At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a Training Dog Support Coordinator and empower colleagues with sight loss.
- Company: Guide Dogs, a life-changing organisation dedicated to helping those with sight loss.
- Benefits: 26 days annual leave, flexible benefits, discounts, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal growth in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong interpersonal skills, computer literacy, and a proactive, person-centred approach.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Guide Dogs - Be Part of Something Life‑Changing
Come and join us as a motivated and thoughtful Access Assistant and be part of something life‑changing - helping people with sight loss live the life they choose. As an Access Assistant at Guide Dogs, you’ll provide essential practical and person‑centred support to a Training Dog Support Coordinator (TDSC), enabling them to work, travel and carry out their role confidently, independently and effectively. The Access Assistant will be an expert in employee empowerment, supporting our employee to thrive in the workplace. Our Access Assistants play a huge part in ensuring everything we do enables us to deliver on our purpose and exceed expectations. This role will be based at our Redbridge office. You’ll be working 21 hours per week, worked Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9-5.
Key Responsibilities
- Making phone calls on behalf of the TDSC
- Creating and maintenance of data and spreadsheets
- Taking minutes in meetings and collating for future use
- Supporting with some offsite activities to recruit new fosterers
You
You’ll have a person‑centred and proactive approach to providing tailored one‑to‑one support, adapting to individual needs and working styles. You’ll enjoy working in a close, collaborative one‑to‑one environment, building trust and strong working relationships, with a dedicated focus on enabling independence and effective performance. You’ll be committed to delivering high‑quality support that empowers the colleague you support to succeed. You’ll act with integrity and honesty in everything you do.
Skills and Competencies
- Evidence of dealing with confidential issues sensitively and with total integrity.
- Positive, team player, flexible and thorough in ways of working.
- Proven ability to use initiative and able to work effectively under pressure.
- Good interpersonal skills are essential as the role will require a close working relationship with the person being supported.
- Computer literate with a good knowledge of all Microsoft Office packages.
We wouldn’t be able to change the lives of people with sight loss without our people. That’s why it’s important for us to provide a variety of benefits that reward our colleagues in a way that suits them and recognises the hard work and contribution that they make.
- 26 days annual leave. After three years of continuous employment, this increases to 28 days plus bank holidays.
- Real Living Wage Employer
- Flex pot - equal to a proportion of your annual salary to use on our wide variety of flexible benefits
- The option to buy and sell annual leave
- Discounts and cash‑back scheme
- Excellent pension scheme (We will match your pension contributions plus 2% up to a maximum of 9% employer contribution)
- And lots more!
For high volumes of applications, we reserve the right to close adverts earlier than advertised.
Employee Assistant in Essex employer: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
At Guide Dogs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those with sight loss. Our Redbridge office fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, where Access Assistants are empowered to thrive through tailored one-on-one support and professional growth opportunities. With generous benefits including 26 days of annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and a commitment to employee well-being, joining our team means being part of a life-changing mission in a rewarding environment.
Contact Details:
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Assistant in Essex
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
✨Join Social Impact Networks
Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re still in uni, tap into career services that may have exclusive listings for part-time roles in nonprofits. They often host job fairs or info sessions where you can meet representatives from organisations like The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association directly. It’s a great way to make an impression beyond your CV!
✨Check Out Online Opportunities
Websites like Idealist or CharityJob specifically showcase part-time positions in the nonprofit sector. Make sure to check these regularly while keeping an eye on The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association’s own job listings on our website. Being proactive here can put you ahead of the curve!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Assistant in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Employee Assistant at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the Employee Assistant, customise your documents to fit the vibe of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
