Senior Community Development Worker – LDCAN
SDW- LDCAN Newhaven JD – 2026.
Senior Community Development Worker – LDCAN
22.5 hours per week- Fixed term for 1 year in the first instance
Working across Lewes District with an office base in Newhaven
Salary range, dependent on skill & experience: £27,291 – £28,962 per annum pro rata – upper levels awarded to candidates with higher level of skills and experience)
Lewes District Community Action Network (LDCAN), is delivered by SCDA and funded by ESCC, and aims to support voluntary, community & social enterprise (VCSE) groups in Lewes District, offering practical help such as training, 1-1 support, resources & networking opportunities to help groups run well, build partnerships and stay resilient. We also promote volunteering as a powerful way for people to connect, contribute, and make a difference in their communities.
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Senior Community Development Worker to play a key role in strengthening grassroots VCSE organisations and community groups, with a particular focus on Lewes town and the northern villages of Lewes District.
The post holder will support community‑led action through place‑based community development, practical organisational support and the nurturing of local networks. Grounded in Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) and underpinned by NAVCA’s LIQA framework, the role will help ensure community groups have the support they need to meet local needs now and in the future.
You will work in collaboration with another Senior Community Development Worker and a Community Communications Officer as part of the LDCAN team, as well as with a wide range of community groups, VCSE organisations and statutory partners in Lewes District and East Sussex.
Working across Lewes District and with an office base in Newhaven, you will build strong local relationships while contributing to district‑wide and pan‑East Sussex learning, partnership working and infrastructure development. Due to the rural nature of this role, a car driver with access to a car is essential.
SCDA is looking for people to join our team who have the qualities and skills we feel would most benefit our clients & service users; professionalism, empathy, kindness and understanding. In return, we understand people want to work in a supportive environment with friendly colleagues. We offer a flexible approach to delivery wherever possible, annual leave of 25 days per year pro rata plus bank holidays and sick pay from the start (increasing with service), additional sick pay for required operations and recovery, a pension scheme, bereavement leave, and managers who are available to you… plus a day off for your birthday
The vacancy closes at 5pm on Sunday 24th May 2026, with interviews on Tuesday 2nd June 2026 in Newhaven.
For the job description and to apply, please go to www.sussexcommunity.org.uk/work-with-us Completed application forms can be sent to HR via email to hr@sussexcommunity.org.uk.
You may think that you’re not a 100% match to what we’re looking for, but we recognise that some skills and experience may be transferable rather than an exact match. If you’re unsure about whether to apply, please do contact the HR team on hr@sussexcommunity.org.uk and we would be happy to arrange an informal discussion with the recruiting manager.