Environment and Recreation Officer

Ligoniel Improvement Associaton

22 Feb 2008

Maria Morgan

028 9039 1225

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

• To improve the health of Ligoniel residents, using a community development approach to tackle the social, economic and environmental detriments of poor health.
• To redress causes of poor health within the local community whilst working towards the wider neighbourhood renewal regeneration process.
• To facilitate and develop new opportunities for the social integration and psychological development of local residents.
• To develop and implement a holistic health strategy for the area, focusing on health, educational and training needs, environmental and recreational facilities.
• The EHSSB and Ligoniel Healthy Living Centre will pursue these aims in a spirit of co-operation and partnership.

THE JOB
To involve local residents in schemes to improve their health through active participation in recreation and use of the environment.

RESPONSIBLE TO:
The Managing Director, Line Manager and Executive subcommittee of the Ligoniel Improvement Association.

LOCATION:
The Wolfhill Centre, Ligoniel

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To work as part of a health team to address the social/community needs of Ligoniel.
2. To increase understanding among community groups of the surrounding environment and the Biodiversity it supports.
3. To secure funding for Environmental and Health programmes.
4. To work closely with Environmental groups/agencies.
5. To increase usage of environmental centre and surrounding facilities.
6. To assist in project delivery by meeting Investing for Health objectives particularly physical and environmental objectives.
7. To promote healthy lifestyle choices through physical, recreational and environmental programmes.
8. To explore with local people the links between environmental and recreational facilities and improved health and sense of wellbeing.
9. To increase understanding among community groups of the impact that policies and practices of agencies, regarding environment and recreation, may have on health and wellbeing.
10. To support and assist the appropriate task groups of the Ligoniel Village Neighbourhood Partnership.
11. To design implement and deliver environmental programmes to specific target groups as agreed through project objectives.
12. To encourage local people to actively participate in recreational and environmental pursuits.
13. To publicise the work of the project and the importance of the local environment and its potential for improve health and recreation.
14. To establish, implement and co-ordinate appropriate systems to monitor and evaluate, at regular intervals i.e. the outcomes of programmes against the agreed objectives in order to influence future development of the project.
15. To provide record keeping, report writing, direction and support in relation to health promotion to local groups and organisations.
16. To undertake job related training if required.
17. To undertake job related training if required.
18. To attend meetings as directed.
19. To carry out such other tasks as may be required by the Line Manager and Managing Director of the LIA.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:

Essential

1. Recognized 3rd level qualification in a relevant field.
2. At least 2 years experience in Community outreach work with an emphasis on environment, recreation and health.
3. A minimum of two years full time, or equivalent part time, recent experience in a community development practice (which demonstrates empowerment of community groups through locally based initiatives) and/or community development training within the last six years.
4. Knowledge and understanding of Investing for Health main objectives.
5. Access to transport suitable to carry out the duties of the post.
6. Experience of project Implementation and delivery, for specific target groups.
7. Ability to make funding applications.

Desirable

1. Experience in coordination and networking with community groups and other statutory and voluntary organisations.
2. Ability to demonstrate effective oral and written communication (including presentation skills).
3. Ability to carry out monitoring and evaluation in order to assess need.
4. Facilitation and negotiation skills.
5. Working knowledge of health service structures and policies.
6. Experience of lobbying and preliminary policy making.
7. Evidence of written record keeping.

DURATION: 3 years subject to satisfactory 6 months probationary period.

SALARY: £20,736 (NJC Scale 25) – £22,293 N Sc 28

HOURS: 37.5 hours per week may (may include evenings & weekend work)

HOLIDAYS: 24 days plus 11 statutory public holidays

This post is funded by Wellnet EHSSB

• LIA is an Equal Opportunities Employer
• LIA operate a No Smoking Policy