Job Description
Volunteering Matters
Who we are
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.
Creating stronger communities through the power of volunteering
Volunteering Matters is a nationwide charity that exists to create stronger communities through the power of volunteering. We work with local partners to develop impactful programmes that support individuals and communities across the UK.
Since 1962, we ve used our influence to champion volunteering as a powerful tool to build a thriving, resilient society. Our projects are co-created with the people and communities we work alongside: an approach that encourages our participants to become future volunteers and leaders, not just beneficiaries.
We understand the pressures of day-to-day life and create flexible, inclusive opportunities for people at all stages of life. And beyond delivering projects on the ground, we use our voice to shape policy and practice ensuring volunteering stays recognised, supported and sustainable for generations to come.
What we do
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people.
How we do this
We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.
We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do.
It s a brilliant time to join us. We re evolving, growing our impact, and shaping a future where everyone can take part and feel they belong.
Role Description
Volunteering Matters Brighter Futures CEC works with pupils (aged 12-18) who are care experienced or on the edge of care across the City of Edinburgh.
The project has two parts, one is to work one to one with the young people referred to the project, supporting them to experience a volunteering placement with local charitable organisations that will build their confidence and allow them to grow and learn new things in a different environment out with school.
The second part is our group work, the Youth Engagement Manager will be responsible for up to 7 small groups within schools across Edinburgh. The Youth Engagement Manager supports the young people engaged in the groups to develop and deliver a Youth Social Action project within their community.
We re looking for a patient and engaging Youth Engagement Manager to join the Brighter Futures team in Edinburgh. The right candidate would be someone who can work flexibly and demonstrate an understanding and total commitment to our organisational values and strategy.
Due to the nature of this role and the needs of the young people we support, including the requirement to provide appropriate support and engagement for young males with complex experiences, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the postholder to be male under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Relevant experience and values alignment is more important for this role than specific qualifications
Location
This role is based in Edinburgh, a large part of your hourswill require you to work within the community and schools, for the other hours you will have the opportunity to work from home. The postholder will require good internet access to enable remote working, and a suitable home office space. I.T. equipment and infrastructure will be supplied.
PVG
This role requires membership of the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) scheme. We will support you to become a PVG member if you are not already. Having a conviction will not necessarily cause a bar to employment.
Our Values & Way of Working
In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering . click apply for full job details
Who we are
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.
Creating stronger communities through the power of volunteering
Volunteering Matters is a nationwide charity that exists to create stronger communities through the power of volunteering. We work with local partners to develop impactful programmes that support individuals and communities across the UK.
Since 1962, we ve used our influence to champion volunteering as a powerful tool to build a thriving, resilient society. Our projects are co-created with the people and communities we work alongside: an approach that encourages our participants to become future volunteers and leaders, not just beneficiaries.
We understand the pressures of day-to-day life and create flexible, inclusive opportunities for people at all stages of life. And beyond delivering projects on the ground, we use our voice to shape policy and practice ensuring volunteering stays recognised, supported and sustainable for generations to come.
What we do
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people.
How we do this
We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.
- We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don t always get the chance to take part.
- We listen to and amplify voices that aren t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change.
- We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities.
- We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects.
- We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better.
We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do.
It s a brilliant time to join us. We re evolving, growing our impact, and shaping a future where everyone can take part and feel they belong.
Role Description
Volunteering Matters Brighter Futures CEC works with pupils (aged 12-18) who are care experienced or on the edge of care across the City of Edinburgh.
The project has two parts, one is to work one to one with the young people referred to the project, supporting them to experience a volunteering placement with local charitable organisations that will build their confidence and allow them to grow and learn new things in a different environment out with school.
The second part is our group work, the Youth Engagement Manager will be responsible for up to 7 small groups within schools across Edinburgh. The Youth Engagement Manager supports the young people engaged in the groups to develop and deliver a Youth Social Action project within their community.
We re looking for a patient and engaging Youth Engagement Manager to join the Brighter Futures team in Edinburgh. The right candidate would be someone who can work flexibly and demonstrate an understanding and total commitment to our organisational values and strategy.
Due to the nature of this role and the needs of the young people we support, including the requirement to provide appropriate support and engagement for young males with complex experiences, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the postholder to be male under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- To build relationships with the young people, acting in a non-judgemental way to support them through their Brighter Futures journey.
- Consistently role modelling and displaying Volunteering Matters organisational values
- Deliver and develop the Brighter Futures Schools programme across the City of Edinburgh, meeting ambitious targets and milestones, ensuring all young people engaged achieve positive outcomes
- Work alongside staff form residential units, parents and carers to help support building a relationship with the young people referred to our one-to-one work
- Build relationships with different high schools across area through both our group work and one to one program.
- To maintain excellent relationships with charity and not-for-profit partners in Edinburgh - ensuring diverse, high quality volunteer roles are available that reflect the needs and interests of young people.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including colleagues, volunteers, families, school staff, social work, NHS, Education partners, third sector organisations and others.
- Support the young people to complete awards and qualifications linked to their volunteering.
- To manage all elements of a young persons experience, from referral to completion of their journey
- To manage the risk assessment, safeguarding, quality assurance and audit processes as appropriate
- Ensure monitoring, impact and evaluation information is collected and that Brighter Futures meets it s agreed targets, reporting format and schedule.
- Assist the Senior Project Manager by preparing Impact Reports
- Administration tasks including maintaining effective and accessible records, the use of Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom and other software such as Canva
- This job description is intended to include the broad range of responsibilities and requirements of the post. It is neither exhaustive nor exclusive but while some variations will be expected, these will be at an appropriate level for the role.
- Excellent knowledge & understanding of the life challenges and issues that young people face in Scottish society including an understanding of The Promise as well as understanding of trauma informed practice.
- Experience delivering a youth work approach to young people who challenge.
- An understanding of how to assess the needs of an individual using a person-centred approach
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including being able to have strategic conversations with partners and stakeholders one minute and talk to an anxious or unsure young people the next.
- Excellent organisational skills including strong attention to detail, the ability to manage a busy workload, and prioritise effectively
- Excellent IT skills including the use of Office 365, Microsoft Teams and other software packages including a CRM.
- Ability to think on your feet, act quickly and respond to situations as well as demonstrate common sense and initiative.
- The post holder should be non-judgemental, competent, conscientious and self-aware.
- Ability to develop and sustain relationships with a wide range of people.
- Significant experience working directly with young people, specifically those who are care experienced or who face life challenges
- Experience of youth work in a group setting
- Experience in all aspects of effective Volunteer Management (recruitment, training, support)
- Experience developing strong working relationships, with a range of internal and external stakeholders
- Experience of project management, achieving goals, managing a busy workload and working to deadlines
- Experience of measuring the impact of mentoring/volunteering, and understanding the results
- Understanding of and full commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Relevant experience and values alignment is more important for this role than specific qualifications
Location
This role is based in Edinburgh, a large part of your hourswill require you to work within the community and schools, for the other hours you will have the opportunity to work from home. The postholder will require good internet access to enable remote working, and a suitable home office space. I.T. equipment and infrastructure will be supplied.
PVG
This role requires membership of the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) scheme. We will support you to become a PVG member if you are not already. Having a conviction will not necessarily cause a bar to employment.
Our Values & Way of Working
In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering . click apply for full job details
Job Ref:
3127598444
About Volunteering Matters
