Overview

GWT is the nationally recognised centre of excellence supporting the development and integration of intergenerational work across Scotland. GWT’s vision is to live in a Scotland where different generations are more connected, and everyone has the opportunity to build relationships that help to create a fairer society. By intergenerational practice we mean projects, activities, or events where people of different generations who might not otherwise meet each other work together in positive and creative ways.

GWT secured funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for an exciting new project that aims to embed intergenerational practice across Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. Starting January 2023, we are working in partnership with Apples and Honey Nightingale in London and Linking Generations Northern Ireland to deliver training, promote new quality standards, and recognise Intergenerational Hubs in communities across the UK.

Overview of Post

This role will focus on promoting the work of the new project by shaping its communications and marketing strategy, building new connections, and growing its digital presence. Based with GWT, you will work collaboratively with the wider project team, and especially the Intergenerational Development Officers, in Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. The successful applicant will have a crucial role in shaping and supporting the delivery of this new, high-profile project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Responsible to: GWT Chief Executive Officer

Responsible for:

1. Supporting the project team in the creation of a new communications and marketing strategy for the project.

2. Supporting the project team and Development Officers in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England to build connections and form new partnerships.

3. Building and growing the digital presence of the project and partners.

4. Collating evidence and providing administrative and logistical support.

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

The role

Through our Employability Services we provide a range of programmes, services and support structures enabling young people to progress positively into activity that further enhances their learning and employment opportunities.

This role will be working in our Youthbuild team who deliver this construction programme aimed at 16-24-year olds who have faced considerable disadvantage and who may face a range of issues/barriers affecting their ability to maintain and sustain employment. The Youthbuild programme provides participants with a comprehensive 4 week in-house training programme followed by a work placement and 6 months paid employment within the construction industry. Each young person is assigned a dedicated key worker to support them through the duration of the Youthbuild programme.

You will make a difference by:

• Providing a responsive, high quality and customer focused service to young people seeking to enter the labour market and our partners based on an assessment of need that is regularly and professionally reviewed and the development of aspirational action plans which are outcomes driven.
• Applying Action for Children's and professional practice standards and ensuring their implementation as necessary and being proactive in their implementation.
• Managing and co-ordinate a caseload of young people, providing a range of targeted interventions to assist their entry to the labour market through group, coordinated or individual support.
• Delivering of a range of group work modules that contribute to our overall employability programmes, promoting inclusion and allowing for individual learning styles.

You will need:

• An SVQ 3 in Social Care, Guidance or equivalent.
• Experience of working in group settings with young people facing multiple barriers.
• Knowledge and understanding of young people facing unemployment.
• A full driving licence and access to a car to use for business
• Knowledge/Experience of the Construction industry would be beneficial

Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

Established in 1999, The Pavillion (Greater Easterhouse) is a community youth organisation that provides a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for young people from primary 1 upwards, with most activities having historically focused on children and young people aged up to 18 but now with an increasing focus on whole family, whole community activities. Everything that we do aims to inspire our participants, raise their aspirations, help them to address the challenges that they face and encourage their development as young people.

The core of Pavillion’s service offer is a drop-in service for Mini’s, Junior’s, and Senior’s. While attending these sessions, young people take part in a wide range of engaging and developmental activities including issue-based workshops, sports, team building, games, STEM activities, art, music, and IT related activities. Specific additional projects are then developed around this core. For example, our peer wellbeing programme for young people allows young people to discuss their mental health and wellbeing and to support each other through a network of peers.

We also place a strong focus on attainment, helping young people to demonstrate what their development, through Youth Achievement / Dynamic Youth Awards, Community Achievement Awards, Saltire Awards and Youth Access units at Kelvin College.

Purpose of Job

The Business Development Manager in partnership with the community and staff will be responsible for developing and leading the business development strategy for the organisation.

The Pavillion needs a long-term plan. We have a small facility and a large catchment and an ever-increasing waiting list of families who need access to the service. We need to look at options for premises going forward. New build? Development on the current site or is it taking over an unused building in the community?

We also need to develop new income streams which lessen our need for grant funding.

We think this is a fantastic opportunity for someone with the correct skills and enthusiasm to make a real difference in a community despite having to deal with enormous issues, still has the drive and determination to succeed as individuals and a community. This well not be easy but it will be rewarding. In a world were there is so much darkness, this will be a beacon of light

Role Purpose

ProjectScotland, part of the national charity Volunteering Matters, supports people to move on in life, through the power of volunteering. We are looking for a talented, dynamic, and professional Parental Engagement Manager to join our team in the City of Edinburgh. The right candidate would be someone who can work flexibly, while demonstrating a strong understanding and commitment to our organisational values.

You will provide intensive Employability Support to 25 parents over the next 12 months. This role will focus on parents who are New Scots (Refugee’s, Asylum Seekers, Displaced people) and parents from ethnically diverse backgrounds. You will:

• Work 1:1 with parents to understand their strengths, skills, and barriers to employment, putting steps or strategies in place to overcome these barriers or challenges
• Support with vocational activities – developing CV’s, job search, applications, mock interviews etc.
• Provide work-ready support – access to volunteering experiences, identifying training opportunities etc.
• Work alongside colleagues in the ProjectScotland Mentoring Team, ensuring that parents can benefit from an empowering and positive Mentoring relationship - provided by our team of local volunteers
• Work with external partners across Edinburgh to secure referrals for our service, and to set up new opportunities for parents.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Consistently role modelling and displaying our organisational values

• Contribute to effective teamwork across the regional team and the wider charity, in line with our “flexible working by default” and “self-managed teams” philosophy

• Provide intensive support to parents in a person-centered way, to achieve positive outcomes for all

• Understanding each parent’s skills, strengths, experience, barriers and development areas, resulting in the creation of a personal development plan

• To manage all elements of the parent’s experience, from referral to completion of their support

• Work alongside the ProjectScotland mentoring team to ensure parents have the opportunity to benefit from the experience and life skills of a dedicated volunteer mentor

• To identify, develop and maintain excellent relationships with referral partners, third sector organisations, statutory agencies, and others, who can provide training, volunteering placements, or other opportunities

• To manage the risk assessment, quality assurance and audit processes as appropriate

• Ensure monitoring, impact and evaluation information and data is collected and that the project meets its agreed targets, reporting format and schedule. Assist the Delivery Leader by preparing reports to funders

• Administration tasks including maintaining effective and accessible records, the use of Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom and other software such as Canva and Salesforce – full training will be given

This job description is intended to include the broad range of responsibilities and requirements of the post. It is neither exhaustive nor exclusive but while some variations will be expected, these will be at an appropriate level for the role.

Person Specification

Skills Required

• An excellent knowledge and understanding of the life challenges and barriers that parents face today in Scotland, particularly those who are New Scots (Refugee’s, Asylum Seekers, Displaced people) or those from ethnic minority backgrounds

• An understanding of how to assess the needs of an individual using a person-centered approach

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including being able to have strategic conversations with stakeholders one minute, and talk to a nervous parent the next

• Excellent people skills with the ability to build professional, long-term relationships with various stakeholders, to influence and motivate others

• Excellent organisational and IT skills including the ability to manage workload and prioritise effectively, and strong attention to detail

• Able to use own initiative and work independently at times

Experience Required

• Significant experience working with people who have challenges/barriers to employment, particularly parents and carers

• Experience in providing Employability and vocational support

• Evidence of relationship management experience with a wide range of stakeholders

• Experience of project management, achieving high targets, a busy workload and working to strict deadlines

• Proven ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team

• Understanding of and commitment to Equal Opportunities

Qualifications

Relevant experience and an understanding and commitment to our organisational values is more important for this role than any specific qualifications.

Other

Part of your working week will be based in local Edinburgh communities, meeting parents, volunteers, colleagues, and other stakeholders. For the remainder of the time, you can choose to work from home (must be based locally) or from our Edinburgh office premises (EH7 5JT). If working from home, you will need good internet access and a suitable home working environment. All I.T. equipment, mobile phone and infrastructure will be supplied by our organisation.