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.

Are you interested in a role that would support a wonderful, friendly, popular young woman to live her best life whilst providing you with a regular salary, brilliant development opportunities and a great work/life balance?

We have a role available to complete this person’s support team. We are looking for someone caring, responsible, respectful and considerate. Ideally you will have creative interests and be keen to support this lady in basic arts and crafts and in her love of music and dancing. You will also have great attention to detail and be enthusiastic about supporting this young woman in her daily life including going to her classes and activities, seeing her friends and keeping in touch with her family.

You should be motivated to provide an excellent standard of support and want to use and develop person-centred approaches and basic therapeutic techniques to support this (full training will be provided). You must be responsible and proactive in supporting the person in running and maintaining their household. A range of additional benefits is provided alongside the salary.

A full or part time role is available. Full time is equivalent to two 24-hour shifts a week including a paid sleepover (the sleepover pay is additional to the basic salary). Part time is roughly equivalent to one shift a week. Each shift also includes an additional ½ hour paid handover.

Please note that this role is reserved for female applicants only*. Applicants should be looking to commit to the role for a minimum of 18 months to 2 years in the first instance. You would be working in a small, friendly team with ongoing support, training and supervision provided by a professional care provider. This role includes personal care. Applicants should have flexibility in their availability over the week. Rotas are organised within the team several months in advance.

*Exemption under the Equality Act 2010

Package includes

• Starting salary £12.60 per hour (£25,552 per annum (FTE) rising to £13.52 per hour (£27,418 FTE) plus sleepover payments

• 18 hours role - £11,793 rising to £12,654 plus sleepover payments

• Fantastic training (on full pay) including enhanced learning in person-centred practice, leadership skills and other bespoke training courses.

• Contributory pension scheme, membership of HSF health plan and more.

• 30 days of annual leave, increasing by 1 day/year up to 35 days (pro rata for part time roles).

The Community Fundraising and Events Officer will be responsible for driving income generation to support the growth and sustainability of Trauma Healing Together via community fundraising initiatives. The post-holder will lead on planning, delivering, and evaluating a programme of community events, working creatively to engage individuals, volunteers, groups, and local businesses. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and organised fundraiser to make a tangible difference by generating the vital funds needed to expand our trauma-informed services.

Full job description is available to download below.

ABOUT TRAUMA HEALING TOGETHER

As a charity we work closely with people who have experienced psychological trauma and are living with the symptoms of this. We work in partnership with trauma survivors to improve their quality of life through therapy, training and personal development, shaping future services and the understanding of trauma through research projects. We promote a holistic and multi-faceted approach to treating all types of psychological trauma, prioritising mutual understanding and respect of clients, staff and volunteers. As an organisation we thrive to be transparent, consistent and autonomous. We are looking for a person who shares our values and has skills that can contribute to shape a small growing charity.