At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a project supporting people with dementia and manage a team of volunteers.
- Company: Join a compassionate organisation dedicated to improving lives in Ayrshire.
- Benefits: Earn £14 per hour, enjoy 5.6 weeks holiday, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Educational qualifications and experience in volunteer management or support services.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 29000 € per year.
Reports To: Dementia Befriending Manager / CEO
Hours of Work: 16 hours per week
Salary: £14 per hour, paid 26th month, employers’ contribution-based Pension.
Contract: Until end 30th September 2027
Holidays: 5.6 weeks based on contracted hours, inclusive of public holidays
Purpose of the Post: To develop and deliver a safe and reliable Dementia befriending and Wellbeing cafés project, supporting people living with Dementia and the unpaid carers throughout Ayrshire, promote and support the recruitment and management of volunteers in Ayrshire, and contribute to the administration, monitoring, evaluation and development of the Befriending project.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver a high-quality befriending service and Wellbeing cafés.
- Recruit and select volunteer befrienders for the project following AILN’s thorough and robust selection process.
- Prepare and train volunteers for their role so they can offer effective support to the people who use the project.
- Ensure a clear process for the identification and referral of service users.
- Visit, assess and prepare people for their involvement with the project.
- Respond to enquiries in a timely manner and match service users with befrienders according to clear guidelines.
- Ensure participants in the project are adequately safeguarded.
- Support and supervise volunteers and help them develop in their role.
- Monitor the befriending relationships to ensure they are operating successfully and achieving outcomes.
- Evaluate the overall effectiveness of the service and the outcomes achievable.
- Prepare reports including number of users, outcomes, recommendations for improvements and future developments, and report back to the Dementia Befriending Project Manager.
- Develop volunteer recruitment campaigns and work in collaboration with other agencies, including volunteer recruitment agencies.
- Identify risk and ensure appropriate risk assessments are carried out and comply with health and safety requirements.
- Attend, arrange and coordinate awareness-raising and recruitment events across Ayrshire.
- Undertake any other duties as required by the Dementia Befriending Project Manager/CEO.
Person Specification – Qualifications: Evidence of educational qualifications gained at school, college or university.
Person Specification – Essential Experience:
- Supporting or managing volunteers.
- Delivering support services.
- IT confident.
- Experience/knowledge of working/living with someone living with dementia and working with vulnerable adults.
- Understanding the need for confidentiality.
- Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
- Ability to set priorities and manage a workload while remaining responsive to the project.
- Ability to audit and evaluate the service while maintaining accurate records and statistics to produce reports for the Project Manager/CEO.
Person Specification – Desirable Experience:
- Recruitment of volunteer and/or staff management.
- Overseeing a befriending or mentoring service.
- Planning and delivering training.
- Experience developing strong partnerships and joint working arrangements with other organisations.
- Personal experience of volunteering.
Person Specification – Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent telephone, verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent listening skills.
- Self‑administering in terms of IT, including using Microsoft Office and email systems.
- Ability to communicate with people in a sensitive, person‑centred manner, including people who require support, carers, other professionals and members of the public.
- Ability to organise, plan and prioritise own work and meet deadlines while remaining responsive to others.
Other Requirements:
- Ability to work away from home for the purposes of services across Ayrshire, using a current driving licence and access to a car.
- Will work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and/or weekends as needed.
- Willing to comply with AILN’s policies and procedures.
- Participation in staff team meetings and supervision sessions with the Line Manager.
- Maintain confidentiality in relation to people who use AILN’s service and other stakeholders.
- Carry out duties with regard to Equal Opportunities and Non‑Discriminatory practice.
South Ayrshire Dementia Befriending Volunteer Coordinator 15/05/2026 Ardrossan employer: Ayrshire Independent Living Network
As a South Ayrshire Dementia Befriending Volunteer Coordinator, you will join a compassionate and dedicated team committed to enhancing the lives of individuals living with dementia and their carers. Our organisation fosters a supportive work culture that values volunteer engagement and personal development, offering opportunities for training and growth while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Ardrossan, we provide a flexible working environment with generous holiday allowances and a pension scheme, ensuring our employees feel valued and empowered in their roles.
Contact Detail:
Ayrshire Independent Living Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land South Ayrshire Dementia Befriending Volunteer Coordinator 15/05/2026 Ardrossan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sector. Attend local events, workshops, or even online webinars related to dementia care. You never know who might have a lead on a role or can introduce you to someone who does.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out to organisations directly, like AILN, and express your interest in volunteering or working with them. Sometimes, they might have opportunities that aren’t advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your personal experiences or stories related to dementia care. This will help you stand out and show that you genuinely care about the cause.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to find roles that match your skills and interests. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities as they come up. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace South Ayrshire Dementia Befriending Volunteer Coordinator 15/05/2026 Ardrossan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the Dementia Befriending project!
Showcase Your Passion:Let us know why you're passionate about supporting people living with dementia. Share any personal experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to this cause.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ayrshire Independent Living Network
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of dementia care and befriending services. Brush up on relevant policies and procedures, as well as the specific needs of the community in Ayrshire. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Volunteer Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with recruiting, training, and managing volunteers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully supported volunteers in the past, and how you can apply that to this role. Highlight any creative ideas you have for volunteer recruitment campaigns.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Communication
Since you'll be working closely with vulnerable adults and their carers, it's crucial to convey your ability to communicate sensitively. Think of scenarios where you've had to listen actively and respond compassionately, and be prepared to share those stories.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the befriending project, the team dynamics, and future developments. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
