Jobs in Livingston South, West Lothian

About Us

EARS Independent Advocacy Service (SCIO) is recruiting for a Service Manager to lead an experienced team of independent advocates delivering services across the Edinburgh and Lothians area. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Service Manager is responsible for service delivery, business and people management and ensuring the organisation remains compliant, effective and impactful.

EARS Independent Advocacy Service is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) which exists to provide free independent advocacy support that enables individuals to engage with and navigate systems and services in ways that ensure their human rights are upheld and that their views, needs and wishes are shared and included in processes and decisions which affect them. Please note that some knowledge or experience of independent advocacy in any context would be beneficial,but is not essential for this role.

About You

You will be a demonstrably effective and compassionate leader and manager with experience of service delivery in care, support or community settings and have an understanding of the third sector landscape. You will have experience of securing funding through successful grant applications or tender bids and of reporting to funders on activity delivered and outcomes and impact achieved. You will be comfortable engaging with a range of stakeholders, skilled in relationship building and positive conflict resolution. You will have experience of effectively setting and managing budgets and operational finances and of producing clear and robust financial reports.

For more information, please find the full Service Manager Job Description and Person Specification below.

Equality and Diversity

EARS Independent Advocacy Service demonstrates its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion throughout all organisational activity and recruitment, and actively encourages applications from individuals from under-represented and equalities groups and communities.

Street Soccer is a charity using football to create lasting change in the lives of isolated and excluded adults and young people. We run 60 sessions a week of free, inclusive and judgement-free football. These sessions provide person-centred support to players facing a number of challenges including mental health, homelessness, long term unemployment, problem substance use, criminal justice and seeking asylum. Our mission is to create hope and opportunity for all.

We support thousands of players a year on their journey to positive change by providing a safe space, trusting relationships and a sense of belonging. We fight isolation and exclusion by bringing people together, building confidence and creating supportive communities. We support people of all ages and backgrounds through relationship-based support, focusing on trust and personal development, supporting everyone to set and achieve their own goals. Thanks to the support of Street Soccer, 82% of players say that their quality of life has improved.

Lived experience is at the heart of what we do, with over 80% of our staff having lived experience of the challenges our players face.

97% of players think that Street Soccer is a unique organisation. With over 16 years of experience delivering positive change through football, we are now working in more communities than ever, with city hubs in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and South London, as well as a network of sessions across 6 other local authorities.

Leith United is an innovative new partnership of Street Soccer Scotland and YMCA Edinburgh, working together to deliver an impact programme that strengthens community cohesion, promotes inclusive growth, and creates meaningful opportunities for all who call Leith home. At the heart of this initiative is the Leith Community Centre, a vibrant hub for creativity, support, and connection.

Role Purpose

The Street Soccer Women’s programme (previously Street45) provides a safe, supportive space where socially disadvantaged women and girls can be active, connect and build confidence while engaging in football related activity and personal development opportunities.

The Women’s Programme Co-Ordinator will be responsible for developing the Women’s Programme across Scotland in areas including Ayrshire, Glasgow, the Central Belt and Fife . Responsible for sourcing and managing suitable venues for sessions to take place. They will recruit and work with partners to ensure players get the right level of support across a variety of issues. They will grow the number of players attending sessions by promoting these across the community in a variety of ways.

An enthusiastic person, the Women’s Programme Co-Ordinator will be able to build relationships with a series of communities where sessions take place. They will also work with the Fundraising Team to establish local opportunities for sponsorship and other support.

The Women’s Programme Co-Ordinator will also be involved in our Team Scotland Women’s activity including the annual Homeless World Cup Tournament.

We are particularly interested in applications from those with the same lived experience as our players, further information about our Safer Recruitment process can be found within section 8 of our Safeguarding Policy.

Street Soccer value work life balance and are happy to discuss part time hours, job share and flexible working.