Job Description

Job title:Steps to Recovery Volunteer Development Worker

Reporting to :Steps to Recovery Project Coordinator

Location :Based DACA Clydebank office, but working across West Dunbartonshire

Salary:£24,000pa pro-rata + 3% pension

Hours of work:14 hours per week

Duration:5 year fixed term, commencing April 2018

Main function / responsibility :

To support people to engage in volunteering, both within DACA and with external partner organisations. Volunteers may come from our client group and the wider recovery community.

Key Tasks :

  1. The Volunteer Development Worker will work closely with individuals on a one-to-one basis, supporting them through volunteering assessment, selection, induction and development.
  1. You will work with the Steps to Recovery Project Co-ordinator and the Group Activity Leader to identify and help develop internal and external volunteering opportunities with local voluntary groups and charities that would be of interest to clients, ensuring that these offer appropriate and adequate ongoing support and development.
  1. You will be the point of contact for external volunteer placement providers to ensure our clients are fully supported in their role.
  2. As part of the DACA team you will help recruit peer volunteers from both our client group and the wider community. This may involve a process of sensitive and supportive assessment, ensuring that potential volunteers are carefully matched to suitable roles.
  1. As part of the Steps to Recovery team you will develop and support micro-volunteering opportunities within DACA.
  1. You will work with the Steps to Recovery Project Coordinator and Group Activity leader to ensure internal volunteers are developing in and benefiting from their role, and that induction processes are meeting needs.
  1. You will ensure all possible steps are taken to account for the personal safety of both staff and clients during working hours.
  1. You will support clients in breaking down any barriers to volunteering – eg travel, childcare, PVGs etc.
  1. Any other duties as considered appropriate.
  1. Flexible in relation to hours of work (core hours will be arranged between 9am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday – but DACA also operates an evening service between 6:30pm and 9:30pm, and some events and activities occur over the weekend).

Person specification :

  • Having an understanding of the issues facing individuals affected by chronic alcohol misuse, as well as those of their families and carers. Able to demonstrate compassion and sensitivity in relation to these issues.
  • Experience of supporting and managing volunteers (essential), ideally within a recovery setting (desirable).
  • Experience of providing job coaching (desirable), or on-the-job training.
  • Proven track record of motivating people to be positive, active and constructive.
  • Knowledge of Health and Safety protocols and experience of risk management.
  • A sensitive and effective communicator, with good active listening skills and empathy.
  • Able to encourage volunteers to share feedback openly, and to record this feedback in a structured way, using organisational systems to measure progress and demonstrate impact. Adhering to data protection legislation and respect for client confidentiality at all times.
  • Experience of establishing strong relationships built on trust, and encouraging engagement with services.
  • Experience of partnership working and finding opportunities to develop services for mutual benefit.
  • Good basic IT skills, and experience of keeping electronic records.
  • Experience of working as part of a small, cohesive team towards shared goals and outcomes.
  • This post is subject to a PVG Scheme Record check and is considered Regulated Work under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) ACT 2007. Any offer of employment is subject to receipt of suitable references.