At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome and support individuals in need, helping them access vital services and resources.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, meet new people, and receive training and support.
- Other info: Minimum commitment of four hours a week; ideal for those looking to volunteer long-term.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable lives while developing essential skills for your future.
- Qualifications: Empathy, good communication skills, and a flexible, non-judgemental attitude.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
This role offers an opportunity to be part of our team, in a supportive environment, that’s helping people to feel valued, listened to and hopeful. We’ve created a place where people can access advice and information, help to find accommodation in a crisis or something more long-term or even just a listening ear and a friendly face. We’re making a difference as quickly and as effectively as possible.
Our team provided over 23,400 face to face supports to people facing very difficult situations in the last year. People amaze us every day by what they can achieve when empowered with hope, ambition and support that is designed just for them. The additional help from our valuable volunteers can make a real difference.
Specific Tasks
- Providing a warm and friendly welcome to the people we support
- Having positive conversations and providing support to people accessing the Hub’s services
- Providing support to make phone calls and use the internet
- Helping people with their CVs, social media, emails, employability and education
- Basic signposting and supporting access to services such as places to access food
- Helping people with tasks such as accessing food vouchers, bus tickets and bidding for houses
- Supporting people to access benefits and grants
- Recording and sorting the mail
- Supporting staff with some administrative duties, such as logging data
- Adhering to Health & Safety processes
- Keeping the Hub tidy
Skills and Qualities Required
- Have the ability to work with people in a way that takes into consideration their individual and cultural beliefs without expressing personal opinion
- Be able to approach your volunteering role and tasks with a flexible and non judgemental attitude
- Be empathetic towards our client group
- Have good communication and people skills
- Enjoy meeting and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds
- Commitment to high levels of customer service – experience of dealing with the public both in person and on the telephone would be beneficial
- Resilience and tolerance with people who have faced multiple exclusions
Commitment
We welcome volunteers to stay with us and continue to help us make a difference in people’s lives. 12 months would be the ideal minimum but we respect your time and commitment’s elsewhere. For this role we ask for a minimum of four hours a week. Our recruitment follows the Safer Recruitment process, which means giving consideration to safeguarding arrangements at every step. We will ask you to attend an informal interview, provide us with two references and attend our Mini IMPACT training – a shortened version of our dynamic 5-day staff programme.
Support and Training
- A full and comprehensive induction is provided for this role
- In-role training is available – we value our volunteers and want to ensure you are equipped with the skills you need to fulfil your role
- Out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Policy
- Volunteer mentoring on each shift
- Simon Community Scotland together with Volunteer Scotland and Disclosure Scotland will support you with the required PVG process
- Shadow shifts will help you prepare for the role – you will complete at least three before becoming a fully fledged member of the team
What’s in it for me?
For as little as four hours a week, you have the chance to meet new people and be part of a fantastic team who are passionate about what they do. Everything we do is about and for people: the people we support, our staff, our partners and everyone affected by homelessness. Each person involved brings their individual skills and creativity to the work we do. This is a chance for you to make a real difference to the most vulnerable people within your community and pick up essential skills valuable to employers.
Our expectations
We would like people who care about our client group and who are enthusiastic and able to respond flexibly to a role that can sometimes be challenging but brings great rewards and satisfaction. We would require you to be fully committed to Simon Community Scotland’s Mission and Core Values and adhere to our policies/procedures and Code of Practice.
Compassionate Hub Support Volunteer employer: Simonscotland
At Simon Community Scotland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing professional development opportunities, while our trauma-informed approach ensures that you will be part of a compassionate team making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Located in a vibrant community, we offer a unique chance to engage in meaningful work that promotes mental health and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Compassionate Hub Support Volunteer
✨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 Compassionate Hub Support Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Simonscotland, 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 Simonscotland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simonscotland
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Simonscotland 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!
