We are a local voluntary sector organisation and charity that offers emotional, practical and social support to people experiencing mental ill health, living in East Dunbartonshire.

We are looking to recruit a Mental Health Support Worker who is enthusiastic and motivated with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in providing support to people recovering from mental ill health in a community setting. The candidate will have a qualification to SVQ Level 7 in Health and Social Care, or similar SSSC recognised equivalent, as a minimum qualification. A full driving license and access to a vehicle for work purposes is essential.

The post will be based in Kirkintilloch and cover work throughout East Dunbartonshire. As a Mental Health Support Worker, you will work to deliver person centred and recovery focused support to enable vulnerable adults experiencing mental ill health, to achieve positive outcomes.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a mature and caring attitude, possess excellent listening and communication skills and be able to develop positive rapport with people and assist them to recognise and develop their individual strengths and skills. You will be able to work independently and be pro-active in finding community resources and support people to access local services and activities that promote their sense of wellbeing. You will have the ability to develop positive relationships with clients to sustain contact with individuals and encourage and motivate them to maintain activities to promote their sense of wellbeing and give them greater hope for the future.

You will also have an increasing awareness of and promoting the use of self-management techniques and be able to demonstrate a high degree of skill in report writing, assessing clients needs and developing professional support plans.

Subject to a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) check along with a Right to Work in the UK and reference checks.

We are currently looking to recruit an enthusiastic and dynamic Recovery Worker to join our team in East Ayrshire covering Kilmarnock and surrounding rural areas.

Recovery Workers in East Ayrshire are responsible for providing 1:1 support and group work for people in recovery, in addition to closely working with our partners.

What we’re looking for

Ideally the successful candidate will have outstanding communication skills and the ability to work effectively as a team player in a collaborative and supportive manner. They will be someone who thrives under pressure, has good time management and prioritisation skills and can work well with others.

In addition they will need to be positive, confident and well organised with experience of working with people in a recovery, health, social care or justice setting.

The successful candidate will be required to deliver services within the community so a driving license is preferable.

Further information

This job is subject to a PVG check and an SVQ Level 3 in Social Services and Health Care is required as a minimum qualification and registration with the SSSC will be required.

This is a permanent full time post for 37.5 hours per week.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is one of Scotland’s oldest and most loved animal welfare organisations. Established in 1883, every year we rescue, reunite and rehome hundreds of lost, stray and abandoned dogs and cats in Edinburgh, the Lothians and beyond.

The Education Officer is a pivotal role within the Community Engagement team and will be a key player in the delivery of the Homes community outreach strategy supporting pets and their owners through education to keeping pets in their homes.

Building on the successes of our education service, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is looking for an exceptional Education Officer to drive and develop the programme further as part of the Homes wider strategies. In the role you will develop educational workshops, train and support educational volunteers, create new courses both as product and as service and lead on educational campaigns.

An excellent communicator, you will have the ability to present in a fun and engaging manor whilst delivering key messages about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership at multiple levels.

Circle is a Scottish charity working at the heart of deprived communities across central Scotland. Our aim is to support the most disadvantaged children and families to improve their lives, promote their healthy development and reach their potential.

We work alongside families to build confidence and self-esteem, to develop positive relationships within their community, to strengthen their finances and to make important changes to their lifestyle and environment. This work enables and empowers families to overcome challenges including substance use, parental imprisonment, persistent poverty, domestic abuse, poor housing conditions and physical and mental ill-health.

Due to the multiple and complex needs these families have they often struggle to access appropriate and tailored support which can leave them isolated, excluded and stigmatized whilst also experiencing shame and anxiety. Circle therefore aims to deliver a range of beneficiary led outreach services that receive referrals from local health professionals, criminal justice, schools, and community hubs as well as being open to self-referrals. The fact that our support is undertaken voluntarily enables us to build a trusting relationship with families and provide them with help that is non-judgmental or time limited.

Role

This is an interesting time of development and expansion for Circle as we attempt to increase our support to families disproportionally impacted by Covid and the resulting financial climate.

Working under the supervision of an experienced Income Generation and Communications Manager you will maximise income to meet or exceed income targets through the development of excellent local relationships, creating opportunities to give, and positioning Circle as the charity of choice within various local communities. You will also have the opportunity to play a lead role in growing our unique flagship event, The DARED Challenge, whilst also potentially contributing to our successful trust and grants income generation process.

Our ideal candidate will have a passion for providing vulnerable families with vital, life changing outreach work. They will have the desire to seek new opportunities and build sustainable relationships with donors while managing event participants and local corporate partnerships. To deliver a positive supporter experience, you will have strong communication skills and be friendly and engaging. You should have the motivation to work independently without close supervision whilst still being able to develop positive internal team relationships. Experience of developing new partnerships, recruiting donors, and working with databases is needed along with event and volunteer management.

This is a unique and varied role that will suit a motivated, adaptable, and proactive individual, who is keen to expand on their current knowledge and skills set to become a more complete fundraiser with experience of succeeding across multiple income streams.

Main Purpose:

• To maximise income with a focus on individual, community, and corporate fundraising, with some additional charitable trusts and grant funding.
• To raise the profile of Circle with a focus on internal and external communications, social media content and creative public campaigns
• To work in partnership with colleagues across Circle in the development and funding of innovative service delivery projects.

We are looking to recruit an Assistant Manager to join our team here in Alloa, Clackmannanshire. This post involves working with our Chief Executive Officer to oversee the services delivered by Home-Start Clackmannanshire. This post involves the management and supervision of a number of front-line key staff, supporting the strategic development of the organisation and ongoing monitoring and development. In addition, the Assistant Manager will undertake a small caseload which includes direct work with families and supervision of a number of Volunteers. Previous experience of working with children and families is essential. Experience of working within the voluntary sector would be an advantage as would a leadership role in a relevant discipline.

Full driving licence and use of a car is essential.

Ideally the successful candidate will have to hold a minimum level of SCQF Level 7 or 8 in a relevant field and show a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

Post is subject to membership of the PVG Scheme and suitable references.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a ground-breaking approach to mental health services. Thrive Edinburgh brings together a collaboration of partner organisations to work together to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the people of the City. The aims of Thrive Edinburgh centres around enabling people to live well and fulfil their potential.

The Connect Partnership represents a unique collaboration between leading 3rd sector providers Penumbra, Health in Mind and Support in Mind Scotland. Our organisations share a commitment to the Thrive vision and values of trust; respect; collaboration; person-centeredness; innovation; and compassion. Together we will deliver a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency response to people, so people receive the right help at the right time.

In this role, you will be working in the ‘Welcome Team’ at Thrive Centres, as a part of the multi-agency approach to support people with their mental health and wellbeing. You will assist people who use the service to establish and maintain a meaningful and fulfilling life in the community. Recovery Practitioners play a central role in the planning and provision of quality, recovery focused therapeutic support to people who use the service.

Peer work roles have been developed specifically for people who have lived experience around mental health and well being. Through appropriate and intentional sharing of their own experience, peer workers will inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible. Within a relationship of mutuality and information sharing, peer workers will promote self-management and opportunities for improved health and wellbeing.

There is an additional expectation that the Recovery Practitioner (Peer) will be involved in the ongoing development of peer roles and will make a positive contribution to the reduction in stigma associated with mental health issues.

You will be based in a locality and will be required to develop, build and maintain professional links in order to deliver outcome-focused support within that area.

Support is to be provided in an appropriate environment where supported people can expect to be treated with respect, be given the time and space to discuss issues at their own pace, to explore skill development and tools to support them to self-manage.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a ground-breaking approach to mental health services. Thrive Edinburgh brings together a collaboration of partner organisations to work together to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the people of the City. The aims of Thrive Edinburgh centres around enabling people to live well and fulfil their potential.

The Connect Partnership represents a unique collaboration between leading 3rd sector providers Penumbra, Health in Mind and Support in Mind Scotland. Our organisations share a commitment to the Thrive vision and values of trust; respect; collaboration; person-centeredness; innovation; and compassion. Together we will deliver a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency response to people, so people receive the right help at the right time.

In this role, you will lead a team of recovery practitioners who offer trauma informed therapeutic support to people who self harm, or with suicidal ideation, to cope with crisis and trauma by exploring their emotions and concerns in a confidential setting.

You and the Recovery Practitioners will be based in a locality and will be required to develop, build and maintain professional links in order to deliver outcome focussed support within that area.

Support is to be provided in an appropriate environment where supported people can expect to be treated with respect, be given the time and space to discuss issues at their own pace, to explore skill development and tools to support them to manage their self-harm.

We welcome applications from individuals who would appropriately and intentionally use their lived experience as an integral part of the therapeutic support provided, where applicable.

Sacro’s mission is to deliver life changing services that empower people, give hope and protection, and help to build safe communities.

Sacro in partnership with YPeople is delivering ‘Your Home’ a Housing Support Service in Edinburgh. The service aims to have a positive impact by providing help to prevent homelessness and promote and encourage independence.

We are currently seeking a team member to assist in the development and provision of this service.

The post holder will provide support to service users who are at risk of future homelessness at the earliest possible stage with the aim of preventing escalation of issues which can lead to homelessness. The post holder will also provide support to individuals in a residential Rapid Access Accommodation service, supporting them to move on to a more stable tenancy.

Support needs vary enormously but examples include: providing assistance to access benefits and health services/ training/education and employment opportunities; addressing antisocial behaviour, resolving conflict and improving relationships, developing social support networks and general living skills e.g. budgeting, cooking, shopping etc.

You should be able to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills. The ability to work both as part of a team and independently is required, as is experience of partnership and inter-agency working. Experience of working in a residential setting supporting individuals with complex needs is desirable.

A commitment to Sacro’s value base is crucial, as this type of work can be challenging.

Experience of working: with people in a mentoring or mediation role, supporting people who have offended or in a health or social care environment would be preferred.

You may have supervisory responsibility for volunteers and student placements.

Must be willing to work towards an SVQ2 in Health and Social Care if not already qualified to this level or SCQF equivalent. A valuable opportunity to receive further training throughout employment.

Working days are Monday-Friday but may vary and may include days, evenings and weekends.

You must be prepared to work within equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory standards and adhere to Sacro’s policies and procedures.

Membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) will be a requirement for this post.

Would you like to join an exciting and unique service for Armed Forces veterans with a vision impairment?

Our Linburn Centre is an activity hub to support the independence of armed forces veterans with sight loss. We are looking for a temporary driver to help us transport our members to and from the service. The role involves driving a variety of routes locally, assisting members use the transport safely and routine maintenance of minibuses and cars.

You must be eligible to drive a minibus (hold a D1 Licence if applicable) and have a clean current driving licence. Good time keeping and reliability are essential. The Linburn Centre will be open during daytime hours Monday-Friday, with some occasional requirement for weekend or evening work. Please note that the hours for this role are 20 per week, these will be worked over 5 days and you will be required to do split shifts, covering the morning and afternoon transport arrangements.

The post is subject to PVG Scheme Record/Update.

SASEN support and development role specification

Goals for social enterprise in South Ayrshire

Everyone involved in supporting social enterprises in South Ayrshire has broadly similar goals:

• More social enterprises
• A bigger sector, employing more people and with a bigger turnover
• More effective social enterprises, delivering additional social good
• A more sustainable sector with more social entrepreneurs of all ages

The keys to making this happen

In general the sector is weak in comparison with many other areas. But there are opportunities, with Government pressure growing on public bodies to contract with social enterprises, increasing focus by the Council on ‘Community Wealth Building’, and a growth of new types of social entrepreneurs in South Ayrshire using the CIC model. The key building bricks for growth are:

• More opportunities to bid for public sector contracts;
• More seed and growth funding – both equity and loan funding;
• More collaboration, joint bidding, intra-sector trading and joint purchasing;
• More support for traditional third sector organisations to trade; and
• More support for new and emerging social entrepreneurs and enterprises.

SASEN’s role and activities

Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (VASA) as the local TSI has a role in promoting and supporting social enterprise. The role for SASEN, as a network of social enterprises, is to enable social enterprises to work with each other to mutual benefit and to act together to be the voice of social enterprise, affecting policy and increasing resources. Key activities should therefore be to:

• Act as the voice for Social Enterprises, including backing VASA’s lobbying work.
• Lobby for and (where relevant secure) increased access to funding for setting up and growing social enterprises in South Ayrshire.
• Build links between social enterprises to allow them to bid jointly for work.
• Build links between social enterprises to maximise trading within the sector.
• Provide peer support mechanisms for existing and new social entrepreneurs.
• Link and build credibility with the wider local business sector and with local and national support organisations (VASA, SAC, SE, SIS, Senscot, SES, etc) so that local social enterprise will begin to feature in these agencies’ strategies, plans, events and PR.

SASEN has been effectively dormant for the last 3-4 years so there is an opportunity for a fresh start as local social enterprises emerge from the pandemic.

Development support role

SASEN now wish to appoint an appropriate individual to help relaunch the organization and grow it to become sustainable over the next two years. The key goals for the role will be to:

1. Work with the existing SASEN board to agree membership development and stakeholder influencing plans.
2. Identify social enterprises in South Ayrshire and build membership to include at least 60% of social enterprises in in the area.
3. Build a programme of activity in line with the priorities above that is of sufficient value for members to pay towards SASEN costs (so SASEN itself will be a social enterprise).
4. Raise the profile of and confidence in social enterprise among the public and private sectors so that social enterprise features regularly in these agencies events and PR.
5. Identify and help secure future funding (from - members fees and in grants, and, if possible, through other commercial activity).

The appointment in the first instance will be to develop the plan at 1 above – with a second phase appointment subject to the board being satisfied with the plan.

We are looking for someone with a combination of skills and knowledge including:

• Familiarity with the social enterprise sector – knowledge of South Ayrshire may be an advantage but is not a requirement;
• Strong strategic planning and project management skills;
• Ability to quickly gain the confidence of a wide range of stakeholders and others; and
• A focus on delivering results by responding to opportunities and challenges flexibly.

The current board – which comprises three trustees and two advisers – will expect to support the person appointed in practical ways. And SASEN has effective links with VASA that will also assist. We would expect members (as they are recruited) to contribute in practical ways too. But the person appointed will be the sole paid resource for the organization for the foreseeable future.

The total budget currently available for the post and any activity is £20,000 and we envisage around £15,000 of this being available in fees. However it may be possible to attract further funding and we would be happy to increase the workload and fees if this is the case.