At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a rewarding befriending project for those living with dementia and their carers.
- Company: Join a compassionate organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals in Ayrshire.
- Benefits: Earn £14 per hour, enjoy 5.6 weeks holiday, and contribute to a pension.
- 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: Experience with volunteers and a passion for supporting others is essential.
The predicted salary is between 29120 - 29120 £ 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 Dementia Befriending Volunteer Coordinator with AILN in Ardrossan, you will be part of a compassionate team dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with dementia and their carers. The organisation fosters a supportive work culture that values volunteer engagement and personal development, offering flexible hours and opportunities for training and growth. With a commitment to community well-being, AILN provides a meaningful work environment where your contributions directly impact the lives of those in Ayrshire.
Contact Details:
Ayrshire Independent Living Network Recruitment 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! Reach out to your connections in the sector, attend local events, and engage with community groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or be able to refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Contact organisations directly, express your interest, and ask about potential roles. This shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their mission. Tailor your responses to highlight how your skills align with their goals, especially in supporting those living with dementia.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission to support the community.
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, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Passion:Let us know why you're passionate about supporting people living with dementia and their carers. A personal touch can really make your application stand out and show us your commitment to the cause.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read, so avoid fluff and get straight to the good stuff!
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 role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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, like volunteer recruitment and support. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your past experiences with managing volunteers or delivering support services. Use specific examples to highlight how you've successfully handled similar responsibilities. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their project.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This could be about their current projects or how they measure success in their befriending service. It shows that you're engaged and thinking critically about how you can fit into their team.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to role-play common interview scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you come across as approachable and empathetic.
