Jobs in Galashiels and District, Scottish Borders

Help shape the future of volunteering across Scotland

Volunteers are at the heart of Food Train.

Every day, around 1,000 volunteers help older people across Scotland access nutritious food, practical support and meaningful social connections. Their contribution enables older people to live independently, stay connected to their communities and enjoy a better quality of life.

As we look to the future and deliver our ambitious strategy for growth, we are seeking a National Volunteer Development Manager to lead the next stage of our volunteering journey.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and strengthen volunteering across a national charity with a 30 year history of supporting older people to eat well, age well and live well.

About the role

Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will lead the development of Food Train's volunteering programme across Scotland.

You will work closely with local branch teams to strengthen volunteer recruitment, retention, training and recognition, ensuring volunteers have an exceptional experience and are supported to make a meaningful difference.

You will develop and implement a national approach to volunteer engagement, create opportunities for learning and development, support local teams to build volunteer capacity, and help Food Train attract, retain and diversify the volunteers needed to achieve our strategic ambitions.

This is a role for someone who enjoys both strategic thinking and practical delivery, someone who can inspire others, build strong relationships and drive positive change.

About you

We are looking for someone with experience of developing and improving volunteering programmes, ideally across multiple locations or services.

You will have experience of volunteer recruitment and engagement, developing training and resources, supporting organisational improvement and working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.

Most importantly, you will be passionate about the power of volunteering and committed to creating outstanding volunteer experiences.

Why join Food Train?

Food Train is one of Scotland's leading charities supporting older people.

We believe everyone should have access to nutritious food, compassionate support and the connections they need to thrive.

This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of older people and volunteers across Scotland while helping shape the future of volunteering within a growing national organisation.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Pension scheme
• Learning and development opportunities
• The opportunity to make a real difference in communities across Scotland

Ark is a major provider of Housing, Care and Support to people with long term and enduring conditions such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, dementia and autism.

Ark supports people to live independently in their own homes providing everything from a few hours a week social and life admin support to 24/7 care supporting with personal care, medication, household tasks, attending appointments and leisure activities.

We have lots of opportunities across Scotland for our Support Worker roles. As we provide full training no previous is experience is required.

If you are enthusiastic about supporting people to live their best lives, then apply now to join our team!

Your main duties will include but not be limited to:

• Working with colleagues as part of an effective and efficient team to support vulnerable people.
• Communicate and work well with our supported people to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.
• Being responsible in supporting individuals throughout the activities, giving positive feedback and encouragement.
• Updating and maintaining accurate records using a tablet on Arks Information Management system.

Previous experience of the following is an advantage but not essential as Ark will provide full training: Care Worker, Social worker, Home Carer, Case Worker, Care Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant , Social Care Worker.

View our job outline, find out what you working week could look like and hear from our current Support Workers on Arks website arkha.org.uk/work-with-us

Why Ark?

• No Previous Experience Required - Ark provide full training so no previous experience is required making our Support Worker roles the perfect place to start your career in Adult Social Care.
• Get a qualification while you work - Ark fully fund your SVQ2 in Health & Social Care which you complete with the support of our in house SVQ team.
• Employee Discounts - Employee Discounts Portal with 1000s of discounts on your favourite brands including Supermarkets, Cinema Tickets, Gym Membership and Holidays.
• Career Progression -Over 75% of all Managers within Care & Support have been promoted internally.
• Employee Assistance Program - Arks Employee Assistance program (EAP) gives all employees access to counselling sessions. There is also support available through weekly webinars and the EAP Website & App.
• Contracted hours to suit you-We have Full-time, Part-time and Relief Support Worker roles available at our services throughout Scotland.

In return for your valuable contribution, Ark will also offer you:

• Up to 36 days paid holiday per year pro rata
• 4% Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Fully funded PVG & 1st year SSSC registration paid by Ark

Our employees told us in a recent survey that they stay with Ark because they believe in our values, we have supportive managers who continually appreciate their staff and they love making a positive difference in our supported peoples lives, helping them to achieve their dreams.

Ark would love to hear from you whether you are an experienced Support Worker or new to Social Care.