At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a project supporting people with dementia and manage volunteer befrienders.
- Company: Join a compassionate organisation dedicated to improving lives in Ayrshire.
- Benefits: Earn £14/hr, 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 29120 - 29120 € per year.
Reports to: Dementia Befriending Manager/ CEO
Hours of Work: 16hrs per week
Salary: £14 per/hr paid 26th month, employer’s 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 cafes project. Supporting people living with Dementia and the unpaid carer/s throughout Ayrshire. To promote and support the recruitment and management of volunteers in Ayrshire. To contribute to the administration, monitoring, evaluation and development of the Befriending project.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop & deliver a high-quality befriending service and Wellbeing cafes.
- Recruit and select volunteer befrienders for the project, ensuring you follow AILN’s thorough and robust selection process for potential befrienders.
- Prepare and train volunteers for their role so that they can offer effective support to the people who use the project.
- Ensure there is 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 that 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 that outcomes for the individuals involved are being met.
- Evaluate the overall effectiveness of the service and the outcomes achievable.
- Prepare a report accordingly including the number of users, outcomes for service users and the service, recommendations for improvements and future developments for the service, reporting back to the Dementia Befriending project Manager.
- Develop volunteer recruitment campaigns and where appropriate, 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 appropriate to the post as required by the Dementia Befriending Project Manager/CEO.
Person Specification:
Qualifications: Evidence of educational qualifications gained at school, college or university.
Essential Experience:
- Supporting or managing volunteers
- Delivering support services
- IT Confident
- Experience/knowledge of working/living with someone living with dementia.
- Working with vulnerable adults
- Understanding the need for confidentiality
- Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
- Able to set priorities and manage a workload while remaining responsive to the project
- Ability to audit and evaluate the service whilst maintaining accurate records and statistics to produce reports for the Project Manager/CEO.
Desirable Experience:
- Recruitment of volunteer and/or staff management
- Experience of overseeing a befriending or mentoring service
- Planning and delivering training
- Experience of developing strong partnerships and joint working arrangements with other organisations.
- Personal experience of volunteering
Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent telephone, verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent listening skills.
- Ability to be self‑administering in terms of IT, including using Microsoft Office and email systems.
- Ability to communicate with people in a sensitive and 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 whilst remaining responsive to others.
Other:
- Given that AILN provide an Ayrshire wide service, a current driving license and access to a car is essential
- By prior arrangement able to work hours flexibly, including a very occasional evening and/or weekend to suit the needs of the service
- Must be willing to comply with AILN’s policies and procedures.
- Must participate in staff team meetings and in supervision sessions with the Line Manager of this post.
- Must maintain confidentiality in relation to the people who use AILN’s service, other stakeholders and AILN’s business activities.
- Must carry out the duties of this post with due regard to Equal Opportunities and Non‑Discriminatory practice.
Contact: befriending@ailn.org
South Ayrshire Dementia Befriending Volunteer Coordinator in 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 collaboration across Ayrshire. With flexible working hours and a focus on community impact, we provide a meaningful and rewarding environment for those looking to make a difference in the lives of others.
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 in Ardrossan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend local events, and connect with organisations that align with your passion for supporting those living with dementia. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your volunteering game on! If you can, volunteer in similar roles or organisations. It’s a great way to gain experience, meet new people, and show potential employers your commitment to the cause.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help develop and deliver high-quality befriending services. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace South Ayrshire Dementia Befriending Volunteer Coordinator in Ardrossan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of a Dementia Befriending Volunteer Coordinator. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Show 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 important 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 for the role.
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 ensures you’re considered for the position.
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. Familiarise yourself with the key duties listed in the job description, especially around volunteer management and support services. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in managing volunteers or working with vulnerable adults. Think about times when you've successfully delivered support services or trained others, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current volunteer recruitment strategies or how they measure the success of their befriending services. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Be Person-Centred
During the interview, emphasise your ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with both service users and volunteers. Share examples of how you've built relationships in previous roles, as this is crucial for a position focused on wellbeing and support.
