Do you have a passion for building strong relationships and community connections? If so, we have an exciting opportunity to join Dates-n-Mates as a Community Engagement & Event Lead. You will be based in our North East Team covering Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Introduction to Dates-n-Mates

Dates-n-Mates Scotland is an organisation run by and for adults who have a learning disability. We are Scotland’s first friendship and dating agency connecting people in Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Falkirk, Aberdeen, Stirling, and Clackmannanshire.

Formerly a project of C-Change Scotland for 15 years, Dates-n-Mates became an independent charity in 2023. Our work is underpinned by a human rights-based approach, and we believe it is people’s right to live life free of discrimination and to develop relationships of their choosing, to love and be loved. We are award-winning and received a Scottish Charity Award for Pioneering Project in 2017 and were finalists in the category of Scottish Charity of the Year in 2024.

Role Requirements

This role requires the postholder to deliver high-quality, safe, fun, and empowering events and workshops in the local community for people with learning disabilities. You will be part of a small team working remotely and must have the ability to be proactive in managing your workload and meeting funders targets. The postholder should have the confidence and ability to engage in a variety of activities including delivering skills development workshops to members and delivering quality presentation to stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities include

• Coordinating and delivering events and workshops across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
• Recording, monitoring, and evaluating your work effectively.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with Dates-n-Mates members, colleagues, volunteers, stakeholders, and partner organisations.
• Upholding and promoting the values of Dates-n-Mates.

Please refer to the detailed job description below.

You can learn more about Dates-n-Mates by visiting our website: datesnmates.org.uk

CoWL are seeking a dedicated Support Worker to join our team, with a particular focus on financial inclusion. Funded by The Robertson Trust, this role aims to reduce financial inequalities experienced by unpaid carers and disabled people in West Lothian.

The successful candidate will:

• Help individuals access appropriate financial advice and support
• Promote financial wellbeing and resilience
• Provide general information, advice and guidance
• Support people to connect with the broader range of services offered by CoWL

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives by supporting financial empowerment and inclusion.

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.

MHAP is one of the longest-running independent advocacy organisations in Scotland, and we are now recruiting a new team member to help expand our individual and collective advocacy services for people experiencing mental health challenges and/or addiction issues.

We provide advocacy support to adults aged 18–65 who live in West Lothian or are receiving treatment here. Our work takes place in a range of settings, including St John’s Hospital, HMP Addiewell, and various community locations, as well as home visits when required.

Individual advocacy involves working alongside people on a one-to-one basis to ensure their voices are heard and respected. We support individuals to understand their rights, make informed decisions, and have meaningful influence over matters that affect their lives.

Collective advocacy involves working with groups of people with lived experience to explore shared concerns, identify common themes, and influence service development, policy, and decision-making at a wider level.

This is a varied and rewarding role that can make a real difference in the lives of people who may otherwise be marginalised.

If you believe your skills, experience, and values reflect the criteria outlined in the person specification, we welcome your application.