Jobs in Galashiels and District, Scottish Borders

The Bridge is a membership-based community development organisation and a partner in the Borders Third Sector Interface (TSI). We support Borders communities and Third Sector organisations by providing capacity building support and practical help on a range of issues; we also represent the interests of the Third Sector within the community planning partnership and provide information/communication links between partners in both the statutory and Third Sector. We operate from premises in Galashiels, Jedburgh, and Peebles to cover the Scottish Borders, in association with our partners in the TSI.

The role of the Community Development Worker (CDW) is to deliver a capacity-building development support service to new and existing Third Sector organisations.

Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre (SBRCC) provides a safe, non-threatening environment where survivors can talk freely and in confidence. We support all self-identifying females aged 18+ and all young people of any gender/gender identity aged between 12 and 18, who have experienced rape or any form of sexual violence, either recently or in the past. We work in partnership with others towards the elimination of violence against women.

We are an all-women organisation, believing that this allows us to offer the most appropriate and secure support to women and young people affected by rape and other forms of sexual violence. While we acknowledge that men experience rape and sexual violence, we also know that most incidents are committed against women by men, and it is to women that our efforts are primarily directed. Rape and sexual violence are crimes of violence against women and girls which reflect inequality in our society: redressing this inequality defines our work with women and girls who have experienced rape and other forms sexual violence.

Job Purpose

SBRCC recognises that currently survivors accessing our services are not representative of the diverse society in which we live, for the reason we are committed to increasing our engagement and participation within diverse intersectional communities. This post will specifically focus and bring expertise and knowledge to further our intersectional approach. The role aims to increase our reach and engage survivors specifically within rural and remote communities, LGBTQI, BME, children & young people, disability, older women and survivors with learning difficulties.

Only women need apply under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Our vision at SBRCC is an end to violence, in all its forms, against women and girls. Access to early high-quality support when survivors need it can be life-changing. We believe that women’s rights should be protected and their voices heard.

This is reflected in everything we do at SBRCC. By working together with, and listening to, adult and young survivors, communities and by influencing public policy and opinion, we are helping to transform the lives of survivors of sexual violence recovering from the sexual trauma they have suffered.

Our Board is committed to our vision and values and members bring a wide range of skills, knowledge, expertise, objectivity, insight and strategic thought to the table. They involve themselves in our work and steer our organisation forward. We are looking for Trustees who can help us expand the range of skills around the table. We are particularly looking for expertise in the areas of marketing, communications, social media, finance/accounting, HR or legal knowledge, community and corporate fundraising, community engagement and experience of working in the voluntary sector.

We are also keen to hear from applicants with strong business links. We welcome applicants from women across Scotland. At the moment meetings are via Zoom, prior to the pandemic meetings were held in Galashiels however, ongoing virtual attendance is possible.

The positions are voluntary; however reasonable travel expenses are met. The Board currently meets four times a year, optional development meetings are also scheduled four times a year.

Only women need apply under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Do you have experience of working with people with lived experience of mental ill health?

Do you want to work for a charity that aims to give them a voice?

We are looking for a Mental Health Development Worker (21 hours per week) to join our team in the Scottish Borders. The salary is £25,825 pro-rata and we offer generous benefits.

You'll be supporting people with experience of mental health conditions (and their carers) to be actively involved in improving local health and social care services.

You'll also promote, facilitate and support the Scottish Borders Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum, including its role in mental health planning.

The post is based in our Galashiels office, and some home working is possible.

There will be some travel throughout the Borders. You may be required to work occasional evenings and weekends.

This job is fixed term for 12 months, but there is potential to extend it.

The Supported Housing Worker role requires assisting in the management of the development thus ensuring the tenants are able to enjoy an acceptable standard of living in an environment which is clean, safe and friendly. You will be responsible for overseeing the wellbeing of the tenants and for assisting them in maintaining their independence.

As Housing Care Worker your role will involve working with our tenants to ensure they receive the support and personal care identified in their care plans. You will directly support tenants in their homes by providing individual advice, practical housing support assistance and personal care.

Both roles are to ensure that we are able to offer the best service to our tenants and make it possible for our tenants to continue enjoying as much independent living as they’re able.

As well as a competitive annual salary, our valued team also benefits from:

• competitive hourly rates of £10.50 - £10.88 per hour
• guaranteed rota hours working between 7.30am & 10pm
• generous annual leave entitlement
• a choice of pension scheme with employer contributions
• flexible working policies
• access to extensive paid training and development opportunities
• a supportive and inclusive culture.

We also have opportunities with our Trust Staff Agency - for employees who want to work across different locations, in various roles, with highly flexible hours to suit family commitments - it's a great opportunity with the same training and development that our other roles benefit from.

Previous experience working in social care or the housing sector would be an advantage but this is not always necessary. Our ideal candidate is someone with enthusiasm, a caring nature and willingness to learn as full training, support and ongoing development will be provided.