Community development worker
Work with local people, including young people, to improve life in their local area.
Also known as: youth worker
About the job
What it's like
You would work with individuals, families, young people and groups on projects to improve life in their local areas.
Your work might address a wide range of issues such as how to improve local facilities, leisure and housing, or how to reduce anti-social behaviour. You could also specialise in one area.
You would:
find out about local needs and problems
give people ways to voice their opinions
raise awareness about community issues
help local people to take action
research existing projects aimed at similar problems
develop new ways to approach problems
build links with other groups and agencies
raise funds and manage budgets
recruit and train staff and volunteers
plan meetings and events
help people gain the skills to run their own community groups
keep records and do paperwork
Hours
In a typical full-time job you would work around 37 hours a week. You would need to be flexible, as the work can include unsocial hours such as evenings and weekends. Part-time work and short-term contracts are common.
Environment
You would have an office base.
Travel
You would spend much of your time in the community. You could visit local people and groups, and attend meetings.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- community education
- child protection
- community planning
- swimming pool maintenance
- reproductive health care
- outdoor education
- fire service
- community development
- employability development
- youth activities
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- social conscience
- building relationships
- supporting
- written communication
- verbal communication
- developing a plan
- time management
- mentoring
- motivating others
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
People and Society
Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies - RMPS
Environmental Science
There are a variety of different routes into this role.
You can enter a relevant National Certificate, such as an NC Working with Communities (SCQF level 6), with no formal qualifications or some courses as for qualifications at SCQF level 4 or 5.
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in community development, education or youth work you will require National 5 qualifications and at least three Highers. Some universities ask for qualifications to be gained in one sitting.
You can also enter a degree with a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8). With Advanced Highers, HNC or HND qualification you may enter the second or third year of some degree courses.
Postgraduate qualifications (SCQF level 11) are also available. You may be able to study part-time for this course while you are working.
To enter a postgraduate qualification you usually need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) or extensive relevant experience and other qualifications, such as a Modern Apprenticeship in Youth Work (SCQF level 5/6).
All experience working with communities and groups is of value, you may be able to gain qualifications such as Volunteering Skills Awards (SCQF level 4/5) or Leadership Award (SCQF level 5/7).
Check out Volunteering.scot to browse opportunities to gain experience.
For any job where you would be working or volunteering with children or vulnerable adults, you will require a PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) certificate from Disclosure Scotland.
A driving licence is useful and is essential for some positions.
Experience in a related field such as social or youth work may be preferred.
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