1. JOB SPECIFICATION
Job Title: Peer Education Network (SPEN) Officer
Salary £9384
Contract 14 hrs per week (temporary until 31.3.2016).
Continuation subject to further funding.

Job Purpose As a member of the Fast Forward staff team,provideco-ordination, development and support to the Scottish Peer Education Network

Reports to
Direct Reports / Chief Executive
None
KEY AREAS
  1. To develop and support the Scottish Peer Education Network(SPEN), including support for the SPEN advisory group.
  1. To maintain SPEN’s profile at a strategic and influencing level in Scotland
  1. Support and use of new social and digital media, and use of the SPEN and Fast Forward websites
  1. Work with and support the Chief Executive and other relevant staff in relation to SPEN and wider media and communications projects
  1. Provide accessible advice andsupport to peer education projects and practitioners in Scotland
  1. To establish and implement effective means of dissemination of information and good practice for both SPEN and Fast Forward
  1. To contribute to the wider work of Fast Forward where required.

2. JOB CONTEXT

Peer Education is an important form of volunteering for young people. Fast Forward supports and promotes the work of peer education through the Scottish Peer Education Network (SPEN). spen.org

This post forms part (14 hrs per week) of the overall SPEN and Communications functions in Fast Forward. The post holder will work closely with the other post holder (21hrs per week) to provide an integrated service.

This post will maintain the established network development and support functions for SPEN. It requires a high level of creativity along with an enthusiasm for engaging with young people and those who work with and support them. Key to this post is the ability to initiate, co-ordinate and communicate at both local and national levels.

3. Person Specification

Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential
Educated to Degree level, post-graduate diploma or equivalent qualification
  • Good understanding of youth work/peer education
  • Knowledge of current policy and practice issues in youth work/education
Skills
Essential
  • High level of written and oral communications skills
  • High level of initiative to work autonomously, creatively and flexibly
  • Work effectively with a range of people
  • Ability to work flexibly in team environment
Desirable
  • Training design and delivery
Experience
Essential
  • Experience of using digital and social media

Desirable

  • Experienceof peer education
  • Experience of communications work
  • Experience of partnership working at all levels
  • Experience of developing/supporting networks
Values
Essential
  • Commitment to equal opportunities
  • Commitment to team working
  • Commitment to young people's perspective
  • Commitment to professional development and practice

4.MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT

The post will be part of the Fast Forward team, and will be responsible to the Board of Directors through the Chief Executive. Fast Forward is committed to a policy of staff development through staff support and appraisal. The post holder will be line-managed by the Chief Executive. The post holder will be expected to take an active role in the staff team and Fast Forward’s wider work.

5. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

The post holder will be based at the Fast Forward offices in Edinburgh, however the post will occasionally involve some work across Scotland, therefore a willingness to occasional travel and work unsocial hours is essential. Travel and subsistence allowances will be paid.

The post is for 14 hours(2 days) per week until 31.3.2016. Continuation is subject to further funding.

Holiday entitlement will be pro rata based on a 7 month contractof 14 hrs per week. A system of time off in lieu applies for hours worked over and above the normal working week.

Fast Forward has a policy of PVG checking all personnel.

A contributory staff pension scheme is in operation – which employees can choose to join.

Fast Forward is committed to becoming an equal opportunities employer.