Volunteer Sessional Worker

Our Charity aims to make a difference to young people’s lives through positive volunteering experiences and, by working with them for as long as it takes, we help them build their self-esteem, confidence, skills and aspirations. Our staff and volunteer team are key to this work and we are a “family” of caring individuals who strive to give people a new focus and a fresh start in life. We also care about each other and have a strong work ethic, sharing our learning and experiences through reflective practice and peer support. Our ethos is to ‘connect, engage and empower’ our clients – using strengths-based coaching, we help them play an active role in identifying and achieving their own goals. Working with people who have multiple complex needs, we know that progress is not linear and effecting this change takes time, patience and understanding. Our non-time limited support ensures that no support is hurried and so you will work with people for as long as it takes. For over 30 years, we have helped vulnerable and marginalised people across three core groups to build a brighter future. This includes supporting young people, Armed Forces personnel and veterans, and those in touch with the criminal justice system. We believe in the power of volunteering and the benefits that they can bring to improving both mental and physical health, and to help reduce isolation and exclusion from society.

We are in need of a reliable, organised and friendly volunteer, ideally with experience of youth support work. Reporting to our Project Manager in Dumfries, you will assist him with the planning and delivery of our programme of activities, liaising with school and volunteering contacts, and supporting him with other ad hoc activities on our Young People’s project. Duties will include, but not be limited to:  Supporting the Project Manager with the scheduling and running of the Helping Hands programme and working with young people aged 15-25.  Helping to plan a calendar of volunteering activities that meet the needs of young people with multiple complex needs, many of whom are disengaged from their education and school.  Liaising with school contacts and working with volunteer learning assistants, and other charity partner contacts, booking venues and exploring community volunteering opportunities for the programme.  Occasional ad hoc admin and research duties to support the Project Manager such as capturing feedback to evidence our support. We welcome applications from people who have a good understanding or experience of youth support work and particularly the issues facing young people with multiple complex needs (ie., autism, ADHD, Adverse Childhood Experiences, negative behaviours, those with experience of the care system, those at risk of offending or anti-social behaviour, poverty and learning difficulties, etc). An understanding of and respect for maintaining professional boundaries, good safeguarding practice and the overall health, safety and protection of vulnerable people is essential. Training will be provided in Safeguarding as a minimum. The role will be for 10 hours a week, including Fridays when the Helping Hands programme is underway (twice a year). At other times this is flexible but we anticipate that this person will work on the same days as the Project Manager, on a Thursday and Friday each week. This role is offered on a voluntary indefinite basis but you should be available to commit to the project to the end of December 2025 as a minimum. Our project is dependant upon funding and whilst there is no guarantee, we hope that the role will eventually turn into paid employment for the right person. As the role will involve working with vulnerable young people between 15 to 25, the post is subject to an Enhanced PVG and reference check. It would be helpful if you drive and have your own transport, as the role involves some traveling across Dumfries and, occasionally, further afield to support the Helping Hands volunteering programme. Any business mileage and parking costs incurred will be reimbursed through our expenses claim procedure. Where appropriate, we will also loan you a laptop and mobile to support you in your role.