrubbery and general upkeep.
• Support the organisation in securing future funding and contribute to ideas for generating sustainable income.
• Ensure the highest standards of health and safety for all participants and volunteers.
• Work flexibly and effectively in a changing community environment, adapting to meet emerging needs.
• Collaborate with local youth work organisations, community partners and cultural projects through outreach and partnership work.
• Acknowledge and embed cultural creativity into programme delivery, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
• Manage time effectively, balancing independent work with team collaboration, and meet reporting deadlines and requirements.

Person Specification

• Experience of working with children, young people, families and community groups.
• Knowledge and/or practical experience of gardening and willingness to develop skills through training and CPD.
• Comfortable working year-round outdoors in all weathers, with a hands-on approach to practical tasks.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small, supportive team.
• A flexible, creative and proactive approach to community and youth development.
• Experience or interest in supporting funding applications and generating sustainable income ideas for community projects.
• Appreciation of cultural creativity and a willingness to engage in outreach with partner projects.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends when needed.
• An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Why Work With Us?

We can’t deliver a wellbeing programme for the community without making sure our own teams wellbeing comes first. That’s why our culture is built on trust, care, and connection. When we take care of each other, we can take better care of our community. Joining us means you’ll be part of a supportive, close-knit team who celebrate each other and make a real difference in Sunderland.

Life as Part of Our Team

• Be part of an award-winning community garden and a nationally funded project that’s making a real impact.
• Work with a supportive team where every voice matters.
• Enjoy flexible working patternsthat fit around your life.
• Take your birthday off— because everyone deserves to celebrate.
• Recharge with a “Phoning in Well” day, dedicated to your own wellbeing.
• Connect and collaborate through our Ha’way Dayinitiative — a paid day visiting a local business that shares our values to learn, explore opportunities, and strengthen community impact.
• Grow and share your skills with Skill Swap Sessions, pairing you with another local professional to exchange expertise and build connections.
• Join team-building days and whole-team socials, including festive Christmas celebrations.
• Benefit from ongoing supervision, support, and professional development to help you thrive.
• Access a pension scheme for your future security.
• Play a key role in improving wellbeing and building stronger community connections in Sunderland.

How to apply

We welcome applications in different formats to make the process accessible to everyone.
You can apply by sending one of the following to Jennie Morris, JLYSG@outlook.com:

• A written document including CV and Covering Letter
• A short audio recording(up to 2 minutes) telling us about your experience and why you’re interested
• A short video(up to 2 minutes) if you prefer to express yourself visually or verbally

Whichever option you choose, we’ll ask for two references as part of the process.

Application deadline: Wednesday 12th November.

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