At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in becoming digitally included through one-on-one assistance.
- Company: Join Simon Community Scotland, the largest provider of homelessness services in Scotland.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, valuable experience, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Empower vulnerable people while gaining essential skills in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Warm personality, good communication skills, and a commitment to helping others.
- Other info: Minimum commitment of 2 hours per week; training and support provided.
Background
Simon Community Scotland is the largest provider of services to support people experiencing homelessness in Scotland. In Edinburgh the service is known as Streetwork. We know the importance of digital inclusion for the people we support. We have been developing models for many years that support people to be digitally included whatever their immediate and longer term needs. To date we have supported over 1,600 people to become digitally includedand they have told us that this support has been life changing and in some cases life saving. We continue to be committed to ending digital exclusion for people experiencing homelessness. Every person we support has different digital needs and we want to address these in a variety of ways suited to the person.
Role Purpose
We want to enhance our work in tackling digital exclusion by offering more opportunities to support people with their digital needs. We will do this by recruiting digital volunteers to be available in our community spaces. The digital volunteers will be on hand as specific times of the week, to offer person centred support on a one to one basis. Each person will have different needs and the volunteer will work to support andaddress these.
Currently our venues include our Hub in Holyrood Road and our collaboration with the Hibernian Community Foundation at Easter Road. This takes place between 10am and 12pm on Wednesdays.In the future we are planning to relocate our much loved Streetreads library that will provide us with another opportunity to support with digital inclusion.
Specific Tasks
Supporting the Digital Inclusion manager and staff to deliver a Digital Drop-In service.
Providing a warm and friendly welcome to the people we support.
Supporting and empowering people to complete a wide range of digital tasks, to access what is important to them, recognising that everyone we work with has different reasons for engaging with us.
Increasing people’s confidence in using technology.
Be aware of threats and risks of being online and be able to discuss these with the supported person to address any fears they may have.
Promoting the use of digital solutions to meet the needs of people we support.
Record actions takenand celebrate successes.
To attend all volunteer training sessions.
Skills and Qualities Required
A warm and friendly personality.
Ability to inspire confidence and knowledge in the people we work with to make the most of their experience of the digital world.
Enjoy meeting. and 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 people who receive our support.
Have good communication and people skills.
Experience of dealing with the public in person would be beneficial.
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 2 hours per 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 providedas well as regular updates as we roll out new and exciting digital programmes -we value our volunteers and want to ensure you are equipped with the skills you need to fulfil your role
Simon Community Scotland together with Volunteer Scotland and Disclosure Scotland will support you with the required PVG process
What’s in it for me?
For as little as 2 hours per weekyou have the chance to meet new people and be part of an amazing 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 that are valuable to employers.
Our expectations
We need 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 need you to be fully committed to Simon Community Scotland’s Mission and Core Values and adhere to our policies/procedures and Code of Practice.
If you need any help completing this form please contact us: volunteering@simonscotland.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Digital Inclusion Volunteer (Edinburgh) employer: Simonscotland
Contact Detail:
Simonscotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Digital Inclusion Volunteer (Edinburgh)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific digital needs of people experiencing homelessness. Understanding their challenges will help you connect better during your volunteer role and demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local community groups or organisations that focus on digital inclusion. Networking with these groups can provide insights and connections that may enhance your application and show your dedication to the cause.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to building trust and rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Highlighting your empathy and understanding during the informal interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to share any previous experiences where you've helped others with technology or digital tasks. Real-life examples can illustrate your skills and passion for supporting those in need, making your application more compelling.
We think you need these skills to ace Digital Inclusion Volunteer (Edinburgh)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specific tasks and skills required for the Digital Inclusion Volunteer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for digital inclusion and your commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your empathy, communication skills, and ability to inspire confidence in others.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to emphasise your warm personality, good communication skills, and experience working with the public. Mention any previous volunteer work or roles that showcase your ability to engage with diverse groups of people.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simonscotland
✨Show Your Passion for Digital Inclusion
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping others become digitally included. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your interest in this role, as it will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
Prepare to discuss how you would approach working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Highlight your ability to be non-judgemental and empathetic, as these qualities are crucial for supporting people experiencing homelessness.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Tools
Brush up on common digital tools and platforms that might be relevant to the role. Being able to discuss specific technologies or solutions will show that you are proactive and ready to assist those in need.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the organisation and its approach to digital inclusion. This not only shows your interest but also helps you understand how you can contribute effectively to their mission.