Community Schools Volunteer, Who Cares Scotland

volunteering@whocaresscotland.org 

Purpose and Aims of the role:

You will work alongside our innovative and energetic Edinburgh Who Cares? Scotland project team and will lead and support on educating and raising awareness of Care Experience to Primary and Secondary School pupils and teachers through assemblies, PSE sessions and monthly drop-ins.

Community Schools Volunteer will help to raise awareness of Care Experience, work towards ending stigma and injustice that care experience people can face and be part of influencing transformational change. Would you like to share your skills and experience to help ensure young people understand the lives of care experienced young people and the challenges they can face.

What will I be doing?

·         Learning about rights, legislation and policy which relates to issues faced by Care Experienced people

·         Learning about creative methods of sharing personal experiences.

·         Observing others sharing personal experiences

·         Learning and supporting ways to educate Primary and Secondary school pupils on care experience to influence change

·         Contributing to influencing opportunities such through leading assemblies, PSE sessions and monthly drop-ins.

·         Being a positive role model

What skills can I bring to this role?

·         A knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Care Experienced people

·         Ability to work well in a team

·         Ability to work in a school setting

·         Good communication and listening skills

·         Ability to encourage and motivate others to participate in activities

·         Strong presentation and facilitation skills

What qualities do I need?

·         To have a non-judgemental approach to people, have empathy

·         Be enthusiastic, flexible and committed

·         Reliable and approachable

·         Friendly, helpful and understanding

·         A commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner

·         To have a good value base, be open minded and level-headed

When will I be needed?

·        Availability during the day Monday to Friday. Flexibility around your time i.e., 1 or 2 hours weekly or fornightly.

What will I gain from the role?

·         A sense of satisfaction in raising awareness and promoting positive change in schools

·         Experience of working alongside an influencing team

·         Knowledge of Government/ Corporate Parenting roles and policies

·         Practical experience of working in a team

·         Experience working with school pupils and staff

·         Have fun!

What support will I be given?

·         Induction

·         Role specific training and information

·         Expenses – all out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed

·         Supervision and support from your manager / coordinator

·         Group supervision/peer support sessions with other volunteers and staff delivering education inputs

Additional Information

For all roles involving regulated work with children and young people, applicants will be required to submit a PVG Scheme Record or a PVG Scheme Record Update application.   This opportunity is subject to the completion of satisfactory references and successful registration on the PVG Scheme.

How to apply: please complete a short application form on our website – https://www.whocaresscotland.org/get-involved/volunteer/