At a Glance
- Tasks: Support local young people with fun activities during the school holidays.
- Company: Join Big Hearts, a community-focused organisation making a difference.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, build confidence, and make new friends.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young lives while having a blast this summer.
- Qualifications: Friendly, enthusiastic, and willing to engage with children.
Big Hearts is looking to welcome a new Volunteer this summer to support our busiest time of the year throughout the school holidays. This is an unpaid role.
Purpose of the role:
School's Out runs over the holidays, providing local young people a safe place to spend their day and thrive when the schools are off. This summer, Big Hearts will run the project across 6 weeks between 29th June and 7th August. The School's Out Volunteer will support the running of the project working closely with the Project Lead and other staff members. This position is flexible and your availability over the summer can be discussed.
The Volunteer will be directly involved in a range of activities and engage with children aged 5 to 12 years old during activity times, including:
- Football and other sport activities
- Arts and crafts
- Trips away from Tynecastle Park
- STEM, team building and problem solving
Location:
Our main indoor and outdoor facilities are located in the Wheatfield Stand, Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh, EH11 2NL. There might be trips away from the Stadium, for which transport and lunch will be provided.
Availability:
The project runs Monday - Friday during the school holidays. Each day is split into morning and afternoon sessions: 8:30am to 12:30pm and 12:30pm to 4:30pm. Volunteer days/hours can be fully flexible depending on availability.
Responsibilities:
- Welcoming the young people on arrival
- Encouraging them to take part in the scheduled activities
- Facilitating snacks and meals time
- Supporting the staff in setting up activities
Person specification:
- Friendly and welcoming
- Enthusiastic to engage in youth-based activities
- Creative and people-focused
- Experience in working with young people, or a willingness to learn
- Understanding of boundaries when working with young people
What's in it for you:
- Making a positive difference to the lives of young people
- A chance to gain skills and experience in a youth work environment
- Personal development including confidence building and social connections
- Expenses covered in line with our Volunteer Expenses policy
- Future opportunities as a member of the Big Hearts' volunteering community
This role is subject to enhanced PVG scheme disclosure, which will be paid by Big Hearts. Two satisfactory references will be requested upon any offer of volunteering.
Equality & Diversity Statement:
Big Hearts is committed to equality of opportunity for all volunteers, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, race and religion or belief.
School's Out! Volunteer employer: Job Search Place Limited
Big Hearts is an exceptional employer, offering volunteers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of local young people during the school holidays. Located at the vibrant Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh, our inclusive work culture fosters personal development and social connections, while providing flexible volunteering hours that accommodate your summer schedule. Join us to gain valuable experience in youth work, all while being part of a supportive community dedicated to making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School's Out! Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before you apply, check out Big Hearts' website and social media. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect with them during your volunteer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past volunteers on LinkedIn or community forums. They can give you insider tips on what to expect and how to shine in your role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Once you land the role, don’t just wait for instructions. Take the initiative to suggest activities or ways to engage with the kids. It shows your enthusiasm and creativity!
✨Tip Number 4
Reflect and adapt! After each session, think about what went well and what could be improved. This self-reflection will not only help you grow but also enhance the experience for the young people you're working with.
We think you need these skills to ace School's Out! Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself!:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through. We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for working with young people and your creative side!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight any relevant experience or skills you have that match what we're looking for. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role and understand what it entails.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and get to the point quickly. This makes it easier for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the School's Out Volunteer position.
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. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of the School's Out Volunteer position. Understand what activities you'll be involved in and think about how your skills can contribute to making a positive impact on the young people you'll be working with.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Big Hearts is looking for someone who is friendly and enthusiastic. During the interview, let your passion for engaging with children shine through. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your ability to connect with young people.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand more about the project. You might ask about the types of activities planned or how the team supports volunteers.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role offers flexible hours, be ready to discuss your availability over the summer. Highlight your willingness to adapt and support the team whenever needed, as this will show your commitment to the role and the project.
