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

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.

The Greyfriars Charteris Centre is a “Centre for Community”, providing welcoming and affordable space for local groups, social enterprises, charities and community activity in Edinburgh’s Southside.

As part of our restructuring and expansion of our operational team, we are recruiting a Centre Administrator to support the day-to-day running of the Centre. Funded through the Edinburgh Employer Recruitment Incentive (EERI), this role provides a high-quality development opportunity for someone seeking to gain experience in administration, customer service and community operations.

The Centre Administrator will work closely with the Centre Manager and CEO to ensure efficient administrative systems, excellent customer service, smooth processing of bookings, and effective support to the wider operational team.

Purpose of the Role

To provide administrative, bookings and customer-service support for the daily operations of the Centre, ensuring efficient systems, clear communication with Centre users, and well-organised operational processes.

Street fit Scotland (SFS) is seeking a dedicated and dynamic individual to join our team as a Community Connection Volunteer Co-ordinator. This role will involve working independently and as part of a team to lead and manage and train a growing volunteer network, providing coaching, development opportunities, and nurturing connections with the local community. The successful candidate will be proactive, empathetic, and passionate about supporting people to reach their full potential.

Main Purpose of the Role

This role is central to the continued growth and development of Street Fit Scotland’s (SFS) volunteer offering. As Community Connection Volunteer Co-ordinator, you will lead with empathy, creativity, and a person-centred approach, encouraging and supporting our members to step into volunteer roles. You’ll provide inclusive, tailored support to help individuals flourish, ensuring every volunteer journey aligns with SFS’s core values of kindness and inclusion.

You’ll oversee all aspects of the volunteer function, developing meaningful roles, delivering training, nurturing development, and building a connected, supported, and empowered community.

Our main aim is to offer sessional work to volunteers when they pass the 6-month probation as we SFS values lived experience.

Key Responsibilities

As the main point of contact for all volunteers, you will be fully integrated into the heart of SFS activities, forming trusted relationships with both volunteers and wider community members. Your work will focus on meeting people where they are, understanding complex needs, offering emotional and practical support, and providing a bridge to meaningful experiences and future opportunities.

Volunteer Support & Development

• Deliver person-centred emotional and practical support to all volunteers and community members.
• Provide one-to-one and group support for community members exploring volunteering, helping them progress at their own pace.
• Design and facilitate internal training, including groupwork, inductions, policies and procedures, and skill-building sessions.
• Develop and share innovative tools and resources to support volunteer engagement and learning.
• Supervise and support the personal development of volunteers, helping them grow in confidence, responsibility, and pre-employability.
• Carry out continuous evaluation to monitor volunteer progress and impact.
• Coach and mentor members through tailored development journeys, helping individuals identify their strengths and contribute meaningfully.

Volunteer Management & Coordination

• Manage and coordinate all SFS volunteers (internal and external), ensuring people are matched to roles that reflect their skills, interests, and availability.
• Identify new opportunities for members to volunteer within SFS, co-creating role descriptions where appropriate.
• Assess individuals’ readiness and suitability for specific roles, offering additional support as needed.
• Oversee PVG processes and ensure a smooth onboarding experience.
• Build relationships with external volunteer services, such as Volunteer Scotland to recruit external volunteers, and stay up to date with relevant training and guidance.
• Attend and contribute to team meetings and service development discussions.

Community Engagement & Integration

• Participate in weekly core, stretch, and strength sessions, as well as community lunchtime drop-ins, to build relationships and encourage engagement.
• Accompany members to SFS sessions to foster community connection and shared experience.
• Support external training pathways (e.g. food hygiene, SDF training, or other personal development courses).

Operational Responsibilities

• Share responsibility for maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming community base.
• Ensure SFS equipment (computers, desks, shared spaces) is cared for and cleaned when necessary.
• Wear PPE when required and complete relevant health and safety training, including food hygiene certification.
• Be an active team player; supporting colleagues, contributing to team culture, and helping shape a positive working environment.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

• Knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting members at SFS Working with individuals affected by homelessness, addiction, and trauma.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, taking initiative while contributing to a supportive team environment.
• Knowledge of safe practices including adult and child protection.
• Strong demonstration of people skills, with a passion for helping others reach their potential.
• In-depth understanding of volunteers from recruitment and training to supervision and support.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect meaningfully across diverse backgrounds.
• A genuine commitment to creating inclusive, empowering spaces where everyone feels valued and heard.
• Highly organised, with strong computer skills and record management.
• Group work skills, experience of delivering workshops or sessions that involve team building exercises.

Desirable Experience

• Background in training or community education, with a focus on personal development / Experience in coaching, mentoring, or life coaching.

Additional Information

• Reports to: Michelle Reilly, CEO
• Responsible for: SFS equipment, the volunteer team, and maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming shared space
• Base: SFS Community Hub, 19 south clerk street, EH8 9JD

Values

• Empathy - listen to and understand an individual’s needs and circumstances
• Treat everyone at SFS with dignity respect and kindness
• Take a non-judgemental approach
• A commitment to anti-discriminatory practice
• Recognise and uphold boundaries