As the charitable subsidiary of West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA), Willowacre Trusts overarching aim is to tackle social and economic disadvantage and impact on tenancy sustainment within the communities served by WSHA. Our values (respect, inclusive, integrity, improvement and support) shape how we act, our decisions and the services we provide.

Willowacre Trust and West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) are committed to putting customers at the heart of everything we do. Our values are Respect, Inclusive, Integrity, Improvement, and Support which shape our decisions and services. With 84% of staff saying WSHA is a great place to work, we pride ourselves on creating a friendly, inclusive environment supported by a flexible hybrid working model and a strong focus on staff wellbeing

We are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, age, or religion or belief. We are particularly interested to hear from applicants with a disability, or from a black or minority ethnic background.

Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria will, where possible be granted an interview under the Disability Confident scheme

The Role:

We are looking for a new part time Community Worker who shares our values and will use them to guide the way they work on a daily basis. You will be accountable to our Community HUB Coordinator.

This post is based within the Barrowfield Community Hub. It involves actively engaging with individuals and groups within the local community to identify needs, provide support, develop groups and activities within the centre, facilitate access to services, and empower them to address social issues. These will often focus on areas like poverty, health, housing, or mental wellbeing. Through building relationships, the post holder will act as a vital link between the charity's services and the local community.

The Barrowfield Community Hub is normally open 7 days per week, with late night opening 3 days a week on weeknights to 8pm subject to bookings

What You’ll Do

• Support the charities existing activities and groups to continue, develop and grow, taking an asset-based partnership approach
• Ensure that the Hub provides a welcoming, safe, caring, and healthy working environment for anchor tenants, staff, volunteers, and the wider community
• Support the development and take up of existing and new volunteering opportunities at the Barrowfield Community Hub and recruit, train, and support volunteers
• Actively signpost, refer and support community members to take up partner organisations offer of activities and services

What We’re Looking For

• Excellent interpersonal and engagement skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Good IT skills including word processing, excel, email and other software packages
• Ability to motivate and encourage community participation within hard-to-reach groups
• Experience of working or volunteering directly with communities
• Experience of developing and delivering community activities and events

Why Join Us?

• Generous holiday allowance: 40 days (pro rata)
• Wellbeing focus: Gold accreditation for Investors in People
• Employee Support Service: Free and comprehensive
• Cycle to work scheme & secure bike shed at the office
• Access to Saturday Hospital Fund for you and your family

We are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, age, or religion or belief. We are particularly interested to hear from applicants with a disability, or from a black or minority ethnic background.

Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria will, where possible be granted an interview under the Disability Confident scheme.

To engage with and develop links with young people and families who are on the fringe of the church and welcome them into the church family of Paisley St George’s supporting and encouraging them by building positive and trusting relationships. Further to strengthen existing links with the members of our youth organisations and their families.

Main Duties

• To work with the kirk session of Paisley St George’s Parish Church to build on existing relationships with our current youth and children’s organisations to determine and explore additional ministry opportunities.
• In conjunction with the kirk session, develop a strategy for outreach to families in the parish and produce an annual development plan.
• Work alongside the minister in mission and ministries relating to youth and families.
• Recruit, develop and encourage a team of volunteers to support the work.
• Work with individuals and families across our Church and Community and implement and evaluate a suitable programme of initiatives.
• Develop further partnerships with local schools and in the wider community.
• Participate fully in our worshipping community, with specific focus on youth and families.
• Regular attendance at worship is encouraged and expected.

The successful candidate will have:

• Vision for the development of a young people/family ministry.
• An understanding of the issues affecting children, families and younger adults in the local community.
• Experience in young people/family work, either voluntary or in paid employment, and in creating, delivering and evaluating programmes for them.
• A commitment to the wellbeing of children and young people and to support them.
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team

The successful candidate will have the following attributes/skills:

• Good Interpersonal skills,
• Active listening skills,
• Enthusiasm and drive,
• commitment,
• integrity,
• reliability,
• compassion.

It is also desirable, however not essential that you have:

• Experience of working in a faith context and/or within the third/voluntary sector.
• Knowledge and understanding of the congregational life of the Church of Scotland.

This job description is indicative of the nature and responsibilities associated with the role. It is not exhaustive. The job holder will be required to undertake other appropriate duties relating to the position as the role evolves over time.

Responsible to: Session Clerk.

Terms and Conditions

• The post has been funded through the Church of Scotland’s Seeds for Growth programme for a period of 3 years from date of appointment. While this is a fixed term post, there may be the potential for extension beyond this period.
• The post is based in office space at Paisley St George’s Church although much of the time will be spent in the community and parish.
• The nature of the role means that the postholder is required to be a practicing Christian with a live church connection. (This is a genuine occupational requirement in terms of the Equality Act 2010).
• There are five weeks paid leave (187.5 hours) in each full holiday year which runs from 1 January to 31 December. Entitlement is based on full weeks worked. There are also nine statutory holidays. Entitlement increases after five years’ service to six weeks (225 hours) annual paid leave.
• Travel expenses by public transport or by use of own car (if appropriate) at rates agreed by the employer are payable and reviewed annually.
• Membership of Disclosure Scotland PVG Scheme will be required.
• It is essential you have the right to work in the UK before applying to work with us. You will be asked to provide proof of your eligibility to work and remain in the UK if you are invited to attend for an interview.
• In order to comply with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, the successful applicant will be asked to provide document(s) confirming their eligibility to work in the United Kingdom, therefore it is essential that you have the right to work in the UK before you apply to work with us. Proof of eligibility will be sought, where appropriate, if you’re invited for interview.

Summary of main responsibilities

• Overall operational control and management of the Bureau within guidelines laid down by the Board and Membership Standards agreed by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS)

• Overall management of all paid and unpaid staff (volunteers)

• Ensure that all aspects of client enquiries are efficiently and effectively dealt with.

• Represent the Bureau positively to all other agencies or organisations.

• Design and develop along with the Board the Bureau’s strategic aims.

• Responsibility for ensuring effective use of IT.

General Management Responsibilities

• Develop and strengthen the role of the bureau within the community including positive partnerships with other Bureaux.

• Plan, coordinate, and manage all activities of the Bureau in conjunction with the Board.

• To ensure that the Bureau fully complies with the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice Scotland membership scheme.

• Ensure that the bureau’s quality of advice including case recording is of the highest quality, ensuring that Scottish National Standards (SNS) are met.

Management of staff

• Ensure that there are always sufficient staff and volunteers so that the volunteer led generalist advice services run smoothly.

• Recruit and select volunteers with the Office Manager ensuring training is undertaken to meet required competence standards.

• Ensure the Bureau fully complies with equal opportunities and updated policies as required.

• Provide staff support, supervision, appraisal, and development.

• Hold staff and volunteer meetings as required and ensure discussion on relevant Bureau matters.

• Ensure staff information records including appraisal, training and sick absence records fully comply with GDPR requirements.

• To work in conjunction with the Office Manager to ensure that all enquiries are dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible including accuracy and quality of advice given to clients to comply with GDPR, CAS and SNS principles.

• Ensure that advice related policies and procedures are fit for purpose and up to date.

Finance and Budgeting

• Control Bureau spend within limits set by The Board.

• Ensure an accurate record of all income and expenditure is maintained.

• Arrange preparation of monthly accounts and financial projections.

• To advise the Board on matters of operational expenditure including costings as required.

• To assist the Treasurer or any other appropriate Board member in the preparation of annual accounts and AGM reports including annual reports.

• Ensure Bureau and projects are adequately funded by making applications to funding bodies with the approval of the Board and comply with the Bureau Fundraising Strategy.

Representing Coatbridge Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

• Liaise with members and officers of North Lanarkshire Council and participate in appropriate council groups.

• Represent the Bureau positively in local networks as required.

• Maintain and develop relationships with funders and local agencies.

• Liaise and maintain and develop links with other voluntary organisations including membership of Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (VANL).

• Contribute to and participate in the activities of CAS and associated groups.

• Maintain and develop the Bureau’s role and relationship with CAS and other national agencies.

Audit and Quality Assurance

• Assist in the CAS audit by compiling information, providing up to date policies, and meeting their requirements.

• Implement a quality control system for the monitoring of the service provided to clients.

• Prepare full, accurate and regular reports on all Bureau activities as required by the Board.

• Ensure that the bureau works to SNS for information and advice.

• Ensure that the bureau fully complies with the CAS agreed complaints process.

• Statutory returns to OSCR and Companies House

Administration

• To ensure that there is an effective system in place to provide a quality advice system to clients to minimise delays in answering client enquiries and provide advice.

• To ensure that the Bureau premises and equipment are maintained to as high a standard as possible and that all requirements of Health & Safety legislation are met.

• Seek opportunities for press and media coverage to promote and highlight the work of the CAB.

• Provide the Board with reports and policy guidance as required.

• Ensure that the Bureau makes statistical, legal, and social policy returns to CAS to adhere to membership requirements.

• Ensure that all returns to statutory bodies are completed accurately and timeously to ensure legal compliance.

• Ensure that Bureau conducts local social policy work as required.

• To keep abreast of latest developments within the advice and charity sector and discuss any changes required at Board meetings.

• Organise and prepare necessary paperwork for Board members for the bi-monthly or as required, Board meetings.

• Liaise with accountant re annual accounts and payroll.

Management of Bureau IT facilities

• Have overall responsibility for and ensure the effectiveness and secure use of all IT, communication systems, and procedures to ensure the smooth operation of Bureau objectives.

• Ensure that all staff and volunteers have access to, and are adequately trained in, the Bureau IT systems and software applications to perform their duties effectively.

• Advise the Board, on matters of IT planning, security, maintenance, and budgeting.

• Ensure and fully adhere to all aspects of GDPR for full compliance and provide regular training to all users to avoid data breaches.

To undertake any other reasonable tasks as requested by the Board.

Are you someone who enjoys a varied workload and who is passionate about promoting recovery? The role of Recovery Development Worker ensures a focus on building and strengthening visible recovery within and across communities. You may have lived experience of recovery or have skills and experience in a similar role. This role requires energy, enthusiasm and adaptability across the 7-day working week. Some evening and weekend work is critical to our operational delivery. The role demands a solution focused and strengths-based approach when working with all Recovery Scotland stakeholders.

About the job

The Recovery Development Worker is suited to an individual with "lived" and/or “learned” experience of recovery from problematic substance use or addictive behaviours, such as problem gambling, or someone who has been directly affected by another person’s substance use or addictive behaviours.

This experience of recovery and resilience can instil hope and is a powerful example within recovery communities. Individuals with lived experience of substance use must be at least 24 months free from problematic substance use and not engaging with services.

The post holder will be required to join the PVG scheme.

About you

You will be someone who thrives in a small, enthusiastic, and committed team. Your experience and skills of promoting recovery can be evidenced and you are adaptable, can use your initiative and be confident with autonomous working. Using your lived experience or work experience you foster positive and trusting relationships and you can demonstrate a focus on recovery and resilience. You will have excellent organisational and self-motivation skills. You are committed to developing your skills further and passionate about lifelong learning.

You will be dedicated and compassionate when working with the Recovery Scotland team and with community members, families, volunteers, and external partners.

About Recovery Scotland

Recovery Scotland is a charity working with local and national partners to support and promote recovery from substance use by ensuring lived experience is visible, included and represented. We work with communities supporting a wide range of recovery focused activities and educational opportunities. We work within local and national guidelines promoting resilience and recovery with individuals, families, and communities.

Our work champions community membership, volunteering, self-management, and personal and professional development.