Community Projects Officer

Job Description
Salary £ 36,363 - £40,777 per annum |22.2 hours per week | Permanent, Part time | PH&SO Community Projects | Preston, Lancashire

Community Project Officer
Job Summary
We have an exciting opportunity to recruit a permanent, 0.6 FTE Community Project Officer (3 days per week equivalent.)

The Community Project Officer is a vital member of the Communities Team within the Population Health and Strategic Operations Service, a part of the Place directorate.

This dynamic and evolving role is designed to support the delivery of five strategic priorities by fostering meaningful partnerships and driving community-led initiatives across Lancashire.

Working closely with the Communities Team Manager, the officer will champion an asset-based community development approach, empowering residents, groups, and organisations to co-create solutions that improve health, wellbeing, and social cohesion. The role places a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and responsiveness to local needs.

The post holder will lead and support projects aligned to the following five key thematic areas:

• Town and Parish Councils – Strengthening local governance and civic engagement through collaborative working with councils.
• Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Sector – Building capacity and resilience within the sector to deliver impactful services.
• Family and Community Cohesion – Promoting inclusive communities and supporting initiatives that foster belonging and mutual support.
• Social Prescribing – Enhancing access to non-clinical support that addresses the wider determinants of health.
• Outreach and Engagement – Extending the reach of services and support to communities.

While the officer will have a primary focus within one designated area, they will be expected to work flexibly across all five priorities, adapting to emerging needs and contributing to the overall success of the Communities Team. The ability to navigate complex environments, build trust, and mobilise community assets is essential.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Lancashire residents by supporting grassroots action and fostering sustainable change.

Interview Date - Wednesday 17th December.

1 x 0.6 FTE community projects officer (3 days per week)

Key Accountabilities
See Job Description

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience of project planning and project management
• Experience of partnership working with statutory and voluntary sector partners
• Experience building strong partnerships to improve how community services are delivered
• Proficient in analysing and interpreting data to produce insightful reports tailored for dissemination across multiple tiers of management
• Understanding of the wider determinants that influence health and wellbeing, and the role of community in promoting good wellbeing
• Understanding of communities, and the voluntary community faith and social enterprise sector
• Skills in resolving problems and managing conflicting issues
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• A good working knowledge of Microsoft office and Teams
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
• Ability to build and maintain effective networks and relationships
• Ability to influence others based on technical or professional expertise

In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits including:

• Agile working arrangements
• Generous annual leave entitlement (pro Rata)
• Annual leave buy back scheme
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Childcare Vouchers (Salary Sacrifice Scheme)
• Learning and development opportunities

Lancashire County Council as an equal opportunities employer intends that no job applicant or employee will receive less favorable treatment because of their age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief unless this can be objectively justified.
Lancashire County Council has agreed a Code of Conduct and Statement of Ethical Standards that outline the behavioral and ethical standards that must be upheld by its employees and casual workers. If you are appointed, you will be required to accept these provisions on appointment.