District Electoral Area (DEA) Officer

MCS are working in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council recruiting for a District Electoral Officer based at their Ballymena offices. Overview: Work as part of a team responsible for the implementation of "Putting People First", Mid and East Antrim's Community Plan, delivered through a District Electoral Area (DEA) approach. The role will include input into delivery relating to the following service areas: PCSP Good Relations Community Planning Community Development (including Neighbourhood Renewal & Areas at Risk) Community Services (including Community Centre Management) Basic Services To actively promote and take a lead role in coordinating a multi-agency approach to support delivery at a local level. To work in a team of seven DEA colleagues to facilitate an integrated and multi-agency approach to community planning on areas such as: Sustainable jobs and developing our tourism potential Good health and wellbeing Progress in education and improving aspirations for all Improving community safety and cohesion Our environment MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Act as a primary point of contact for the DEA, dealing with day to day enquiries from members of the public, elected members, key community, statutory and voluntary partners in relation to local issues and concerns. Assist the DEA Manager with the effective delivery of a portfolio of services as already detailed under the Main Purpose of Job, specifically in relation to PCSP, Good Relations, Community Planning, Community Development (including Neighbourhood Renewal & Areas at Risk Programmes), Basic Services and Community Services. Responsible for the staff and operational aspects (along with other relevant Council Departments) of the community centres appropriate to their DEAs, including oversight of paper based and electronic front desk management system(s). Develop and deliver a programme of activities to increase participation, levels of usage and footfall within the community centres. Responsible for the development and implementation of a DEA Clusters Action Plan which responds to identified local need. Implement a programme of outreach work to enhance the public and community awareness of the DEA Clusters and to increase the involvement of the public with the aim of achieving positive outcomes. Facilitate cooperation between Council departments in order to ensure a holistic response to needs identified within the DEA clusters action plan, and to implement effective responses. Meet current and future requirements in line with best practice and changes in legislation with regard to the work of the DEA Clusters. Establish, develop and maintain relationships with relevant personnel in funding bodies, statutory agencies and other public and private sector organisations in order to ensure the full and effective implementation of the clusters action plan. Identify continuous opportunities to promote the positive image of the Clusters through a variety of methods e.g. social media, local media, local radio and promotion at local events Establish and co-ordinate a database of community contacts. Encourage and assist local voluntary and community groups to organise events and projects, providing them with appropriate information and advice. Ensure that effective and accurate records and information procedures are put in place and maintained for all priorities and projects in relation to monitoring and evaluation processes. Identify service requirements and to authorise the purchase of goods and/or services in accordance with the Council's procurement policy. Assist in the promotion of various Council grant schemes. Prepare and present reports to Council and Committee meetings as required by the District Electoral Area Manager. To identify and access a range of funding and resources for initiatives designed to implement the community, corporate and local cluster action plans and to make or provide advice on the development of funding applications to external bodies. To manage budgets and monitor expenditure in order to deliver the service within predetermined budgets. To agree, in consultation with other DEA Officers, rotas for caretaking staff on a monthly basis. Ensure efficient and effective financial management by contributing to the development of and working within agreed budgets and finances to deliver service priorities and by ensuring that these budgets are effectively managed, implemented and adhered to across the department. Contribute to the financial viability of the Council by ensuring that the Department operates as efficiently and effectively as possible, utilising benchmarking and other value for money techniques and complying with all financial targets, the Council's standing financial instructions, standing orders, codes of conduct and accountability. Approve purchase payments and authorise lodgements. Provide input to audit reports and ensure implementation of recommendations of these reports, on a timely basis. Seek innovative and creative solutions to help bring about change and service improvements. Pursue as appropriate, additional sources of funding or other resources, which could be used to enhance those available to the Council Promote and ensure equality of opportunity, good relations and diversity in service delivery and employment by adhering to the Council's Equal Opportunities in Employment policies and procedures and avoiding all forms of discrimination both as an employer and a service provider. Ensure that the Council meets its Health and Safety obligations and appropriate arrangements are developed and implemented to ensure compliance with Council's Health and Safety Policy and associated procedures and assure the safety of the workforce and service users. Take such action as may be necessary in disciplinary matters in accordance with procedures laid down by the Council. Investigate and prepare reports in line with the Council Complaints Policy. Assist your line manager in ensuring the Council meets all statutory obligations and ensure that the highest standards of probity and good conduct are maintained at all times. Ensure that staff within your control are aware of Council Policies and Procedures and provide information and guidance as required to ensure their compliance. C riteria: Applicants must have a degree or post graduate qualification Be able to demonstrate by providing personal and specific examples that they have 2 years (3 years if they do not meet Criteria 1) in at least one of the following areas - Community Planning/Good. Relations/PCSP/Development/Community Service. 2 Years experience of supervising and leading a team. 2 Years partnership working with community organisations. A full current driving licence and access to a vehicle OR have access to a form of transport. If you would like to discuss this role please contact Grace at MCS Group for a confidential chat or call . Email Skills: Community Planning Good Relations Community Services

Location: Ballymena, GB

Posted Date: 11/5/2025