At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients in developing employability skills and progress towards employment.
- Company: St Giles Trust is a charity dedicated to helping people facing adversity find jobs and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, mentoring, and various employee perks.
- Other info: This role requires an Enhanced Adult DBS check due to contact with vulnerable individuals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping others overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of support needs and strong communication skills are essential; Level 3 Advice and Guidance preferred.
Are you a proactive, collaborative and approachable individual with the desire to support others to develop improved employability skills and progress towards employment?
Do you have the patience and willingness to work with sometimes vulnerable, talkative and demanding clients?
If so, St Giles is looking for a Volunteer Peer Advisor to work collaboratively with staff across St Giles Trust and externally to develop a flexible, holistic and personalised pathway towards employment for clients.
About St Giles Trust
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.
Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.
About this key role
As directed by the Caseworker or Team Leader, you will carry out promotional and engagement activities to recruit participants, as well as individual needs assessments with participants, obtaining information from referral agencies where possible.
You will support participants in carrying out individual and group activities to implement their plans and make progress towards employment, plus act as a Peer Advisor to participants, providing ‘support from someone who has been there’.
We will also count on you to act as a positive role model for what participants can achieve, help develop their confidence and make referrals for specialist help, including what is available within the project, plus, as skills develop, take on a small caseload of participants.
What we are looking for
- Knowledge of support needs and the issues facing individuals with barriers to work
- Ability to work in line with relevant legislation, policies and procedures
- Level 3 Advice and Guidance or equivalent or willingness to work towards
- Commitment to promoting equality and celebrating diversity
- Commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal.
Please note: this role requires that successful candidates must undergo an Enhanced Adult DBS check, on the basis that the post involves contact with vulnerable participants and colleagues.
In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.
We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuro-expansive, neuro-diverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.
St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.
#J-18808-LjbffrVolunteer Peer Advisor (Ref: VPR-251) in Erith employer: Clinks
St Giles Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including flexible working arrangements, a mentoring programme, and a range of wellness initiatives, ensuring that our team feels valued and empowered. Located in a vibrant community, our culture celebrates diversity and encourages collaboration, making it an ideal place for those passionate about helping individuals overcome barriers to employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Peer Advisor (Ref: VPR-251) in Erith
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Peer Advisor (Ref: VPR-251) in Erith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Clinks, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Clinks.
How to prepare for a job interview at Clinks
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Clinks and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
