Information And Advice Volunteers Jobs in Croydon, Greater London
Job Purpose
Increasing numbers of Disabled people are becoming aware of the fact that CYCLING might be possible for them. However, information about how/where to access cycling, the variety of possible equipment, regulations around cycling a non-standard cycle, funding avenues, etc. can be difficult to find. As the Wheels4MeLondon loan scheme starts to be marketed in Spring/Summer 2024, we anticipate increasing numbers of enquiries to reach us, including from around the UK.
With the support of the rest of the Wheels for Wellbeing team, our Specialist Advisor will become very knowledgeable about all aspects of Inclusive Cycling and will support enquirers with information and advice about the most appropriate next steps with regards to their cycling ambitions. They will provide information and advice, based on where enquirers live, their level of experience with cycling, their goals (whether they wish to try out cycling, to borrow, hire or to purchase a cycle, etc.).
Where a caller wishes to attend one of our own cycling sessions, the Advisor will support them with using our booking system. Where a caller is ready to borrow a cycle through Wheels4MeLondon, the Specialist Advisor will support callers to request a loan via the Peddle My Wheels website. Peddle My Wheels staff will then deliver the cycle to them at the agreed place and time, provide cycle training where required, and collect the cycle at the end of the loan period. For other enquiries, the Advisor will signpost callers to relevant external organisations.
To be successful in this role you need excellent listening and communication, interpersonal and organisational skills. You will love acquiring knowledge (including through online research), storing information and sharing it. You need to be confident using record keeping systems, within our data protection & privacy policy and working with people from diverse backgrounds and with a range of accessibility needs.
Job Description
1. Answering enquirers’ queries and providing information. This will include:
a. Being first point of contact for enquiries into Wheels for Wellbeing’s phone / email.
b. Actively listening to understand the detailed nature of the query and responding through the most appropriate and accessible mode of communication, whether contact is made by phone, email, instant messaging or other methods of communication.
c. Sourcing information from the rest of the Wheels for Wellbeing team and/or researching specific information for callers (where appropriate, redirecting the query to colleagues within the organisation or signposting them to other organisations).
d. Ensuring that new, useful information is stored/posted to our website for use by future enquirers.
e. Supporting people with queries about how to access Wheels for Wellbeing’s services, including support with our booking system
2. Building accessible information resources (eg: website pages, briefings, FAQ page, etc.) about Inclusive cycling, such as:
a. Inclusive cycling opportunities providers in London and around the UK
b. Types & models of non-standard cycles and specialist adaptions retailers around the UK and overseas
c. Details of the Wheels4Me London’s scheme and other inclusive cycle hire/loan schemes around the UK.
d. Funding options for Disabled people wishing to purchase their own cycles
3. Effective liaison with all Wheels4MeLondonPlus partners for successful cycle loan experience. This will include:
a. Regular communication with the Peddle My Wheels team to ensure most effective referral methods (to be developed with your input, as the scheme gets off the ground during Spring/Summer 2024)
b. Take part in project team meetings with all partners (Sustrans London; Peddle My Wheels and the rest of the WfW team).
c. Collect and store data such as numbers & types of enquiries, case studies, etc., as required for reporting to the funder.
d. Contribute to short articles, social media posts, etc. for the promotion of Wheels for Me London and Inclusive Cycling in general.
Other:
- Contribute to the ongoing development of Wheels for Wellbeing, team meetings and organisational priorities
-Be proactive in keeping up to date with developments affecting the role
-Abide by and promote organisational policies and practices, and charity’s values
- Support diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace
-Occasionally, with notice, work evenings / weekends
- Work at least once a quarter in an appropriate role at a Wheels for Wellbeing session
The above list of job deliverables is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
8.5% pension contribution after successful completion of probation period. Inflationary pay award pending
Hours: 35 hours per week. Normal working hours 9.30 to 5.30. Open to part-time, job-share, and flexible working
Location: Blended between home and office (Battersea and Roehampton)
About us
We’re a thriving advice organisation that is part of the national Citizens Advice network. We provide information, advice and casework support to around 10,000 people a year. Our services are delivered by a team of around 40 paid staff and 60 volunteers. We have a typical annual turnover of £2 million and in addition to our core advice service, funded by Wandsworth Council, we have a range of projects funded by trusts, foundations, and our local Integrated Care System.
While we’re proud of the number of residents we support, we know that we can’t meet demand for advice and that marginalised communities don’t always come to established organisations for support. Because of this, we place equal value on improving reach and access through creative collaboration with equity-led organisations, partnership development and capacity building.
Why we need you
Supported by existing project funding and a long-term grant from the Access to Justice Foundation, we’re looking for two people to join our Senior Management Team and help lead the next phase of our innovative and award-winning development work. The Head of Core Service and Head of Community Partnerships will work together to:
- Continue developing our approach to community engagement, helping reduce access barriers for people from the most marginalised communities.
- Embed changes to our core service that make it more accessible and responsive to those communities.
Both roles also have overall responsibility for a range of funded projects and services and, as leaders and managers, responsibility for:
- Ensuring we live up to our values, standards and ambitions.
- Managing contracts and relationships with funders, partners and other stakeholders.
- Developing organisational strategy and identifying new funding and partnership opportunities.
With a focus on operational compliance and core delivery, the Head of Core Service role would suit applicants with a strong track record of managing advice services, ideally within the Citizens Advice network. We’re not necessarily looking for someone with an advice background for the Head of Community Partnerships role, but great project management, people management and relationship building skills are essential. Both roles require an understanding of and commitment to our values and ambitions, including being a more inclusive workplace where everyone gets the support they need to do their best.
Why you should join us
We’re a dynamic organisation with a culture of quality and innovation. We’re ambitious about delivering advice services that make a real difference to local people and being a great place to work and volunteer. You’ll be part of a diverse and friendly team of staff and volunteers who are passionate about helping the people who need us most. Working with us means seeing yourself and your colleagues have a positive impact on the lives of ordinary people and protecting our communities from hardship, poverty and crisis.
We also believe that investing in and listening to our teams makes us a better organisation. We involve staff and volunteers extensively in the design and delivery of our services, as well as in long-term planning. You’ll benefit from working at an organisation with a strong commitment to professional development and continuous training – we’re proud of our teams and in return offer excellent opportunities for personal development and career growth.
Our commitment to EDI
We’re passionate about promoting equity, valuing diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people but particularly people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups and people with disabilities, as these groups are currently under-represented in our team.
How to apply
CV and supporting statement accepted, find out more on our vacancy page by clicking the apply button.
Closing date: 10am on 15 May 2024
Interviews: Week beginning 20 May 2024, Battersea Library, SW11 1JB
About Us
Headway East London is a charity supporting people affected by brain injury. Working across 13 London boroughs we offer specialist support and services for survivors and their family. We offer therapies, advocacy, family support and community support work alongside our day service: a community venue where people can make the most of their abilities and interests.
We also promote awareness and understanding of brain injury by providing information to the public, and offering training to university students, professionals and businesses.
Our vision is to build a community where people with brain injury are valued, respected and able to fulfil their potential.
About the Role
We are looking for a Day Service Co-ordinator to join our art studio team and support people living with brain injury in our day centre in Haggerston.
You will take responsibility for organising and delivering activities in the Submit to Love art studio, such as supporting members in creating new artworks, planning and delivering events and outings, and engaging members in a variety of other activities in response to their needs and interests.
The role also involves providing advocacy and support (key working) for up to 12 members and ensuring the smooth running of the day service as a member of the co-ordinating team.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Activities in the art studio:
- Support members to engage creatively and develop their personal artistic practise.
- Work alongside the studio manager, day service members and volunteers to plan and deliver events, including artist led workshops, exhibitions and open studios.
- Plan trips to cultural events and experiences.
Key working:
- Act as key worker for up to 16 members, checking in regularly about their engagement in the centre and their general wellbeing, and supporting them with information, advice, and advocacy as appropriate.
- Establish and maintain contact with members’ families, carers, and relevant statutory partners to facilitate good communication and better provide appropriate support.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including comprehensive individual risk assessments.
Day Service co-ordination:
- Work closely with colleagues and volunteers in the day service and other teams at Headway East London to create a welcoming, supportive, and stimulating environment for members.
- Share responsibility for practical tasks in the day service to ensure its smooth running.
- Work sensitively with volunteers, supporting them alongside the volunteer co-ordinator to take on meaningful and rewarding roles in the day service.
How to apply:
Please visit our website for more infomation on how to apply for this role. Closing date for applications is Friday 10th May 2024 at 9:00am.
We want to be an inclusive place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. We are focused on equality and believe that all the fascinating characteristics that make us different, make us more able to deliver our life-changing work with passion and creativity.
Headway East London is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we are committed to ensuring that all staff are motivated, skilled and rewarded by their work. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and other protected status as required by law. We promote and protect human rights; they are the foundation of what we do.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you great at talking to people?
We’re looking for someone to train as a Community Energy Champion to be able to provide energy advice to people in communities.
You will visit clients at home to complete Home Energy Audits, providing information and individualised support, and facilitating access to options which will improve people’s wellbeing and energy security. This will include recommending grants and helping complete applications and forms.
As a Community Energy Champion, you will deliver face-to-face and virtual energy workshops to parent groups, carers groups, community groups and others. There is also the opportunity to work with energy and water providers and other organisations to arrange themed workshop sessions.
This role will suit someone with excellent communication, planning skills, time management and an adaptable working style. Applicants should have relevant experience of delivering information and advice to a range of client groups. You must be confident using IT and will be trained to use our client database.
This is a part-time role (22.5 hours) and is 1 year fixed-term based at our office in New Ash Green, and the applicant will be expected to travel to other areas. Own car essential.
Apply today!
We offer our employees:
· Inclusive values-based environment
· Competitive remuneration package
· Workplace pension scheme
· Generous 31 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
· Opportunities for hybrid working
· Benenden Health Care
· Death in Service Benefit
· Cycle to Work Scheme
· Employee Supported Volunteering scheme
· Development opportunities
· and more
Imago is committed to Safer Recruitment practices, and the post is subject to references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Please either submit your CV with a short covering note or visit our website for full details.
Imago recognises that many people in our society experience discrimination or lack of opportunity for reasons that are not fair. We aim to create a culture that respects and values each other’s differences, and see these differences as an asset, as they improve our ability to meet the needs of the organisations and people we work with. We proactively seek to increase opportunities for inclusion, and celebrate diversity across our organisation and within communities.
Imago recognises its duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children, young people and adults at risk who access its services or with whom it comes into contact.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to improve the lives of people with disabilities and vulnerable people?
Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is an award-winning international humanitarian and development organisation. Working alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, we take action and raise awareness in order to respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.
Our UK team is looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join us as a Operations Coordinator. This is an exciting and varied role working across many areas of our operations. You will be regularly in touch with colleagues across the network, suppliers and partners. You will also get a chance to gain understanding of our operations in the UK and across the world. If this sounds like the next role for you, we’d love to welcome you to our friendly and dedicated team.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND PURPOSE OF THE POST
The Finance and Resources Team is responsible for responsible for HI’s finances, general services and HR in the UK. It comprises the Chief Finance and Operating Officer, a Finance Officer and an Accounting Officer.
The main purpose of this post is:
- To ensure smooth and efficient running of the HI UK office, including office services, IT, internal communications and health & safety
- To act as a key point of contact within the organisation and externally
- To undertake human resources administration for staff and volunteers, including supporting recruitment and follow-up
- To provide administrative support to the Chief Executive, Leadership Team and Board of Trustees
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Operations
- Maintain the office facilities and environment to agreed service levels
- Act as primary point of contact with the landlord and all suppliers for the office space, proactively dealing with arising issues
- Be responsible for the operation and maintenance of office equipment and IT equipment for all staff and volunteers, and arrange their repair or replacement, in conjunction with the Finance Officer and the Accounting Officer, as need arises
- Act as principal contact person for HI UK’s IT infrastructure and support provider, helping colleagues to access IT support when required and developing and implementing the organisation’s IT strategy
- Manage budget lines associated with running of the office and participate in procurement, primarily of office and IT supplies, liaising with external suppliers.
- Act as designated Health & Safety Officer for the office, including ensuring Health & Safety policies are up to date and being adhered to
- Continually review systems in place within the office, make improvements where required, and communicate these to relevant people
Human Resources
- Provide administrative support and advice for the recruitment of staff, consultants and volunteers, including advertising, interviews, issue of contracts and inductions, liaising with the federation manager and recruitment teams when relevant
- Assist with other HR tasks, including managing staff and volunteer files, managing the HR information system, administrative support for payroll and contributing to updates of the staff handbook
- Support teams on volunteer recruitment, contracts, induction, support and training
- Maintain an up-to-date welcome kit for new starters and provide and coordinate induction training sessions
· Make sure that HR policies and internal processes are updated and well known by all the staff
- Provide support and advice to managers on HR matters, in collaboration with the Chief Finance and Operating Officer and the Chief Executive, including leave management, payroll, pension, changes in contracts or situation, flexible working and flexible hours, diversity and inclusion, potential conflict and interpretation of the Staff Handbook
Administrative support
- Provide administrative support to the Chief Executive, including diary management, preparing and servicing meetings and filing
- Organise and support meetings of the Board of Trustees, including room booking, diary management, preparation of papers, minute-taking and organising catering
- Maintain filing systems
- Deal with enquiries, calls and emails from the public, partners and other HI entities
- Support specific projects as needed
Other tasks
- Contribute to projects led by the Finance and Resources team and the HI UK whole team.
Equal opportunities policy
HI UK is committed to diversity and inclusion. We recognise that discrimination shapes the opportunities that many people have in society and that people have different needs in order to realise their full potential. Addressing this requires organisations to be proactive in creating environments that encourage the inclusion and development of all. Though we still have a long way to go, inclusion is central to our identity at HI UK and we are strongly committed to the continuous work that it requires.
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with disabilities and/or from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, to help make us more representative. If you have a disability and meet the minimum requirements for the role, we will guarantee you an interview.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Purpose: To develop and manage, to a high standard, Age UK Bromley & Greenwich’s Information and Advice Service. To be responsible for the effective delivery of the I&A Service which will be delivered through a range of channels, including face to face, telephone, email, digital, and other means, across the Bromley and Greenwich boroughs.
Key Responsibilities:
Line management and supervision
- Provide line management and supervision to advisers and support staff.
- Supervising team advice sessions and casework
- Manage the practicalities of the advice session and ensure adequate staffing and resources.
- Undertake monthly supervision with individual team members and annual appraisal.
- Ensure referrals are actioned and clients are supported in a timely manner.
- Develop team competence in key advice areas. (Benefits, Housing, Social care)
- Provide technical support to advisers and identify areas of further development for individuals and the team.
Support learning and development
- Support the team to embrace continuous learning and development and provide timely feedback on cases reviewed.
- Make recommendations for staff training and development areas of need.
Staff recruitment and development
- Create a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are well-managed, dignity at work is upheld and everyone can do their best.
- Participate in recruitment and selection activities as delegated.
- Undertake new staff induction.
- Ensure the team receive appropriate support, supervision and appraisal and have opportunities for continuous learning and development.
Quality assurance and reporting
- Undertake Independent File Reviews ( IFR) and monitor the quality to meet quality standards and service level agreements
- Maintain and develop QAS/ AQS standards incl. renewal process.
- Ensure remedial and developmental issues are identified and acted on to develop individuals, improve the quality of advice, and ensure clients do not suffer detriment due to poor or inadequate advice.
- Keep technical knowledge up to date and provide technical support to advisers.
- Maintain a case load as demonstration of ongoing personal development and learning.
- Undertake advice work as required e.g. during staff absences.
- Provide statistical reports on outputs and outcomes as required by funders and management
- Review and implement outcome measures for the work of the I&A team, including an annual survey of clients.
Partnership working and development
- To manage networking/ liaison with other local key stakeholders and organisations and feed into wider local engagement and community development work.
- Develop effective partner relationships with referral agencies across both boroughs, and to refer/ signpost cases to external agencies as appropriate.
- Represent the organisation at outreach and community events as required, continuing to raise the organisational profile and develop wider awareness of our services.
- Work with colleagues to develop marketing materials, give talks and presentations, identify outreach opportunities .
- Identify opportunities to develop and grow the wider information and advice service
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Salary: £28,216 per annum (plus £5,023 London Weighting if you are based in London)
Location: Flexible - can be based in any of our Shelter Hubs around England or Scotland with remote/homeworking possible
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Please note, we are offering the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship in a related subject alongside this role.
Closing date: Sunday 12th May 2024 at 11:30pm
Do you have strong IT, administration and database management skills? Would you enjoy collaborating with others, providing support and sharing the knowledge you’ll develop around volunteering best practice. Then join Shelter as a Volunteering Administrator and you could soon be playing a vital role within our Volunteering Team.
About Shelter
A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination, and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home; our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe to win that fight; we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent.
We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
About the team
The Volunteering Team is a collaborative and supportive team sitting within Shelter’s Equity, Inclusion & Culture Directorate. We are passionate about the positive impacts of volunteering for both individuals and causes and believe volunteers are a vital part of Shelter’s Fight for Home.
Shelter involves around 2,000 volunteers in our shops, offices and local communities. The Volunteering Team enable a coordinated and consistent approach to how we involve volunteers across Shelter and Shelter Scotland. We provide the insight, policies and best practice approaches to ensure all our volunteers have a quality volunteering experience.
About the Role
As a Volunteering Administrator, you will be essential to the coordination of the Volunteering Team’s work in developing a consistent, inclusive and high-quality volunteering offer. You’ll be delivering administrative support across the team, enabling smooth delivery of the service. This will include managing our busy Mailboxes, processing elements of volunteer recruitment and administrating our volunteer database, Better Impact. Working on the database forms a large part of this role; as well as routine tasks such as data reporting, you’ll be working on more in-depth database development. This includes leading on a piece of work restructuring the way our database is set up.
You’ll also be supporting volunteer managers through delivering training demonstrations on our database, creating process guides and providing advice. You’ll provide additional admin support across the Volunteering Team, including coordinating meetings and managing agendas. You’ll be a key member of the team with in-depth knowledge and understanding on volunteering processes and policies to promote our volunteering culture across Shelter and Shelter Scotland.
With this role, we can offer the option of completing an apprenticeship in a related subject. This will involve spending approximately 20% of your work time completing education/learning for the duration of the apprenticeship. We welcome applications both with and without interest in the apprenticeship.
About you
Having strong administration skills with confident use of databases is essential for this role. We’re looking for someone who is comfortable taking ownership in processes, including introducing and delivering new ideas, methods or processes. Having a proactive approach and the ability to manage time effectively while working in a fast-paced environment are all important too.
Also important for this role is having excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues across our organisation. Experience of delivering training or presentations is a bonus, but more-so a willingness to develop your skills in this area. We welcome applications from people who have enthusiasm for the world of volunteering, whether that comes from a work environment or your own experiences of volunteering, and we’re happy to support your learning.
How to apply
Please submit both a supporting statement and a CV.
In your supporting statement, please address the ‘About you’ points outlined in the job description, detailing your relevant experience and giving specific examples using a STAR approach. Your supporting statement should also include an example of how you meet our behaviour:
- We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset
Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
Benefits
You will be joining an inclusive and supportive team who welcome people from all backgrounds. We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based on your merit.
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing and homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to
turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing and homelessness on their own.
Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Hours: Full- and part-time positions
Contract: Permanent
Location: CAML charity offices and outreach venues across Merton
Salary (pro rata for part time):
From £30,000 per annum for Advice Supervisor
From £29,000 per annum for Trainee Supervisor
Annual Leave: 25 days (pro rata for part time), Charity Day, plus public holidays
Pension: The charity operates a pension scheme
The charity offers an employee assistance programme
Deadline: 6pm, Thursday 9th May 2024
Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML) is the leading advice charity supporting individuals and families primarily across the London boroughs of Lambeth and Merton but also wider London. We provide a range of information, support and advice services. We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the challenging issues affecting our clients and communities.
We are looking for an experienced Adviser/Caseworker or Supervisor to join our team in this new role. If you are passionate about supporting individuals and families in need, relish supporting valued team members to reach their potential, have minimum of two years Citizens Advice Adviser experience, are a natural team leader, enjoy delivering training and are interested in joining a dedicated professional team we would love to hear from you.
Our offices have excellent public transport links and Mitcham also has a carpark. We offer a friendly and welcoming work environment and can provide flexible work opportunities dependent on service demands.
This role is a service manager including line management responsibilities and reports to Head of Advice Services.
Main duties and responsibilities
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As a member of service managers team, ensure client support team members are supported with the appropriate level of guidance and supervision
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Complete casework and generalist advice for clients (when required)
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Monitor the case records / telephone calls of designated staff and volunteers to meet quality standards and service level agreements
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Ensure remedial and developmental issues are identified and acted on to develop individuals, improve the quality of advice, and ensure clients do not suffer detriment due to poor or inadequate advice
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Keep technical knowledge up to date and provide technical support to advisers and / or caseworkers
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As a service/team manager you are a member of CAML’s Service Manager Delivery Team
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Assist trainees through self-learning modules and review progress on a regular basis.
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Research, design and deliver training programmes and sessions
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Take part in recruitment, induction and coordination of our fantastic volunteers
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Attend appropriate internal and external meetings as agreed
Research and Campaigns
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Promote the importance of research and campaigns work
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Include a review for research and campaigns within case-checking
Other duties and responsibilities
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Uphold the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service and its equal opportunities policies.
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Professionally represent and promote Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth in your work
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Other duties as requested by your line manager (Head of Advice Services), SMT or Chief Executive
Professional Development
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The successful applicant will receive comprehensive induction to the charity and our work. We support team members in their professional development to ensure we’re up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to benefits and debt and undertake appropriate training as agreed with your line manager.
Person Specification
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Citizens Advice qualified and experienced across all advice areas essential.
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Ability to support volunteers and staff and maintain motivation.
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Demonstrable ability to monitor and maintain service delivery against agreed targets.
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Well-organised and able to prioritise own work and the work of others, meet deadlines and manage workload in a busy environment.
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Ability to use IT systems and packages, and electronic resources in the provision of advice and the preparation of reports and submissions.
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Commitment to and work within the aims, principles and policies of the Citizens Advice service.
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Strong understanding of equality and diversity and its application to the provision of advice, and the supervision and development of staff.
This job description and personal specification does not form part of any contract.
If you’re interested in the role and joining us, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please follow the link to our website to view the full job description and find out how to apply (please note we will not consider CVs for this role).
The deadline for applications is 6pm, Thursday, 9th May 2024.
If you do not hear from us, we are afraid your application was unsuccessful.
We reserve the right to close applications early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Location: Rutland House, 44 Masons Hill, Bromley, BR2 9RG, and you will also need to work at locations around the borough
The Service:
The service facilitates peer support and delivery of monthly workshops and drop- ins. The service will provide first-class, person-centred information, advice and guidance to people with learning disabilities through both one-to-one and group support.
The Role:
You will provide relevant and accurate information, support, guidance and signposting including both one-to-one and group support for people with complex issues. Support will be flexibly based operating out of a central Bromley office but delivered at various venues across the borough. You will act in a key working capacity where necessary, ensuring services are joined up and holistic, provide advocacy and attend case management meetings as required.
Requirements:
Reporting to the Adult Support Services Manager, here are some of the skills that will make you stand out:
- Able to research and provide information about community services
- Excellent communication skills with all groups, particularly with people with a learning disability
- A good understanding of the social care and health system
- Able to travel around the borough independently, preferably by car
Further details about the role can be found in the Information Pack.
For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.
Closing date for applications: 12:00 noon on Friday 10th May 2024.
Interview date: Wednesday 15th May 2024
The Huntington's Disease Association is a UK registered charity that supports people affected by Huntington's disease across England and Wales. We provide information, advice and support to families, friends, and healthcare professionals.
We are looking for an experienced Volunteer Manager to support and inspire those who volunteer for the charity. You will lead them in line with the vision, mission and values of the charity and work to fulfil the goals of our strategic plan. You will strengthen our current volunteering strands with effective governance and great communication and will develop new volunteering opportunities within the charity.
You will manage our volunteer-led Branches and Support groups who offer peer support, fundraising opportunities and activities locally. You will also manage HD Voice, our panel of volunteers, who contribute to the internal development of the charity and ensure that the voice of the Huntington’s community is at the heart of research into the condition.
You will co-ordinate all aspects of the volunteer journey from recruitment, selection, induction, training and ongoing support and develop effective policies, procedures and guidance for volunteers as well as developing an effective monitoring and evaluation process.
We are looking for someone with strong volunteer management skills who has experience of training volunteers and of writing policies, procedures and guidance in line with data protection guidance. Also someone with great communication and relationship management skills who has experience of managing volunteers at all stages of their volunteer journey.
There will be regular evening and weekend work as many of our volunteers work themselves so need the support out of office hours. There will be a need for travel across England and Wales.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to bring their knowledge, skills and experience to our organisation.
We offer great benefits including 25 days annual leave plus public holidays (pro rata for part time staff), a pension scheme with 3% employer contribution, a tax-free working from home allowance, a Medicash scheme, a flexible working approach, a supportive and positive working environment and fantastic learning and development opportunities.
We are committed to equal opportunities in our recruitment process and in order to find out how well we are doing, we collect monitoring data. This will not form part of the selection process in any way and will be used for monitoring purposes only. The completion of this form is voluntary.
The Huntington's Disease Association is looking for someone with the ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of adults at risk, children and young people. We follow safer recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding the people we work with. We require the successful candidate to provide two employment references and undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for enhance disclosure before joining the charity.
Full details of how we securely handle the data you provide to us as part of the recruitment process can be found in our privacy notice for job applicants on our website.
Click on 'apply' to begin your application. To ensure your consideration, please upload both a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter should include why you are applying for the role and how you meet the requirements of the person specification. The job description and person specification can be found within the job vacancy pack.
Applications submitted without a CV and cover letter will not be considered.
Closing date for applications is Friday 3 May 2024, 5 pm
Interviews will be held Friday 17 May 2024.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Margins Project, Union Chapel’s Frontline charity, work with people who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness and helps address pertinent social justice issues these communities face.
The charity runs three integrated programmes:
• a community drop-in programme providing access to nutritious hot meals, and limited access to showers & laundry services.
• advice and engagement programme providing one-to-one as well as group advice service on benefits and housing, and onward referrals to pertinent services.
• support employment programme offers a paid catering training to 10 people who have had experience of homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill-health, and or imprisonment.
Our range of services are designed to help guests (service users) at varying stages, from having no roof over their head to getting back into employment.
This role offers an opportunity for an experienced adviser to help shape and evolve Margins services. Experiences on the ground at the drop-in programme inform the charity’s strategic direction. The role will involve expanding our partner network to link into pertinent statutory and other charitable organisations that provide services that will help our guests with their housing, substance misuse, recidivism, and mental health challenges.
We work closely with people on an individual case work basis to get guests off the streets, into hostels or temporary accommodation where possible, and work with private and social landlords on a range of issues. We support and represent the people we work with on the phone and in person, including at the council, the doctors, the job centre, and benefits tribunals.
Our drop-ins run on Mondays and Wednesdays 11:00am to 1:00pm where attendance is currently from 65 to 75 guests. The advice and engagement worker works more intensively with smaller numbers of up to 20. The demand for more follow up work and advocacy support has been increasing over the last two years and this in-house advice worker is critical for this demand.
Working collaboratively with the Drop-in Community worker (currently vacant), the head chef, and a small group of dedicated volunteers, you will be responsible for the support of a caseload of guests, some with complex needs, and will undertake key work responsibilities including registering the guests, identifying their housing, benefit and personal needs and conducting all necessary follow ups including occasional advocacy support, where deemed necessary.
Job Title: ADVICE AND ENGAGEMENT WORKER
Responsible to: Head of Margins
Location: Margins Offices at Union Chapel, Islington, London
Salary: £32,500 - £35,000
Terms: Full time 37.5 hours per week with 1 hour unpaid for lunch.
Three-month probation, two months’ notice.
23 days annual leave + bank holidays. Workplace pension scheme (NEST)
Start date: May 2024
Purpose of Job:
• To advise and assist guests (service users) with benefit claims and related issues, e.g., Housing Benefit, DLA, PIP, Income Support, ESA, Universal Credit, and other benefits. In particular, assisting them to claim Housing Benefit and UC to reduce risk of rent arrears.
• To develop significant contact and liaison with comparable housing and benefits advice organisations.
• To encourage guests engage with Margins activities, and where practicable, with the wider Union Chapel activities.
• To develop, facilitate and deliver group advice workshops/training programmes and open discussions forums to engage guests who historically do not engage with Union Chapel.
• To Refer Margins guests to relevant internal and external services.
• In liaison with the head of Margins and the chef to refer potential candidates to Margins’ Supported Employment Programme.
The Advice and Engagement Worker will have an active role in identifying and engaging guests as well as referring potential candidates to the Supported Employment Programme, a programme anticipated to expand beyond its current services in Margins catering.
Responsible For:
• Working with caseload of guests
• With the support of drop-in services community worker (currently vacant) to ensure the smooth running of the drop-in services
• Identifying opportunities to improve services both at a project and organisational level.
• Assist the Head of Margins in ensuring that the Margins Project remains GDPR compliant.
• Represent the organisation effectively internally and externally.
• Working in partnership with statutory and other charities to deliver co-ordinated support to guests.
• Identify relevant training opportunities in capacity building.
• Initial liaison with and acting as the first referral contact for the Supported Employment Programme
Key Duties:
• To encourage and assist guests achieve the maximum income from benefits to which they are entitled to, and to refer to relevant support services such as mental health, social services, community support.
• To advise guests on basic budgeting and where applicable to refer to Tenancy Support Officers or outside agencies for more complex help.
• To liaise closely with local authorities, social, and private landlords to try to achieve the best outcome for our guests.
• To identify if the guest is accessioning the right benefit that will support their long-term wellbeing.
• To support newly arrived refugees with their housing and benefit advice needs.
• To actively assist guests with formal appeals against Local Authority, DWP and HMRC decisions regarding benefit entitlement. Representing at Appeal Tribunals.
• To signpost guests to resources that can assist them in finding work.
• When needed, signposting guests to specialist providers in mental health or drug and alcohol support services.
• To Support guests on paying their rent, including providing advice on benefits and debt management.
• To Address breaches of occupancy agreements and develop strategies that would prevent and avoid eviction.
• To assist guests with backdated claims for Benefit by supporting their applications through to completion.
• To ensure all guests’ files are up-to-date and that data is captured on our management system.
• To provide written reports and statistics as and when requested.
• To attend supervision, training, and meetings as and when required.
• To provide advocacy support to guests as and when required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential:
• Good knowledge of the benefits system, including Universal Credit.
• Experience of working with homeless and marginalised people and understanding of the issues that face them.
• Experience of working or collaborating with people with mental health issues.
• Experience of working with refugees and their needs.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviours.
• Embrace a strength-based approach.
• A clear understanding of professional boundaries.
• A knowledge of the best practice in Safeguarding Adult procedures.
• Excellent written and oral communication skill.
• Ability to work proactively as part of a team.
• Ability to plan, manage and action follow-ups on time and manage and contain workload.
• Proficient in IT skills and competence in Microsoft Office applications.
• Committed to personal and professional development through ongoing training.
Desirable:
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience of providing advice to vulnerable groups
• Experience of delivering provision for the benefit of vulnerable backgrounds
Equal Opportunities:
• Ensure consistent and effective implementation of Union Chapel Equal Opportunities & Diversity policy and procedures.
• Positively promote an environment which respects and values the diversity of staff, volunteers, and Guests.
This is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Advice and Engagement Worker. It is therefore not comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed with the postholder and the line manager from time to time. The post holder may undertake any other reasonable duties within the capabilities and scope of the post as specified by their line manager. In such circumstances appropriate training will be provided.
How to apply
Please apply with your CV and a support statement, both no more than two pages, outlining your skills and experiences to meet the criteria of the role, why you want to work for Union Chapel Project and your availability to start with “Advice and Engagement Worker” in the subject line. Please also complete our Equal Opportunities Form.
Closing date: Tuesday 30 April 2024, 8am
Interviews will take place w/c 13 May 2024
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Home-Start is committed to promoting the welfare of families with young children to ensure that they have the best start in life. We are recruiting a Volunteer Manager to develop a diverse team of volunteers, to support our work with families in Barnet, Brent and Harrow. As a volunteer-led organisation, the role of Volunteer Manager is central. The postholder will promote Home-Start in each of the boroughs where we work, seeking opportunities for recruitment within local communities. They will ensure that volunteers receive training, development and supervision to support the families referred us, and that high standards of practice are maintained. They will promote initiatives to increase the retention of existing volunteers and ensure that they are recognised and rewarded for their work.
The work requires a combination of field-based community engagement and training, and regular days in the office which is in Finchley, Barnet.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is a charity that represents the voice of people living with dyslexia. We aim to influence government and other institutions to promote a dyslexia friendly society that enables dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential.
This is an exciting new role for the BDA, which has been created with the purpose of recruiting, managing and supporting regional volunteers, leading specific outreach to groups impacted and disadvantaged by dyslexia and resulting life circumstances. This is a varied hands-on role that would suit a skilled volunteering professional, who will use their knowledge of volunteering best practice and experience to help us create the future for outreach volunteering at the BDA.
Location
Home-based (UK), with travel to the BDA office in Bracknell (Berkshire) and around the UK as and when necessary. Additionally, travel to team days approximately 1-2 times a year is required.
Duties and Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):
·Recruiting, training and supporting regional volunteers and working with a national voluntary panel.
· Develop and implement volunteer recruitment strategies to attract a diverse pool of volunteers.
· Provide supervision and guidance to volunteers to ensure a positive volunteer experience.
· Coordinate volunteer training and onboarding processes.
· Maintain accurate volunteer records, including role, contract information and achievements.
· Monitor and evaluate the provision of outreach services to measure effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
· Leading specific outreach to groups impacted and disadvantaged by dyslexia and resulting life circumstances.
· Promoting hubs, working closely with Marketing and Communications colleagues and creating referral routes to hub services.
· Coordinating with organisations and stakeholders at a national and local level, for joint working and support of the hubs.
· Creating resources and tools for hub volunteers to run services and for new hubs to establish in a consistent way.
· Evaluating services run by Local Hubs and contributing to knowledge and research on needs, provision and outcomes for people with dyslexia.
· Bringing together the network of Local Hubs, Local Dyslexia Associations and other member organisations - enabling them to share good practice, access training and peer support between volunteers.
· Create and maintain an internal engagement plan that supports the BDA to increase impact and reach through our work with communities, including best practice guidance and tools.
Person Specification
Skills & Experience:
· Experience of engaging and including diverse groups, ‘hard to reach’ and vulnerable beneficiaries.
· Demonstrable experience of volunteer management, including the recruiting, managing, supporting, training and retention of volunteers.
· Able to develop links and relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
· Project management skills, including development of regional services.
· Strong relationship management skills with the ability to influence.
· Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Competencies & Personal Attributes:
· Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
· An ability to build effective networks that foster collaboration both internally and externally.
· Strong organisational and time management abilities, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
· Commitment to the mission and values of the BDA.
This post may be subject to a satisfactory Criminal Records Check, from either the Disclosure and Barring Service (England & Wales), Disclosure Scotland Check (Scotland) or Access NI (Northern Ireland).
Equal Opportunities
We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at the BDA. We are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities we serve and ensuring inclusion in everything we do.
To change society by removing barriers so that everyone with dyslexia can reach their full potential in education, in employment and in life.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Hackney Foodbank is looking for a Volunteer Manager to join their team 2 days per week (14 hours).
Purpose and Key Responsibilities:
The Volunteer Manager role is responsible for recruiting, engaging and deploying volunteers into a wide variety of roles across the charity.
- Work with the Warehouse Manager and Food Distribution teams to support the recruitment journey and retention of volunteers. Encourage people to volunteer through a variety of marketing and promotion approaches, including social media and working with our Communications and Fundraising team to develop a strategy for volunteers. Develop, coordinate, and engage a network of around 150 active volunteers. Book and signpost volunteers to relevant and engaging volunteer training sessions. Work with the Warehouse Manager and Head of Food Distribution and Volunteering to resolve any volunteering related issues or complaints. Proactively liaise with the staff team to determine volunteer requirements, select volunteers for the right roles and match them to the right people, considering preferences and restrictions on both sides. Provide advice and guidance to volunteers about their matched relationship (with support from the wider team) and highlight safeguarding concerns as appropriate. Work effectively to ensure volunteers feel part of Hackney Foodbank. Support the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of our services.
- Gathering volunteer feedback and take appropriate steps for improvement.
- Manage the Assemble platform and implement the annual Peakon volunteer survey, and implement the recommendations resulting from the survey.
- Ensure the wellbeing of the volunteers, including good communication and arranging a minimum of two volunteer events a year.
Skills and Experience
Essential:
- A minimum of three years’ experience of coordinating, managing or supervising a team of volunteers, to deliver a range of service delivery tasks.
- Experience working within the voluntary community and/or charity sector.
- Experience or aptitude to manage and deliver induction and training courses.
- Committed to building an inclusive culture in which all volunteers are valued.
- Ability to work under own initiative with minimal supervision, accuracy and attention to detail and to prioritise workload to meet all agreed deadlines.
- Reliable and adaptable, able to respond to changing priorities
- Ability to deal with information in a confidential manner, respond with sensitivity to the opinions of others and address any issues raised in a fair and consistent manner
- Good standard of written and spoken English, including the ability to write materials without errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation
- Strong organisational skills; ability to identify all key steps and resources needed to complete a task and to manage a wide range of tasks concurrently
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a small team and maintain communications where members of that team are working different flexible days and hours
- A proactive approach to work with a ‘can do’ attitude
- Calm, professional, pragmatic, reliable and resilient personal attributes
- Computer literacy including ability to use online tools and learn new software with minimal ongoing support, create/edit documents in Word, Excel and PowerPoint, maintain records and produce clear written and oral reports.
- Commitment to the ethos and values of Hackney Foodbank including the extensive provision of services to high professional standards by volunteers, minimising the food bank’s impact on the environment, and the unfailing delivery of advertised services to all visitors equitably, with dignity and compassion.
- Flexibility in terms of working hours according to volunteers’ and Hackney Foodbank’s needs.
- A keen attention to detail and a commitment to achieving high standards in every aspect of Hackney Foodbank’s work.
Desirable:
- Relevant professional qualification
- Experience of using a CRM or equivalent database
Candidates without a covering letter will not be considered.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The role
As Welfare Officer you will work alongside four National Support Coordinators, ensuring our members receive welfare and benefit related information, advice, and guidance via telephone, zoom meetings, and email.
We are looking for someone to work 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. There will be the need to occasionally work during weekends and evenings and therefore there is a need to work flexibly when required.
Who are we looking for?
The successful candidate will have a minimum of 2 years’ experience of working within a similar role.
A keen interest in or a knowledge/experience of charitable support provision is essential.
We are a looking for an innovative self-starter to join our small national team of 16 staff. You must be an excellent communicator, with experience of using databases, ability to meet deadlines and work on your own initiative. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.
Who are we?
Myaware is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to the care and support of people affected by myasthenia.
We are working hard to raise awareness, as it is a little-unknown condition. We provide support for people with myasthenia and their families, whilst offering advice and tips for living with the illness.
We also fund the research that brings us closer to finding a cure as well as funding specialists nurses and advisors.
Members of myaware have full access to a wide range of support services and events including access to specialist welfare and benefits advice.
Myaware supports people with myasthenia and their families. We campaign for better medical services for people with myasthenia and work to inform medical professionals.
The myasthenia’s are a group of neuromuscular conditions. They are rare but also manageable and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. Myasthenia gravis, ocular myasthenia, and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are autoimmune conditions whereas congenital myasthenic syndrome is caused by an inherited genetic fault. It is thought that there are approximately 20,000 people currently living with myasthenia in the UK.
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance
- Perkbox account (global benefits and rewards platform)
- Group Life Assurance after 6 months of service
- NEST workplace pension scheme
- Investment in your personal and professional development
Only applicants with a tailored covering letter will be considered.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.