At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome and support individuals in need, helping them access vital services.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Simon Community Scotland making a real difference.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, meet new people, and receive training and support.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on vulnerable lives while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Empathy, good communication skills, and a flexible, non-judgemental attitude.
- Other info: Minimum commitment of four hours a week for at least 12 months.
Background
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.
Role Purpose
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.
If you need any help completing this form please contact us: volunteering@simonscotland.
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Support Hub Volunteer (Edinburgh) employer: Simonscotland
Contact Detail:
Simonscotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Hub Volunteer (Edinburgh)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Simon Community Scotland. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your own experiences align with their goals. This will help you show genuine interest and make a great impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since this role is all about supporting others, brush up on your communication techniques. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with having positive conversations and providing support. It’ll help you feel more confident when you’re face-to-face with those in need.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your story! During the informal interview, be prepared to talk about why you want to volunteer and what you can bring to the team. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your empathy and commitment to helping others. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Simon Community Scotland site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and shows you’re serious about joining the team. Plus, it’s super easy!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Hub Volunteer (Edinburgh)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what motivates you to volunteer with us.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. Focus on your communication skills and any experience working with diverse groups, as these are key for our Support Hub Volunteer position.
Show Your Passion: In your application, express why you’re passionate about helping others and how you can contribute to our mission. We love hearing about your commitment to making a difference in people’s lives!
Apply Through Our Website: To make the process smoother, we encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simonscotland
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to understand Simon Community Scotland's mission and core values. This will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Show Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to empathise with people from diverse backgrounds. Share examples of how you've supported others in challenging situations, as this role requires a compassionate approach.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as helping someone access benefits or providing support during a crisis. Be ready to discuss how you'd handle these situations, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the training process or how volunteers are supported, which shows you're keen to be an active part of the team.