Homelessness support worker volunteer roles in Edinburgh
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Role
Our Lotus Community works alongside the City of Edinburgh Council to provide accommodation for 14 young people (aged 16-18), who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers. They come from a variety of different countries.
The community is a step towards independent living, whilst they await a decision about their ‘leave to remain’ in the country. The asylum procedure can be a long, complicated, overwhelming and challenging process. We support the young people in the best way during this stressful time (and after). They are supported by social workers and a guardianship service as well.
What will you do as a volunteer?
We are looking for highly motivated individuals who work well independently, are proactive and can get involved in community activities. You will support the residents of the community and help look after your shared spaces in the flats. Most of the residents have basic living skills, including cooking, cleaning and budgeting. We offer further support where needed.
We can also help them gain confidence and knowledge of the local area. This is to enable them to take further steps towards independence and integration in the local community. This is also with the purpose of them moving on to accommodation that better suits their needs in the future.
Depending on the season, and interests and abilities of the residents, your tasks can include:
- Being a peer mentor and staying in touch with the residents via WhatsApp
- Organise our monthly community meeting
- Organise activities, which can be walks, cycling, board games night, karaoke, tea and cake (whatever your interests) for the residents to come along.
- Reporting issues with the flat, repairs etc.
- Making sure that all rooms always have the equipment needed (cleaning products, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, condoms etc).
- Updating your (online) calendar for the week, so everyone knows when you are volunteering and not.
- Working together with your fellow volunteer(s) to organise activities and arrange rota.
What you get:
Location: You will live in a studio bedroom in the flat alongside the young residents. You will not pay for rent or bills (including internet).
Time: 20 hours per week for minimum 6 months. These are during the evening and weekends, with exception for a few hours spent in meetings and alike.
You can volunteer and work part time at the same time. You will organise your volunteering hours with the other volunteer.
We will provide support and training needed for you to engage with the tasks and young people in a safe manner. Support, supervision and team meetings are every month.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We’re a not-for-profit landlord who have been having a positive impact on young people’s lives for nearly 100 years, by addressing the shortage of affordable rented housing for those working in London.
We’re the only organisation in London that specifically offers accommodation to working young people, many of whom are key workers, in entry level employment who have no other means of support and are unable to stay within their family networks.
Our current flagship residence, HYELM-Old Street, opened in 2008 and provides 125 young workers who cannot afford to rent or buy properties through the private sector, with contemporary, secure, hassle-free accommodation.
This is an exciting time for us. In response to the considerable and growing demand for high quality affordable accommodation, we are exploring several development opportunities to increase the number of young workers who we are able to house.
The Role of a HYELM Board Member is to:
- Play a key role in helping to shape the direction of our organisation. In the shorter term this will include supporting the review of our future strategy, the delivery of new housing and the implementation of our commitment to put our people at the heart of our business.
- Work collectively, with other Board members, oversee our compliance with relevant regulations; quantify & manage current, new & emerging risks that the organisation faces and regularly review our performance and delivery against our Strategic and business plans.
You will be valued for
- Your entrepreneurial spirit to drive HYELM forward whilst also keeping keen prudent control and avoiding any conflicts of interest.
- Your understanding and/or experience in the small charity/business environment.
- Your commitment to work with our very small team to further evolve our organisation to provide a better living environment to young people and key workers.
Ideally, you would be able to support us in bolstering our Board representation with knowledge and experience of finance and accounting as well as IT and Technology.
You’ll be contributing to a great cause.
- You’ll be able to develop and hone your critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills as well as develop and gain additional experience in strategic planning.
- You’ll grow your professional networks.
- You’ll be able to access complimentary training, support and attend industry events, conferences, and seminars. If this is your first trusteeship, we will design a bespoke development package to help support you in your new role.
Skills sought: Charity Finance, accounting, AI/Tech
Commitment: 6 meetings per year (4 in person, at our Old Street scheme)
To apply you should submit a current CV and supporting statement, comprising not more than 2x A4 pages explaining why you are interested in our organisation and the role, and evidencing how you meet the competencies in the role profile.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
We provide affordable housing for young people, on low incomes who work in London, fostering a strong sense of community and stability.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.