Community development officer
Also known as: social development officer, outreach support worker, local community development officer
About this occupation
Community development officers develop plans to improve quality of life in local communities. They investigate and assess the community's issues and needs, manage resources, and develop implementation strategies. They communicate with the community for investigation purposes, and to inform the community on development plans.
Essential skills and knowledge
- analyse community needs
- government policy implementation
- budgetary principles
- provide improvement strategies
- conduct public presentations
- work within communities
- carry out strategic research
- ensure information transparency
- liaise with local authorities
- maintain relations with local representatives
- build community relations
- perform resource planning
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Health Education Specialists (O*NET 21-1091.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Prepare and distribute health education materials, such as reports, bulletins, and visual aids, to address smoking, vaccines, and other public health concerns.
- Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agencies and organizations interested in public health care.
- Maintain databases, mailing lists, telephone networks, and other information to facilitate the functioning of health education programs.
- Document activities and record information, such as the numbers of applications completed, presentations conducted, and persons assisted.
- Develop and present health education and promotion programs, such as training workshops, conferences, and school or community presentations.
- Collaborate with health specialists and civic groups to determine community health needs and the availability of services and to develop goals for meeting needs.
- Typical education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Learning Strategies, Active Learning, Social Perceptiveness
US median pay: US$64,070 a year (2025), 65,690 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.2)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (3.6)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.6)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyVery important (3.5)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.4)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Community Health Workers
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- Social and Community Service Managers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.