We’re recruiting for an Outreach and Participation Officer to join our Participation, Outreach and Policy Team. Your role will involve delivering a diverse range of project work - including direct engagement with children and young people with complex additional support needs - and supporting activity to make improvements in children and young people’s lives.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for participation and engagement activity in line with our Principles and Guidelines for Meaningful Participation, while also coordinating outreach programmes and information sessions for parents, carers and professionals around additional support needs. We’re looking for someone with experience of inclusive engagement, and the ability to work collaboratively to deliver high-quality projects, training and partnerships that ensure children’s voices shape our work.

Department: Services and Influence

Location: Children in Scotland’s office is in Edinburgh and this will be your official contracted place of work. We have introduced hybrid working based on trust and flexibility. As long as business needs are met, individuals have flexibility in terms of where they work (home / office).

See detail of our salary structure here.

About Children in Scotland

Children in Scotland is a welcoming and dynamic charity that amplifies the voices, views and experiences of our members and children, families and professionals across Scotland. We achieve this through direct services, meaningful participation, policy work, inspiring communications and sector-leading events and learning opportunities.

We are a vibrant and inclusive community of dedicated individuals and organisations who use our skills and passion to bring evidence-based and fresh thinking together, with one shared aim of giving all children in Scotland an equal chance to flourish.

We are stronger together in driving lasting impact for Scotland’s children.

Diversity

Children in Scotland values the contribution of all our staff, whatever their background. Our recruitment decisions are based on fair, open processes, with appointment on merit. We welcome applications from everyone.

Street Soccer is a charity using football to create lasting change in the lives of isolated and excluded adults and young people. We run 60 sessions a week of free, inclusive and judgement-free football. These sessions provide person-centred support to players facing a number of challenges including mental health, homelessness, long term unemployment, problem substance use, criminal justice and seeking asylum. Our mission is to create hope and opportunity for all.

We support thousands of players a year on their journey to positive change by providing a safe space, trusting relationships and a sense of belonging. We fight isolation and exclusion by bringing people together, building confidence and creating supportive communities. We support people of all ages and backgrounds through relationship-based support, focusing on trust and personal development, supporting everyone to set and achieve their own goals. Thanks to the support of Street Soccer, 82% of players say that their quality of life has improved.

Lived experience is at the heart of what we do, with over 80% of our staff having lived experience of the challenges our players face.

97% of players think that Street Soccer is a unique organisation. With over 16 years of experience delivering positive change through football, we are now working in more communities than ever, with city hubs in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and South London, as well as a network of sessions across 6 other local authorities.

Role Purpose

The Progressions Worker role exists to support adults over 25 who face significant barriers to employment, including homelessness, problem substance use, adverse mental health, experience of criminal justice and seeking asylum. The Progressions Worker will provide holistic, person-centred support; helping individuals identify and work towards their own goals at their own pace, whether that’s employment, volunteering, education or training.

Working alongside the local delivery team at Street Soccer sessions, the Progressions Worker will build on trust and relationships that already exist at those sessions to understand each players specific situation, removing barriers and providing sustained and flexible support.

There are 3 posts available covering different geographic regions across Scotland and London. Each role is based in the community and requires significant travel across the relevant area:

• This role based in Edinburgh, primarily within Leith, Portobello and Sighthill.
• 1 role based in Fife, primarily at our sessions in Glenrothes, Dunfermline, Levenmouth and Kirkcaldy.
• 1 role based in Central Scotland, primarily at our sessions in Alloa, Livingston, Stenhousemuir and Motherwell.

We are particularly interested in applications from those with the same lived experience as our players, further information about our Safer Recruitment process can be found within section 8 of our Safeguarding Policy.

Street Soccer value work life balance and are happy to discuss part time hours, job share and flexible working.

We’re looking for a Youth Service Co-ordinator with a passion for diversity and inclusion to join our team. Could that be you?

Who are we?

Deaf Action is a deaf-led charity, supporting and celebrating deaf people. We were established in 1835 and work with deaf people across Scotland and the South of England. Our work is geared towards empowering all deaf people to achieve their potential and fully participate in society, with equality of rights, access and opportunity.

You can find out more about us at deafaction.org.

About you

Our Youth Service supports deaf and hard of hearing young people to build confidence, develop life skills, improve wellbeing, connect with peers and explore a positive deaf identity.

To co-ordinate and deliver Deaf Action’s Youth Service for deaf and hard of hearing young people, primarily aged 10–18.

The postholder will deliver youth work activity funded by Young Start and Gannochy Trust, supporting young people to improve wellbeing, build community connections, develop life skills and access leadership, enterprise and employability opportunities.

The role includes direct youth work delivery, supporting the Youth Council, co-ordinating sessional youth workers and volunteers, building partnerships, and gathering evidence of impact for funders.

The ideal candidates will be fully committed to our values, which can be found on our website.

Main duties

• Plan, co-ordinate and deliver accessible youth clubs, social events, workshops, trips, residentials and community activities.
• Support deaf and hard of hearing young people to build confidence, resilience, independence, communication skills and positive peer relationships.
• Establish and support a Youth Council, enabling young people to shape activities, influence priorities and take part in decision-making.
• Support young people to access skills, training, leadership, volunteering, enterprise and employability opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with schools, Teachers of the Deaf, audiology services, youth services, families and community partners.
• Develop referral pathways and promote the Youth Service to young people, families and partner organisations.
• Co-ordinate Sessional Youth Workers and Volunteers to ensure safe, inclusive and high-quality delivery.
• Ensure safeguarding, child protection, PVG, GDPR, consent, health and safety, and risk assessment procedures are followed.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, feedback, outcomes and case studies.
• Contribute to reports for Young Start, Gannochy Trust and other funders.
• Work closely with the Project Manager to monitor delivery, budget use, outcomes and service development.
• Represent Deaf Action at meetings, events and forums as required.
• Carry out other appropriate duties as requested by the Project Manager.

Person specification

Essential

• Experience of delivering youth work with children and/or young people.
• Experience of planning and delivering group activities, workshops, events or youth programmes.
• Experience supporting young people to build confidence, wellbeing, independence and life skills.
• Experience involving young people in decision-making, activity planning or service development.
• Understanding of safeguarding, child protection, GDPR, consent and risk assessment.
• Strong organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with young people, families, schools and partners.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
• Good administration and IT skills.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends and occasional residentials.
• Willingness to undertake British Sign Language training if not already proficient.
• PVG scheme membership, or willingness to apply.

Desirable

• Professional qualification in Youth Work, Community Learning and Development, Social Work, Social Care, Social Science or another relevant field.
• Experience working with deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or disabled young people.
• Experience supporting a Youth Council, youth forum or peer leadership group.
• Experience co-ordinating volunteers or sessional workers.
• Experience supporting employability, digital skills, enterprise, volunteering or work placements.
• British Sign Language.
• Full clean driving licence.
• Outdoor activity skills.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Good understanding of youth work principles and inclusive practice.
• Knowledge of issues affecting deaf and hard of hearing young people and their families.
• Ability to create safe, accessible and culturally appropriate spaces for young people.
• Commitment to youth voice, participation and young people’s leadership.
• Flexible, proactive and able to adapt to young people’s needs.
• Committed to equality, inclusion, safeguarding and accessible communication.
• Able to work collaboratively as part of a wider team.
• Able to motivate young people and support them to recognise their strengths.

Other requirements

• Regular evening and weekend work will be required.
• PVG checks will be required before appointment.
• British Sign Language training will be provided if required.

The role is funded through Young Start and Gannochy Trust until May 2027, subject to continuation funding.

What’s on offer?

• Occupational pension scheme with employer contributions of 6%
• 32 days leave pro rata (inc bank holidays) pro rata for part time
• Long service benefits
• Day off on your birthday
• 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme provided by Health Assured
• In-house Mental Health First Aiders
• Death in service benefit
• Access to the Cycle to Work Scheme and IT Voucher Scheme
• Ongoing support for learning and development through our PDR process
• BSL course, if required

Street Soccer is a charity using football to create lasting change in the lives of isolated and excluded adults and young people. We run 60 sessions a week of free, inclusive and judgement-free football. These sessions provide person-centred support to players facing a number of challenges including mental health, homelessness, long term unemployment, problem substance use, criminal justice and seeking asylum. Our mission is to create hope and opportunity for all.

We support thousands of players a year on their journey to positive change by providing a safe space, trusting relationships and a sense of belonging. We fight isolation and exclusion by bringing people together, building confidence and creating supportive communities. We support people of all ages and backgrounds through relationship-based support, focusing on trust and personal development, supporting everyone to set and achieve their own goals. Thanks to the support of Street Soccer, 82% of players say that their quality of life has improved.

Lived experience is at the heart of what we do, with over 80% of our staff having lived experience of the challenges our players face.

97% of players think that Street Soccer is a unique organisation. With over 16 years of experience delivering positive change through football, we are now working in more communities than ever, with city hubs in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and South London, as well as a network of sessions across 6 other local authorities.

Leith United is an innovative new partnership of Street Soccer Scotland and YMCA Edinburgh, working together to deliver an impact programme that strengthens community cohesion, promotes inclusive growth, and creates meaningful opportunities for all who call Leith home. At the heart of this initiative is the Leith Community Centre, a vibrant hub for creativity, support, and connection.

Role Purpose

The Leith United Programme Co-Ordinator will lead the development and delivery of the Leith United programme, working across Leith to connect people experiencing social disadvantage with the support, services and opportunities that can make a real difference in their lives.

The Leith United Programme Co-Ordinator is responsible for ensuring Street Soccer players and other local people can access what's available to them, whether that's Street Soccer sessions, YMCA Edinburgh's services for children, young people and families, local education and training opportunities, or support from other organisations across Leith.

The Leith United Programme Co-Ordinator is responsible for building relationships with local services, community organisations and businesses.

Day-to-day responsibilities include growing participation in the programme, linking players and participants into the right support, working alongside the Street Soccer Progressions Worker and being a presence at Leith Community Centre. The Leith United Programme Co-Ordinator will also work with Centre management and local businesses to develop the Centre and make it a safe and welcoming community hub.

The role carries responsibility for impact reporting and evaluation across the Leith United programme, and will be supported by the local Regional Manager for Edinburgh.

We are particularly interested in applications from those with the same lived experience as our players, further information about our Safer Recruitment process can be found within section 8 of our Safeguarding Policy.

Street Soccer value work life balance and are happy to discuss part time hours, job share and flexible working.