Jobs in Inverclyde North, Inverclyde

We are a Registered Charity and SCIO SC046936. Established in 1985, the Charity has been delivering vital services for women and children across the Inverclyde area for over 37 years. Inverclyde Women’s Aid’s vision is of a society, in which women, children and young people are full and equal participants, free from the threat of abuse, violence or oppression.

We are looking for Trustees to join our Board. Would you like to help improve the lives of women, children and young people who have experience of domestic abuse in Inverclyde?

Do you have an understanding of the feminist analysis of domestic abuse? Do you have some time to give on a voluntary basis to provide leadership, legal and fiscal oversight, and to support the ongoing development of the vital services we provide?

We are looking to appoint enthusiastic and committed women, aged 16 years or over to our Board. We have several vacancies.

The Opportunity: This is an exciting opportunity to become part of our feminist governance team supporting and overseeing the development of the organisation to ensure the continued delivery of high quality, responsive services to vulnerable women, children and young people in our area. You do not need to know everything there is to know about domestic abuse, but you will need to prove that you are interested in our work, reliable, action focussed and committed to our principles and values.

We welcome applications from women with strategic vision, good independent judgement, and the ability to work as part of a diverse team. We are committed to diversifying our Board so women representing all sections of the community are welcome. We are keen to add to existing skills and knowledge, so we particularly want to hear from women with the following professional backgrounds: human resources/employment law, marketing & communications or social media, third sector or social enterprise experience, fundraising, business, property management, IT skills and women who have a legal background. We also strongly encourage women who have personal experience of domestic abuse to offer us their personal insight into accessing and using the range of services offered by women’s aid and partners.

Time Commitment: The Board currently meet bi-monthly via Zoom. The frequency and the method of meeting will continue to be reviewed regularly to meet the needs of the organisation. It is important that prospective trustees recognise that they will also be, at times, responsible for progressing pieces of work in between meetings, either on an individual basis on behalf of the Board or as part of a short life working group or a sub-group of the Board.

There is also an expectation that new Trustees will fully participate in a comprehensive induction, as well as ongoing training and support. Although the Board is meeting online, we would anticipate that the Board Members visit the staff team and that at least once a year there is a strategic planning day in person with the staff and Board.

Our posts are open to women only applicants as we are a woman only service, covered by the occupational requirement exemption under the Equality Act 2010.

Role

Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable children and young people? Do you have experience of the dynamics, impact, and scale of gender-based violence, especially in relation to them? Could you advocate for children and young people?

We are looking for a Children & Young People Domestic Abuse Support Worker, with a Childcare qualification, to provide practical and emotional support programmes for children and young people who are referred to Inverclyde Women’s Aid. The successful applicant will develop and deliver age appropriate support programmes for children and young people who have been affected by domestic abuse.

Women only need apply. The post is covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010.

Who we are

For over 35 years, Inverclyde Women’s Aid (IWA) has been providing vital support services to women and children across the Inverclyde region. These are free, impartial, and confidential services, focused on providing a safe space away from abuse, violence, and oppression. Our team of support workers offers housing advice, counselling, signposting, and employability as well as financial and practical support for women and families to build brighter futures for their lives.

Who we are looking for

You’ll have experience of providing support and information to vulnerable children and young people. This will include anger management, domestic abuse, crisis intervention, assessment of risk, safety planning, carrying a caseload, multi-agency, advocacy, and information. Any recognised Childcare Qualification or equivalent, as listed on the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) website, is essential.

You will understand the dynamics, impact, and scale of anger management, domestic abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence, especially in relation to children and young people. Experience of supporting children and young people in an education setting or community organisation is vital for this role, as is liaising with agencies and advocating on behalf of service users.

You will bring to the post:

• Creativity in developing support programmes for children and young people

• Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise under pressure

• A non-judgmental and empathetic approach

• The ability to anticipate problems and to identify solutions

• Flexibility of hours and days of work

• Ability to manage change and adapt to new ways of working

• First class communications skills

• The ability to manage personal wellbeing in a challenging work environment.

There is a requirement to work variable shift pattern which may include evenings and weekends. You will have a full driving licence and access to your own transport and be willing to travel throughout Inverclyde.

What you will be doing

You will provide practical and emotional support programmes for children and young people who are referred to us through schools, education and other agencies and complete and maintain all relevant paperwork. You will also develop and deliver age appropriate support programmes for children and young people who have been affected by domestic abuse, as well as early intervention and prevention anger management programmes in educational or community settings for young people at risk of being excluded from mainstream education. Maintaining the confidentiality of those accessing the service is vital, as is ensuring that all confidentiality agreements are signed. There will be occasions when you will be called upon to prepare relevant reports for Children’s Panels, court proceedings or case conferences.

During the course of your work, you will promote the service to community groups, youth organisations and education providers to support and encourage children and young people to use our services. You’ll work on your own initiative but liaise closely with team members to ensure all aspects of the service are covered, which requires flexibility to meet the needs of the service.

Promoting effective partnership working and developing strong links with professionals from external agencies and the community are essential to maximise the support available for children and young people. Promoting our work, and the rights and needs of women who experience domestic abuse, to service providers and policy makers is also part of the role.

What you will get

The salary for the role £15.90 ph. You will get 42 days annual leave including public holidays. There’s a pension contribution and enhanced sickness pay. There will be opportunities for your own learning and development and coaching/mentoring will be available.

The Greenock Medical Aid Society (GMAS) are looking to welcome new members to our Board of Trustees. We are looking for people with passion, energy, commitment, and vision. GMAS is one of the oldest charities in Scotland, running two care homes within Inverclyde. Though a relatively small charity our work is getting national notice and we pride ourselves as an organisation that puts the needs of our residents first and foremost. We strive to deliver compassionate care to our older people, and this was recognised by winning a national award- RCNi Older People’s category winners 2021. This is an exciting time to join us.

About the Board of Trustees

Our Board ensures we are effective in working towards the achievement of GMAS through vision, and harnessing our resources to the maximum effect, whilst upholding our values.

As a member of the Board you will be an ambassador for GMAS and promote the reputation, vision and purpose of the organisation. You will work with your fellow trustees to ensure the organisation complies with its governing documents, relevant legislation, and regulatory requirements.

Person specification

Candidates must have:

• The ability to think strategically and to contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation.
• A proven record of using good, independent judgement in effective decision making.
• Experience of operating within a board or committee structure in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Passion and commitment for the work of GMAS

GMAS welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Commitment

Board meetings are usually held each month and up to at least 10 timers per year. There is at least one strategy day each year. Meetings usually take place in GMAS’s registered office, Bagatelle 47 Eldon Street, Greenock. With trustees expected to attend in person.