Adult education volunteer volunteer jobs in Edinburgh

The overall purpose of the role is to provide timely psychosocial assessment, psychoeducation and proactive pre- and post-bereavement support to children, young people and adults, using a range of supportive methods, approaches and techniques consistent with level 2 of the NICE (2004) psychological framework.

The post holder will form part of the On Demand Team and will be responsible for the effective day-to-day operation and delivery of the service (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm) across a range of On Demand digital platforms. The post holder will also complete comprehensive risk assessments with children, young people and adults, and will liaise with relevant external agencies—such as social care, the police and general practitioners—in accordance with organisational safeguarding policies and procedures.

In addition, the role involves conducting regular weekly referral callbacks, using clinical judgement to ensure that each person is supported to access the most appropriate service for their needs at that time. Working alongside the wider bereavement services team, the post holder may also co-facilitate therapeutic group sessions and deliver one-off psychosocial education groups or workshops, extending the reach of bereavement support beyond individual contacts.

Main Responsibilities

 Communication and Relationships

· Build compassionate, trusting and professional relationships with bereaved children, young people and adults, ensuring all contact is person-centered, trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate and sensitive to individual needs and circumstances

· Communicate complex and sometimes distressing information clearly and to supportively, maintaining professional boundaries at all times

· Adapt communication style and approach to suit the needs, preferences, and emotional states of children, young people and adults, including those with neurodiverse profiles or communication difficulties

· Work collaboratively with colleagues across bereavement services, ensuring continuity and consistency of support

· Engage effectively with parents, carers and professionals involved in a child or young person’s care to coordinate holistic support

· Liaise with external agencies – including social care, education, healthcare professionals, police and voluntary sector- to share information appropriately under safeguarding guidance

· Participate in regular clinical supervision to support safe, effective delivery of care

· Contribute to team meetings and service development discussions, offering insight from frontline practice

· Model the values and culture of the organisation in interactions and relationships at work

· Ensure accurate and timely documentation of communications and decisions in line with organisational policies and data protection regulations

Knowledge, training and experience

· Ability to conduct full psychosocial assessments and to lead support interventions with children, young people and/or adults in accordance with best practice

· Ability to complete comprehensive risk assessments and determine appropriate level of response/intervention

· Deliver targeted pre/post bereavement support and interventions utilising a range of supportive therapeutic and psychosocial techniques, working within level 2 of the NICE (2004) psychological framework

· Demonstrate a robust understanding of grief, loss, trauma, child development, and the psychological and social impact of bereavement on children, young people, families and adults

· Apply sound clinical judgment and maintain professional accountability for practice in line with national standards, organisational policies, and personal relevant professional Code of Conduct

· Maintain knowledge about current, evidence-based practice

· To maintain a personal profile of professional development in accordance with professional requirements/governing bodies

· Demonstrate knowledge of all relevant policies and procedures

· Adhere to legislation and statutory guidance related to Safeguarding Children and Young People, Safeguarding Adults, and the Mental Capacity Act, providing advice and guidance to colleagues and partner agencies where appropriate

· Participate actively in clinical supervision to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery

· Contribute to the development and sharing of knowledge within the team by supporting training, mentoring, and peer learning opportunities

Analytical and judgment skills

· Exercise sound professional judgment in assessing the emotional, psychological, and social needs of children, young people, and adults following bereavement and in the delivery of immediate on demand support

· Analyse complex information gathered through assessment, observation, and communication to identify individual needs, risks, and strengths

· Recognise and manage situations that involve ambiguity, uncertainty, or emotional intensity, drawing on supervision and established frameworks for professional support

· Apply a trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate lens to clinical decision-making, ensuring sensitivity to cultural, social, and contextual factors influencing grief

· Assess risk and vulnerability using structured and professional judgement, making timely, evidence-based decisions about appropriate interventions and onward referrals

· Identify when more intensive clinical or safeguarding intervention is needed, escalating concerns to line manager and/or On Demand Shift Manager

· Contribute actively to meetings, clinical supervision, peer supervision, case discussions, and service reviews to plan, coordinate, and evaluate strategies of care and support

· Ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful data recording and reporting to inform clinical practice, service evaluation, and organisational performance monitoring

Planning and organisational skills

· Plan and organise work autonomously while engaging collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, and partner professionals to support coordinated care and seamless service delivery

· Provide cover and support for bereavement team members during periods of absence or high demand

· Contribute to the planning and delivery of workshops and groups run across bereavement services, as needed

· Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation in accordance with confidentiality, data protection, and statutory requirements

· Demonstrate self-awareness and reflective capacity, using supervision and peer support to sustain personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness

· Contribute to the development of efficient, evidence-based practices by supporting team planning, service evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

· Relevant health, education, social care or counselling qualification

· Specialist training in bereavement, grief and trauma informed practice

· Evidence of ongoing professional development and commitment to continuous learning

Desirable

· Training in working with children and young people

· Training in working in mental health

Experience

Essential

· At least three year’s recent experience (in the past six years) of working with bereaved children, young people, families or adults on an individual or group basis

· Experience and knowledge of working with and providing services to children, young people, families and adults in a health, social care, youth, community or educational settings

· Experience of providing support to children, young people, and/or adults through digital channels/platforms

· Further professional training in working with children and young people and an understanding of developmental issues

· Demonstrable experience of safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and an ability to practise in a way that promotes this

· Experience of working collaboratively with multi-agency professionals across health, education, and social care

Desirable

· Experience of working within a bereavement, palliative care of mental health setting

Skills and Abilities

Essential

· Demonstrate in-depth understanding of bereavement, grief, loss, trauma, and their psychological and developmental impact on children, young people and families

· Knowledge of current research, theories, national frameworks, and NICE guidance related to bereavement and mental health

· Knowledge of evidence-based approaches to bereavement and trauma support

· Strong assessment, analytical, and formulation skills with the ability to make informed clinical decisions

· Empathetic, compassionate, and youth driven approach

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with children, families, and professionals while maintaining professional boundaries at all times

· Awareness of safeguarding legislation, policies, and procedures

· Understanding of information governance, confidentiality, and data protection requirements

· Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion within practice

· Emotional maturity, stability and resilience with a strong commitment to self-care and the ability to seek support and guidance when difficulties arise in the course of work

· Excellent organisational skills

Strong IT skills, including confidence in using multiple IT systems 

Benefits

· 28 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) with increase for long service.

· TOIL for our hours work.

· Contributory pension scheme.

· Company sick pay.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Life assurance.

· Training loans.

· Enhanced family friendly policies.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 6th July 2026 at midnight

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Interviews

First Stage Screening Interviews

You may be asked to attend a 10-minute Screening Interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the vacancy, to assess your suitability for the role. During the interview, you will be asked two skills-based questions.

Second Stage Interviews

If you are progressed to a second stage interview, you will be invited to attend a 1-hour formal interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the role. It is our policy to share the role-specific interview questions with applicants ahead of the interview, to aid their preparation. You may also be asked to complete an interview task, which will also be shared with you in advance.

Youth Team Forum Discussion

For roles in our Bereavement Services Team, we will invite those applicants selected for interview along to a discussion forum with members of our Youth Team. This session is held remotely and lasts approximately 20 minutes. The discussion topic will be shared with you in advance of the session.

We are Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking.

We want to create a nation where walking is the natural choice for everyday, local journeys; free from congested roads and pollution, reducing the risk of preventable illnesses and social isolation. We want to achieve a better walking environment and to inspire people of all generations to walk and wheel more.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team as our Project Assistant.

The postholder will be responsible for providing effective support to the delivery of the Walk To School Outreach (WTSO) project across the North West, Yorkshire and North East of England. This will include research into schools’ eligibility and suitability for the delivery of this behaviour change project, assisting with online engagement activities and supporting with delivery on the ground through school and community events.

You will also be expected to undertake administrative duties as required, including formatting and use of spreadsheet data.

This will be a varied role and an ability to embrace a diversity of tasks is essential, as is a positive ‘can do’ attitude to work.

Living Streets is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk; and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be subject to background and criminal records checks as relevant to the job role.

Living Streets is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Location: Homebased within the North of England 

Hours: 35 hours per week, full time

Contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2027 

Closing date: 19/07/2026 midnight

Interviews: 05 and 06 August 2026 

About Kidney Care UK

Around 3.5 million people in the UK live with chronic kidney disease, and one million of them don’t know that they do.

Since 1975, Kidney Care UK has been at the forefront of supporting people with kidney disease. From our early days when we campaigned to introduce donor cards in the UK, we have worked hard to support and represent the interests of everyone affected by kidney disease.

About the Patient Support Service

The Patient Support Service provides practical, emotional and financial support for anyone affected by chronic kidney disease. Whatever the need presented, we empower people living with CKD and their families and carers to understand their options and make informed choices to positively navigate their experience of CKD. We’ll walk alongside them for as long as they need us to.

About the Role

Our regional Patient Support Officers play a key role in establishing Kidney Care UK in their designated region and enabling patients, their families, carers and professionals to access independant support on social, financial, health advocacy and wellbeing.

You will proactively engage with kidney patients and their families as a source of advice,information, and support to improve care and wellbeing outcomes for kidney patients. You will seek to inform and empower individuals, providing the tools and knowledge to enable confident self-management and be the regional face of Kidney Care UK patient support services, raise awareness of the service and the Charity and build strong relationships with kidney patients, the renal units, Kidney Patient Associations (KPAs), health professionals and other kidney stakeholder groups in the region. 

You will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the Patient Support Service across the region and the effective management of a caseload. This involves regular attendance at renal clinics in the region, building relationships with health and care professionals and being available for patients in the renal unit, on the phone or online, or to meet at a mutually convenient public location.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Liaise with and support patients and their carers face to face and by telephone to provide information, advice and support on a range of personal, emotional and practical matters.
• Through regular visits to renal units in your designated area, establish and maintain a presence to enable patients' easy access to Kidney Care UK support services.
• Promote and attend local health information events to raise awareness of Kidney Care UK and the benefits of its Patient Support Service with kidney patients, their families and relevant health professionals. 
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with the regional kidney community through fully engaging with KPAs, health professionals and relevant health and community stakeholder groups.
• Maintain accurate records to allow effective reporting on key performance indicators such as number of patients supported, type of support provided, key needs etc.

About you

You will have an empathy with our patient group and an understanding of kidney disease and the needs of people with kidney disease, their families and carers. You will be able to work independantly and have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written and above all have the ability to deal professionally, calmly and sympathetically with people affected by kidney disease.

An understanding of the relevant UK benefits legislation and entitlements is essential as is having excellent IT skills, including Word, Powerpoint and Excel. You will hold an Advice and Guidance qualification or be willing to complete it within 6 months of service in the role.

The role is home based but you will need to live within the region that you are applying for and have the ability to travel independantly throughout the area on a regular basis and to attend national meetings/events as required. There will also be a requirement to undertake occasional evening and weekend work and some flexibility to be able to work some irregular hours to meet the needs of our patients.

The areas are as follows:

North East: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Sunderland and North Cumbria. This role is part funded by the North Gas Network through the vulnerability and carbon monoxide allowance fund.

South West: Cornwall, Devon, Exeter and Plymouth. This role is funded by Wales and West Utilities through the vulnerability and carbon monoxide allowance fund.

Please be aware that as they are funded positions they are fixed term posts until 31 May 2028. There is a possibility of extension but no guarantee.

Safeguarding statement

Kidney Care UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and Adults at Risk and expect all staff and volunteers to actively support this commitment. An Enhanced DBS will be required for this role.

If you feel you are the right fit for the role, please press Apply, where you will be asked to upload a recent CV and cover letter. In your cover letter please demonstrate in no more than 2 sides of A4 how you meet the person specification and please state which area you are applying to.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Are you a highly motivated and experienced fundraiser and communicator who is looking to join an exciting organisation that’s truly making a difference?

The Jon Egging Trust are seeking an exceptional Fundraising & Communications Officer to help generate income and raise our profile. You will be joining a fantastically motivated and committed team of home workers who are all passionate about improving the lives of young people through our specialist youth programmes.Your role will be to support a portfolio of events, develop compelling content and generate awareness of JET’s mission and impact to engage new and existing supporters and inspire them to give and/or fundraise for us. 

The successful candidate will have experience supporting or delivering fundraising activity across multiple income streams, developing and delivering communications plans and content across multiple channels with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

We are looking for a person who is highly motivated, organised and used to working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and multiple stakeholders. Across the JET team we cultivate a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better outcomes for our young people. We welcome applicants whatever your background and whatever your stage in life, so if you are returning to the workforce after a period away, or even seeking a change of pace, please get in touch.  

About the Jon Egging Trust (JET)

At JET, we support vulnerable young people to get back on track and realise their potential; more than 45,000 young people right across the UK to date, and there’s so much more we can do. We’re an organisation that really values its people and we’re immensely proud that our team culture is based on caring and raising each other up.

Our benefits package includes:

• Flexible working

• Enhanced annual leave

• Homeworking allowance 

• Occupational pension scheme

• Occupational sickness scheme

• Special paid leave provision

• Enhanced family leave 

Download the Candidate Information Pack  

Read our Applicant Privacy Notice 

Child and adult at risk protection policy statement 

The Jon Egging Trust is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for everyone involved in its services and activities. The Trust takes its extended moral and legal duty of care very seriously in relation to children, young people, staff and volunteers. We seek to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and to protect them from harm or abuse when they engage in any of our activities. JET expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. 

To apply 

Please complete our online application form.

The closing date is Sunday 12 July at [23:59].

Preliminary interviews to be held week commencing 20 July. 

In-person interviews likely to be held in Birmingham or London (tbc) on Wednesday 29 July. 

Questions? 

Contact us through our website. 

Please note:

Due to our anonymised recruitment process, if your application is not shortlisted, we are unable to provide personalised feedback. 

To become an employee at JET, you must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK and a satisfactory DBS check – enhanced with children's barred is required for this role. As part of our recruitment process, we want to make clear that we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position. 

As part of our safer recruitment process, all candidates invited to a final interview will also be required to complete a confidential self-disclosure form, which allows any relevant information to be discussed in line with our safeguarding policy.