Pregnancy Counselling and Care (Scotland) is a small Edinburgh-based charity that supports families and individuals during pregnancy and early parenthood, or at times of loss, by providing practical and emotional support.

Our Vision:Nobody is left alone to struggle with pregnancy, loss or early parenthood

Our Mission: To support families and individuals during pregnancy and early parenthood, or at times of loss, by providing practical and emotional support

Our Objectives:

We provide support through the delivery of two services:

• Our Counselling Service - providing professional counselling to anyone who is struggling as a result of pregnancy, childbirth, baby loss, miscarriage, termination, stillbirth or infertility
• Our Baby Bank – that supplies baby equipment, clothes and toys to families experiencing poverty

Our Values:

• Respect/ Compassion
• Inclusiveness/Diversity
• Collaboration/Connected
• Dependability/Flexibility

About The Role

The Community Fundraiser post is a relatively new addition to the team at PCCS. We started community fundraising towards the start of 2024, and since the start it has been a very productive and rewarding time for us and those involved.

There is a strong synergy between our potential supporters, both individuals and organisations/corporates and our services – as supporting us through donating baby items or volunteering is an ideal pathway to commit to community fundraising events. The link between the two also helps to increase awareness of our services, and the need for funding to support them.

Furthermore, our move to the Gyle Shopping Centre in February 2024 has really boosted our visibility, accessibility and footfall, and is bringing more potential supporters to us. We are excited to be able to offer this post at 16 hours per week to materialise more support to develop our community fundraising activity. The post will be line managed by the Operations Manager and supported by an experienced community fundraiser board member.

Job Description

• Plan and manage a regular calendar of events, from large scale events such as the Kiltwalk, and running events to one off community events and promote to supporters and encourage uptake
• Administer and support participants through all aspects of their fundraising journey with us:
  • Maintaining contact by email & phone with new fundraisers to encourage fundraising
  • Meet with major fundraisers
  • Sending resources for event participation
  • Attend events where we have participants
  • Post-event follow up with fundraisers, including donor feedback to improve their journey
• Attend business networking meetings to help increase awareness of opportunities and follow up corporates and future donors interested in supporting PCCS
• Engage volunteers to help run events, like charity cycles and bag packs
• Update social media with stories of fundraisers and fundraising events
• Use Canva to create posters for events. Create events on Facebook.
• Manage records & monitor Just Giving, Just Running and other platforms
• Produce reports for regular board meetings to monitor progress
• Work with other members of the staff team to maximise support for all aspects of PCCS services

Person Specification

Required:

• Strong event management skills - experience in organising and promoting events
• Track record in growing income
• Experience in maintaining and developing fundraising relationships
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Good copywriting, social media skills and IT skills
• Experience in analysing and reporting on performance
• A proactive and positive approach to problem-solving
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility regarding specific hours worked, and attitude to activities undertaken
• A passion to support others experiencing difficulties in their lives

Preferred:

• Experience of developing fundraising campaigns
• Experience of recruiting and training volunteers
• Experience of managing budgets and meeting targets

We are looking for x1 Full Time - 37 hours per week (including evenings and weekends) and x1 Full Time – 37 hours per week specifically working nights in Edinburgh.

Benefits:

• 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave
• Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities
• Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages
• Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover
• Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers discounts.

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Our housing support and care at home service currently supports one young person to continue to live in their own home in their community. We provide full-time care and support on a 2:1 basis for a young lady with learning disabilities who at times can present behaviours that challenge.

We do this by supporting her in her daily routines, assisting her with personal care and medication. The young lady we support has an absolute zest for life and likes to be as busy as possible. We always have a plan and are off out on adventures, walks, swimming, surfing and out and about to local parks and trying new things.

As a Housing Support Practitioner you'll be part of a dedicated team who work together to develop and deliver person-centred care plans. You'll have the exciting opportunity to join the young person on her journey to lead a more independent life by supporting her in achieving outcomes, making informed choices, and promoting participation in her community. We strongly believe that behaviour is communication and work to identify what the young people are trying to tell us through their behaviour and support them to communicate that in a positive way.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Working in this environment can be so rewarding when you see the difference you're truly making. Our aim is to give every young person we work with the support and guidance to reach their potential and support their aspirations for a positive future, and this is a vital part of our work.

Some key responsibilities of a Housing Support Practitioner are;

• Helping young people in all aspects of their daily lives.
• Maintaining effective working relationships and communication with colleagues, young people and families.
• Being alert to child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Helping young people transition in to happy and healthy adults.
• Being solution focused and building on strengths.
• Achieving the highest standards of safeguarding, whether through direct care provision or support activities to the children and young people who come into contact with our services, or by appropriately reporting concerns.

Let's talk about you

You don't need a lot of previous experience or qualifications for this role – we're looking for someone with a positive attitude, and the desire and commitment to giving the best care to children and young people.

• A positive approach, providing a fun environment for the young people in our care.
• Ideally, a HNC and SVQ 3 in a social care discipline (or a qualification which would meet the registration requirements) or a commitment to working towards these.
• Experience of working with children and young people with disabilities.
• A commitment to working on rota pattern, which includes midweek, weekends and some bank holidays.

About Aberlour Options Lothian

Aberlour Options Lothian offers a range of short break services to children and young people with complex needs. We offer a safe, homely environment for a child to come and stay for a short break that gives their families a rest from their caring role. During that break, children enjoy a range of fun activities and experiences with our staff. Our service is very much a ‘home from home’ for the children who stay with us. We are within easy commuting distance of Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian with access via the numbers 26, 111 and 124 bus routes.

The difference we make to families:

“It’s not easy to accept that sometimes you need help. We had reached rock bottom but Aberlour Options Lothian was that lifesaving buoyancy aid.

It wasn't easy accepting leaving my son there especially in the early days when it was new to everyone. It is a safe and welcoming place and a second home in many respects now. Somewhere he is safe, cared for and has loads of fun with the carers and other children.

It’s not just about respite; we have received help with managing behaviour, preparing for hospital visits and operations. Help and advice when there seemed to be no one else listening or who understands. It’s hard to look back to where we were but no we wouldn't be here today without their help and support.

To sum it up: Saved our lives. Peace of mind. Finally a rest.”

What we are looking for....

As part of a small team, you will ensure that the highest level of physical and emotional care is provided to the children and young people. Experience in this type of work is preferred however we will consider all applications. We are looking for someone to work 12 hours per week ; working mainly weekends including sleepovers.

At Aberlour we want to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. At Aberlour we have strong values - Respect, Integrity, Innovation and Challenging - which influence our everyday work. If you choose to apply for this role please tell us about your values in your supporting statement.

What we offer...

As well as a supportive team and excellent training opportunities, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, an excellent employer pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers.

Benefits:

• 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave
• Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities
• Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages
• Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover
• Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers discounts.

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Our Gilmerton Road Short Breaks service offers care and support to children, young people, and their families, aged 5-18. Our children and young people have intellectual disabilities and behaviours that may cause distress. Our mission is to provide essential support and guidance, empowering each young person to achieve their potential and pursue positive outcomes. This commitment lies at the heart of our work.

In your role as Team Leader Residential, you'll lead, inspire and motivate the team to deliver meaningful support that changes children's lives. The Team Leader Residential is a dual role that is split between offering direct support to the young people while undertaking administrative and organisational tasks. You'll have responsibility for rota management, lead on shifts, support staff in their personal development and assist the Registered Manager with the day to day running of the service. Through the direct support, you'll be part of an exceptional team who work together to develop and deliver person-centred care and support plans.

Collaborating with the Registered Manager and fellow Team Leaders, your role involves fostering a supportive culture within our service to ensure staff deliver high-quality care during short breaks.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities of a Team Leader Residential role are;

• Providing direct line management to a team of residential staff to deliver high standards of care.
• Support staff team development through training opportunities, staff supervision, and multidisciplinary working.
• Leading shifts and working with the Registered Manager to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and organisational policy and procedure.
• Work to achieve positive outcomes for individual children and young people and contributing to the achievement of an outstanding, good or equivalent rating in external inspection including deputising in the absence of the Registered Manager.

Let's talk about you

• To be SSSC registered, HNC Social care & SVQ Children and young people (or equivalent) and SVQ4 in leadership and management or (willing to work towards).
• Previous experience of supervising staff and coaching and supporting staff to reach a competent standard.
• Significant experience of working with children and young people with Learning Disabilities.
• To be able to effectively and safely deal with children and young people with behaviours of concern.
• Good knowledge of Safeguarding and keeping young people safe.