Regional Volunteering Coordinator Jobs in Belfast

About the role 

Our passionate Regional Casework Coordinators are SSAFA’s front line of support for members of the armed forces community in need. They are the first point of contact for all beneficiaries into the Regional office, assessing needs and allocating the case to one of our volunteer caseworkers. 

You will sometimes handle complex problems from individuals who may be distressed, identifying the presenting and potential underlining needs to determine the best way to support the beneficiary. You will have ownership of cases from beginning to end, coordinating the casework process in a timely manner and ensure that the beneficiary journey is at the centre of the Service. You will have the opportunity to shape processes and procedures within the office which will lead to improvements in the service offered to clients.  

To help you establish yourself in this new post you will receive excellent training and induction to SSAFA. 

Whilst the post is homebased, to be eligible for this role you are required to live in the East Midlands region, which includes:

• Derbyshire
• Leicestershire
• Lincolnshire
• Northamptonshire
• Nottinghamshire
• Rutland

There will be occasional travel around the East Midlands Region and you may be required to travel at short notice for face to face meetings.

About the team 

The team work remotely and pride themselves in maintaining a close working bond which ensures the smooth operation of the office. You will work closely with volunteers from the eight SSAFA branches in the East Midlands, supporting them to administer casework for SSAFA beneficiaries. The wider support team includes a Casework Manager and a Regional Operations Support Manager. 

About you 

To carry out this role successfully you will have a track record of providing welfare advice in key areas such as, housing benefits, debt, disability, mobility or immigration issues. You will have knowledge of safeguarding and GDPR and experience in dealing with sensitive information and people in vulnerable situations. You will be able to provide excellent customer service by telephone, e-mail and face to face. You will have used Microsoft Office 365 to a high standard. It is important that you have experience of planning and managing your own workload, with minimal supervision.

It would be advantageous if you have an understanding of the way of life for today’s Armed Forces, veterans and their families and if you have experience of recruiting and supporting volunteers. An understanding of the voluntary sector and preferably the military charity sector landscape across the East Midlands would be valuable.

About SSAFA 

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. In 2022 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 59,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.

SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way, they need us. 

Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA 

SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business. 

SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.

About the role 

The successful candidate for this role will have day-to-day involvement with local branches, to include developing long-lasting relationships with the volunteer network and encouraging participation in raising awareness throughout the region. 

About you

• To carry out this role successfully you will have a track record of building and maintain relationships, preferably with volunteer groups.
• You will be the first point of contact for our volunteers and work with them as we go through a period of transition. 
• You will have the opportunity to shape processes and procedures in consultation with the Regional Fundraising Manager, Regional Fundraising Officer and Volunteer Development Manager.
• To help you establish yourself in this new post you will receive excellent training and induction to SSAFA.
• Whilst the post is homebased, to be eligible for this role you are required to live within the East Midlands region. 
• To help you establish yourself in this new post you will receive excellent training and induction to SSAFA.  
• The role will involve travel around the East Midlands and some travel to SSAFA’s head office in London. It is vital that you hold a full driving licence and are permitted to drive in the UK.
• You will be able to show excellent communication skill by telephone, e-mail and face to face. You will have used Microsoft Office 365 to a high standard.
• It is important that you have experience of planning and managing your own workload, with minimal supervision. 
• Some work at weekends and outside office hours will be required. 
• It would be advantageous if you have an understanding of the way of life for today’s Armed Forces, veterans and their families and if you have experience of recruiting and supporting volunteers. An understanding of the voluntary sector and preferably the military charity sector landscape across the East Midlands would be valuable.

About the team

The fundraising team work remotely and pride themselves in maintaining a close working relationship providing support as and when required. You will be supported by the Regional Fundraising Manager and work closely with volunteers from the SSAFA branches in the East Midlands, the Regional Fundraising Officer for East Midlands and the Volunteer Development Manager. 

About SSAFA  

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. In 2022 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 59,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.   

SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way, they need us.  

Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA  

SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.  

SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve. 

Support Network Coordinator (Midlands and SW)

25hrs per week (0.67 full time equivalent)

Home-based flexible working with travel

Purpose:

Are you adept at bringing people together, inspiring positive action, and passionate about making a difference to people affected by pulmonary fibrosis (PF)? In this vital role you will network, listen and learn, connect and facilitate across your region; bringing people and resources together to drive change. Your work will strengthen a vital network of support to really improve the lives of people affected by PF across the SW and Midlands.

Key stakeholders: Families living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) Health and care professionals and bodies, APF staff and volunteers Organisers and other members involved in running support groups.

Reporting to: Regional partnerships manager

You will:

1. Extend our reach to the widest range of people with PF and family in the region

• Build mutually supportive partnerships with healthcare professionals and support groups, nurturing systematic referrals to APF wherever possible
• Coordinate outreach to priority clinics and groups with the support of volunteers, especially to those most in need or underserved groups
• Plan and deliver or support regional events to bring stakeholders together, hear the voices of people affected by PF, raise awareness, educate and reach new people, in partnership with colleagues
• Ensure a regular flow of news, stories and images, and that APF information about your region is up-to-date and accurate, including on the APF database, website, magazine and social media, so that more people know about support available

2. Build relationships and networks to work in partnership with and nurture a thriving, comprehensive PF support group network in the region so that everyone affected by PF in the regions has access to high quality support

• Work to address gaps in provision by bringing people together to set up new groups (often healthcare professionals and/or people affected by PF)
• Work to develop and improve support groups through supporting their planning, sharing good practice and nurturing peer support between groups
• Identify potential volunteers and support them to learn about and take up opportunities within APF and support groups

3. Build relationships and networks to work in partnership with key health and care professionals and bodies in the region to enable people affected by PF to access the best possible care and support from the NHS, APF and other relevant providers

• Work to address priority gaps/challenges in provision through influencing at a local/regional level on priority issues in partnership with the Policy and Public Affairs lead, Services leaders, and support groups. Sharing good practice, policy, evidence and being driven by the voices of people affected by PF.

4. Help join the dots between the regions and nationally organised functions of APF for maximum impact on the lives of people affected by PF:

• Use your relationships and networks to understand the key issues for people with PF in the region, sharing this insight to inform the wider work of APF to make it as relevant as possible (information, education, policy and campaigns, volunteering development, communications and research)
• Use resources and partnerships within (and beyond) APF to help address priority needs in the regions, for example to guide and resource support groups, regional campaigns around access to healthcare, education, information, volunteering support, research.
• Support the overall success of our work for example by contributing to planning and strategy development, funding applications, supporting fundraising, monitoring and evaluating APF’s work in your region and ensuring work is on target and on budget

Person Specification

Essential criteria

1. Excellent people skills: able to build rapport, coach and influence 1-2-1 and in groups
2. Able to connect with a wide range of people from a wide range of backgrounds
3. Passionate about tackling health inequality
4. Adept at building strong partnerships and networks (particularly with NHS)
5. Experience of support groups and/or working with volunteers (ideally in a health context)
6. Collaborative in your work with colleagues and partners, able to bring people along with you to achieve your aims and support theirs
7. A highly effective communicator both orally and in writing
8. Excellent facilitation and presentation skills, working with groups and speaking in public to motivate and inspire others
9. An understanding of the many challenges facing patients and carers living with pulmonary fibrosis (personal experience of PF is very helpful but not essential)
10. Confident IT skills for a modern digital workplace, remote working and databases
11. Highly organised in your work, able to plan and manage a range of priorities and drive your own workload
12. Able to work flexibly; can drive and regularly travel across your region, and occasionally elsewhere in the UK, including occasional weekends and evenings
13. Willingness to learn and to use support to manage the challenges of working with people going through very difficult times in their lives

Highly desirable criteria

    14. Experience of co-creation and/or building/supporting networks

    15. An understanding of data protection, safeguarding and fundraising standards

Diversity

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis strives to be an organisation of equity and inclusion. Pulmonary Fibrosis does not discriminate. Our team should reflect the diverse communities we exist to support. We warmly welcome applications from all candidates irrespective of age, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), sex, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or marital or civil partnership status.

Terms of Appointment

Contract: Permanent, part-time, 25 hours per week (0.67 full-time equivalent)

Salary Band: £31,000 to £35,000 for full-time equivalent (depending on experience)

Pension: Automatic enrolment to workplace pension, where APF contributes 3%, unless already an active member of a qualifying workplace pension.

Holiday: 25 days per holiday year plus bank holidays and additional discretionary days for the Christmas/New Year break (increases with length of service at 3 and 5 years). Salary sacrifice to buy or sell annual leave. All pro-rated

Location: Remote within Midlands & SW area (laptop provided), with extensive travel across the region and quarterly travel to head office in Peterborough, plus potential occasional travel elsewhere for conferences etc. Hybrid working options available.

Hours: Normal hours are 9.00am to 5.30pm with flexibility to maintain a good work/life balance.

Other benefits:

• Flexible hours
• Option to take ‘time off in lieu’ for extra hours worked.
• Discounted gym membership
• Free membership of our Employee Assistance Package
• Individual training budget

Probationary and notice of termination periods: You will have an initial six-month probationary period during which notice is 1 week on both sides and then extending to two months thereafter.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an outstanding individual to join APF as a Support Networks Manager as we take the organisation through a significant period of development and growth.

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis is a dynamic and energetic charity with a strong purpose and values (compassionate, expert and bold). Your leadership, coordination and active involvement will embody these values: influencing, supporting and driving change through networks to better meet the needs of people affected by pulmonary fibrosis. You’ll ensure that the voices and needs of people affected by this devastating condition are at the heart of everything you do, and you’ll prioritise those who are least well heard. 

What you will do:

• Extend our reach to the widest range of people with PF and families across the UK, actively supporting and guiding your team in fruitful partnerships with support groups and healthcare professionals and in regional events, and personally leading our communication with those groups where it is coordinated nationally.

• Support and guide your team to nurture a thriving, comprehensive PF support group network across the UK so that everyone affected by PF in the regions has access to high quality support.

• Enable people affected by PF across the UK to access the best possible care and support from the NHS, APF and other relevant providers, ensuring effective collaboration with our national policy work and being bold with trying out new approaches to influencing in the regions

• Help join the dots between the regions and nationally organised functions of APF for maximum impact on the lives of people affected by PF

You will need:

• Outstanding people, influencing, networking and communication skills
• A track record of building strong partnerships (especially with the NHS)
• Passion for amplifying the voices of people with lived experience, prioritising those who are least well heard
•  Experience of support groups and/or volunteering
• A good track record of empowering people management
• An understanding of the challenges of life with pulmonary fibrosis (personal experience of PF is very helpful but not essential)
• Strong IT skills for a modern digital workplace
• Highly organized, planning, prioritising and driving your team’s workload
• To work flexibly; can drive and regularly travel across the UK, including occasional weekends and evenings

 Why join us?

As well as knowing that what we do is making a positive difference to people’s lives, you will receive fair pay and have access to benefits as one of our employees.

• Make a difference to the lives of those that are affected by Pulmonary Fibrosis

• Inclusive and supportive culture

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (increasing with longer service)

• Company Pension Scheme

• Training and development

• Employee assistance programme

• Hybrid working (Equipment provided to work from home)

Application Details

If you are interested in applying, you will need to provide the following:

• a supporting statement explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification. This should be no more than two sides of A4, font size 11. 
• a completed equal opportunities form
• your CV

The role will be focused on leading the organisation's fundraising team in order to achieve income generation targets to match the service delivery aspirations of the organisation.

This post holder will be a fundraising professional with integrity, passion, motivation and ingenuity. The postholder will be innovative and creative in their approach in an organisation that welcomes opportunities to do things a little differently.

The key focus of the post will be:

• Maintaining and expanding the current income generation of AWARE
• Developing our fundraising offer through diversifying our fundraising plans whilst focusing on those which are effective
• Supporting the strategic development of the organisation
• Responsibility for the development, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of the organisation's fundraising strategy

Closing date: 12 noon on Thursday 7th December 

Interview dates: Interviews will take place on 15th, 18th & 19th December

Please read the Job Information Pack thoroughly and then complete the Application Form for this role, ensuring you have included contact details, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable.