goodmoves

Introduction

We are seeking a dynamic, creative and results-oriented individual who can help Play Midlothian to grow and develop.

The purpose of the post is to effectively identify, develop and secure opportunities to increase income from diverse sources and to develop our service offering to a variety of stakeholders.

About Play Midlothian

Play Midlothian is a registered charity (no. SC025474) working to support children to thrive through play. We focus on play because we know how much this benefits children’s health, wellbeing and development. It is important for their lives in the here and now as well as for their future life chances. We provide services for children and families and build the capacity of communities to support play. This includes training and development opportunities for other settings, including schools. We have an office base in Gorebridge but deliver services throughout Midlothian, and if commissioned, beyond.

About the role

Play Midlothian has expanded in services, income and reach over recent years. We now need additional capacity to drive the next stage of development. As we will soon be entering another phase of strategic planning, it is an exciting time to join the organisation, and play a significant role in shaping and securing its future. We also have plans to launch new and expanded services in 2021, and therefore have a need for increased income.

At the same time, competition for funds has never been higher. Play Midlothian has been largely dependent on income from trusts and foundations. An impact of COVID-19 has been to reduce investment income for trusts, whilst also increasing competition for these funds, and applicant success rates are down. There is therefore a need for Play Midlothian to diversify income streams, including away from trusts and foundations into sale of services and securing contracts, a key focus for the postholder.

Some building blocks are already in place. Play Midlothian has a track record of delivering highly regarded training, and has recently secured funds to make some of that available as online modules. Additionally, we have received commissions to provide services for some schools. These are services that can be packaged and marketed by the postholder.

Alongside what will hopefully be some quick wins in terms of self-generated income, the postholder will develop a strategic approach to Play Midlothian’s income diversification and growth, and formulate plans that yield results in the medium to long term.

The post is grant funded for one year through Adapt and Thrive, COVID-19 recovery funding. If the postholder is able to meet their income targets, the post may be financially viable to continue beyond this point. There may also be scope to grow the hours of the post as Play Midlothian grows and develops.

Our Aberlour Options Ayrshire service is a busy respite care unit for children and young people with special needs. As well as providing short residential breaks the service offers outreach to families and also manages and runs after school clubs and playschemes during the school holidays.

We are looking to recruit to our Easter and summer playscheme programme. Our Playscheme runs 6 days per week, Monday to Saturday, during the school holidays. You will work flexible hours as part of a team providing a programme of fun-filled activities and outings. Some previous experience in this area is preferred. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and work hard are essential. To allow us to provide a consistent, quality service it is desirable that applicants commit to working up to 5 days per week during Easter and summer school holidays for a minimum of 12 hours per week. There will be an opportunity to work additional hours up to full time hours. Shifts are variable and cover days, evenings and weekends. Days will be given in advance. Our playschemes run in both Ayr and Girvan and staff may be expected to work at both sites. Mandatory training dates for staff will be arranged during the month of March before the commencement of the Easter playscheme.

Depending on experience you may be offered the post of Senior Playscheme Worker, which would be paid at the higher hourly rate.

If you would like to discuss this post please contact Lauren Duncan on 07772 226641.

We are looking for an Administrative Support Assistant to be part of an effective team that supports and monitors Safeguarders, works with partner agencies and delivers all other operational tasks associated with Safeguarder appointments.

The Safeguarders Panel Team at Children 1st is now established as an integral feature of the Children’s Hearing landscape. We have recently been successful in winning the new contract for the Safeguarder’s Panel Team until at least June 2022 (potentially 2024). Children 1st is contracted by Scottish Government to assist Scottish Ministers with the management, operation and monitoring of the national Safeguarders Panel.

In the role of Administrative Support Assistant, you will provide critical support to assist with the effective delivery of the Safeguarder Panel Team contract, which will include handling enquiries; monitoring shared Safeguarders Panel inbox; co-ordinating diaries; minute taking; organising meetings / training venues; updating of confidential records and files and maintaining data systems.

You must have a good standard of education, previous experience in an administrative role, experience of organising training or similar events and team working in an office environment.

This is a part time, fixed term role of 17.5 hours per week funded initially until 30 June 2022.

We are looking for an exceptional individual who can work with the Service Manager to create a loving, safe and fun home environment for children – could that be you? Come and be part of our exciting new service in Auchterhouse, supporting and guiding a team to create safe, nurturing, loving care that achieves the best outcomes for the children and young people who live with us. We are proud of our record in providing our young people with the care and support they need to make positive progress and life choices that enable them to fulfil their potential.

Children tell us that they want to live somewhere where they feel safe with adults who know, understand and love them and who they trust. They want the adults who care for them to have fun with them, to be silly, to help them learn and grow and share memories and experiences with them. Can you help to give the children who live with us, these experiences?

The care experience of our children is our first consideration and by creating the home environment that makes them feel safe, comfortable and loved, this also creates a rewarding and fulfilling experience for our staff team, providing valuable development opportunities. As part of the management team you will play a key role in encouraging and working with the team, to develop and guide their practice to secure the best outcomes for the children and young people. We are looking for an Assistant Service Manager who will enthuse the team, have strong values and be able to be an exceptional role model to colleagues and young people alike.

Aberlour’s values are core to everything we do and so you must be comfortable working in a culture based on respect, integrity, innovation and the ability to challenge your own and others’ practice.

As part of a vibrant Extended Sycamore Services Management Team you will be in a unique position to ensure that the children we look after achieve positive outcomes, while living in Sycamore Services. You will have strong leadership skills, be an excellent communicator and recognise the importance of the use of self in your day to day interactions with people.

We want to recruit someone who matches our commitment to life-long learning, for themselves, our staff and children. You must be an effective contributor to our vision with unwavering commitment to the work to enable you to deal positively with the challenges and opportunities that distressed children can bring to their care experience. You will have access to guidance and support but will be expected to advise on, resolve or refer any significant issues. You will have a high level of autonomy in delivering the service.

This post requires you to register with the Scottish Social Services Council as a Residential Child Care Worker with Supervisory Responsibilities. You will have a relevant professional qualification at SCQF level 8 or above.

This role requires the successful candidates to manage their time in a way which balances the need to meet the administrative and management requirements of the role. The post holder must work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, which will include evening and weekend work. On occasion the successful candidate may also have to sleep over and participate in the wider Sycamore on-call rota.

As an Aberlour employee, you will receive

• receive a gradual and supported induction,
• be part of a highly motivated and skilled team
• receive continual personalised support
• have access to a well-developed training programme, including Dyadic Development Practice Level 1 at the earliest opportunity for all residential managers
• competitive salary
• excellent annual leave entitlement
• access to our group pension scheme
• access to Cyclescheme and retail discount scheme.

If you want to know more, please contact John Ryan on 07854 958096 for an informal conversation.