Development Officer - Community Inclusion Empowering people and communities across the Ballyhoura region to overcome barriers, build on their strengths and thrive. Location: Based in one of the Ballyhoura Offices - Kilfinane, Kilmallock, Cappamore, Mitchelstown or CharlevilleContract: Permanent, Full-Time (35 hours per week)Salary Scale: €36,678 – €60,707 per annumClosing Date: 15 August 2026 Make a Difference Every Day Help build stronger, more inclusive communities across the Ballyhoura region. As a Development Officer – Community Inclusion, you will work directly with individuals, families and communities to reduce barriers, create opportunities, and support positive change. Every day is different, combining community engagement, project delivery, partnership working and community development to help people reach their full potential. Role Purpose The Development Officer will work across a range of community development, social inclusion and community-led local development programmes delivered by Ballyhoura Development. The role focuses on supporting individuals, families and communities experiencing disadvantage to: identify their strengths access education, training and employment improve health and wellbeing overcome barriers to participation in community life Working directly with people and communities, you will use community development methodologies to build trust, strengthen local capacity and support positive change. The successful candidate will respond flexibly to emerging community needs, drawing on a range of partnerships, programmes and funding opportunities to achieve the best outcomes. Ballyhoura – The Place Ballyhoura Development works across a large rural region spanning North Cork and East Limerick. While the area is rich in community spirit, heritage and natural assets, many communities experience significant social and economic challenges. Living in a dispersed rural area can create barriers to participation. Limited public transport, increasing fuel costs, food poverty, access to childcare, education and training opportunities, digital exclusion and reduced access to employment and essential services can all impact people's quality of life and ability to participate fully in their communities. Alongside these rural challenges, the region includes communities experiencing concentrated disadvantage and supports a diverse range of target groups, including individuals and families living in disadvantaged communities, members of the Traveller community, people with disabilities, migrants and new arrivals, people experiencing long-term unemployment and others at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Using community development methodologies, Ballyhoura Development works with communities rather than for communities, helping people build confidence, improve access to services and create stronger, more connected places to live. Why This Role Matters This is a highly visible, community-based role where you will spend much of your time working directly with people. You will engage with individuals who may be disconnected from services, education, employment and community life. Through outreach, relationship building and practical support, you will help people identify their goals and connect with opportunities that improve their lives. You will work across a variety of programmes, responding to emerging needs and helping communities access the supports and resources available to them. At its heart, this role is about helping people and communities to: ✔ Increase access to education and lifelong learning ✔ Support participation in community life ✔ Promote health and wellbeing ✔ Create pathways to employment ✔ Build stronger, more resilient communities Success in this role depends on your ability to build trust, develop meaningful relationships and work collaboratively with communities, colleagues and partner organisations. Who You Will Support The Community Inclusion Team works with a diverse range of individuals, families and communities experiencing disadvantage and social exclusion. You will work alongside: Individuals and families living in disadvantaged communities Members of the Traveller community People experiencing long-term unemployment or labour market disadvantage People with disabilities Migrants, refugees and new arrivals to Ireland Low-income households and individuals experiencing poverty People experiencing social isolation and exclusion Community groups and local volunteers working to improve outcomes within their communities The role requires someone who can build trust, work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and help individuals and communities identify their strengths and opportunities for progression. View Full Job Specification How to Apply Applications should include: A current CV outlining relevant experience. A Supporting Statement outlining four key points demonstrating your interest in the role. (Please note: applications submitted without a Supporting Statement will not be considered.) The above documents should be submitted by 15th August 2026 to [email protected]. Please include "Development Officer - Social Inclusion" in the email subject line. Manage Cookie Preferences