At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead volunteer recruitment, training, and support for families in need.
- Company: Leicestershire County Council, dedicated to helping vulnerable children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to positive change and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with volunteers, families, and excellent organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28605 - 31029 £ per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: Main base - Hinckley Family Hub, Granville Road, Hinckley, LE10 0PP and across Hinckley & Bosworth. Occasional travel across Leicestershire.
Salary: £28,605 - £31,029 per annum (pro-rata for part time) (Pay award pending)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
About us
At Leicestershire County Council we are committed to doing our very best for vulnerable children and families; working to make a positive impact on their lives so they can achieve their potential and flourish. We received the Investors in Volunteers award for the 4th consecutive time which is testament to our volunteer offer and the support volunteers are given. Over the last 5 years our volunteer offer has gone from strength to strength with more support, training, development and celebration of the impact volunteers bring to our service and what we can deliver for children and families. Across Leicestershire we currently have around 200 volunteers who on an average week deliver:
- Stay and play groups
- Mentor sessions
- Wellbeing groups
- Community fridges and support staff‑run activities
About the Role
As part of a Volunteer Team, you will play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the services provided by the Targeted Family Help Service in Hinckley & Bosworth. The Volunteer Development Officer will lead the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers supporting the Targeted Family Help Service. This role involves developing effective recruitment strategies, building partnerships with local communities and organisations, and promoting volunteering opportunities. You will design and deliver training, provide ongoing support, and ensure volunteers are well‑matched to roles that reflect their skills and the needs of families. The post also includes coordinating volunteer activity with service teams, monitoring impact, maintaining accurate records, reporting on outcomes, and ensuring all activity meets safeguarding and regulatory requirements. Work outside usual office hours and Saturdays depending on operational needs may occasionally be required. Driving licence and access to a vehicle/car is essential. An enhanced DBS check is required for this post.
About You
To apply for this post, you must be able to evidence in your application how you meet the following criteria:
- Standard of education to Level 3 and/or any relevant childcare, youth and community, health and social care qualifications or substantial experience that clearly demonstrates the experience, skills, competencies and knowledge outlined below.
- An understanding or experience of working with or managing volunteers;
- Experience of inter‑agency work.
- Experience of working with families and/or children;
- Understanding of risk and protective factors including the principles of effective practice.
- Knowledge of child development and needs of children and your understanding of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities, ICT skills to include the ability to use Microsoft packages and databases / case management systems proficiently.
- Ability to engage with people from all backgrounds, in particular children and families that are hard to reach; with knowledge of child development and an awareness of differing needs of children and young people.
- Experience in designing and/or delivering training or group activities.
In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Interested in Flexible Working? We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term‑time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
Contact Lisa Dinsdale – Volunteer Coordinator
Telephone: 0116 305 1401
Email: lisa.dinsdale@leics.gov.uk
Volunteer Development Officer employer: Leicestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Leicestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Development Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Leicestershire County Council and their values. Understanding their mission will help you tailor your approach and show them you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about the role and the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to volunteer management and child development. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with volunteers and families shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a positive impact in the community!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've worked with volunteers or families, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Volunteer Development Officer and the specific needs of Leicestershire County Council. Familiarise yourself with their volunteer programmes, the services they provide, and how you can contribute to enhancing those services.
✨Show Your Passion for Volunteering
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with volunteers and supporting families. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to community service and how it aligns with the council's values.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle various situations involving volunteers and families. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed similar challenges, and be ready to discuss your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. This could be about the training processes for volunteers or how the council measures the impact of their volunteer programmes. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.