Ayr Housing Aid Centre (now SCIO) was established in 1986 following a Shelter homeless conference. The project is governed by the Board consisting of dedicated, committed people passionate about helping those in housing need. The Board provide direction, expertise and oversee the Centre’s work. As Trustees step down we recruit new Trustees with a commitment to our aims and objectives of providing quality advice and engagement services to those in housing need while alleviating poverty. Our commitment includes positively campaigning for local and national change and new legislative measures to improve the lives of those we help. There is no greater housing need than having no home!

The Centre has been contracted with South Ayrshire Council for many years to provide Advice and Homeless Prevention Services. Our current Contract cycle is 2021-25 and includes a Prison Housing Advice service for East and South Ayrshire Council. The Centre often seeks additional funding to complement our core Council services to meet additional demand and reach out to more people in need. We also generate income to support our work through providing housing related training and fundraising. The Centre’s Advice services are accredited under the Scottish National Standards and Housing Support service is regulated by the Care Inspectorate.

AHAC are looking to appoint a new Treasurer to join our volunteer Board. The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing financial processes and obligations including ensuring the organisation remains compliant with meeting its legal and constitutional requirements through robust financial policies, procedures and processes. You will be supported by the Chairperson, Vice-Chair and liaise regularly with key management staff and our Accountants to oversee the charity finances and processes.

We would encourage applications from candidates with financial management, accounting and experience using accounting packages such as Xero to apply although training is available for the right candidate.

This role includes a minimum of 5 board meetings per year including our AGM (currently a mix of in person and online). Additional specific meetings are scheduled throughout the year including 4 online Office Bearer (Sub-committee) meetings.

Come and join our Advice Team! We are a registered Charity established in 1986 who are fully accredited to provide type III free, independent Housing Information, Advice, Advocacy and Engagement Services. The Centre continues to provide a remote service throughout COVID-19 by staff working from home with full support. All staff will return to the Office when it is deemed safe to do so.

Applicants should have a background knowledge and interest in:-

• Housing (mainly focusing on the private rented sector)
• Homeless Prevention
• Benefits and Income Maximisation
• Tribunal Procedures

The successful candidate will provide our free, confidential and impartial Housing Advice and Advocacy. You will focus on assisting vulnerable people/families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness or those with complex housing issues.

Part of this post will provide a homeless prevention service to those within the Private Rented Sector, including Tribunal Representation. This exciting collaboration is initially part funded via Nationwide Building Society for 2 years; thereafter we will seek additional funding to secure continuation.

Use of a car and driving licence is essential.