Job Description

Job Title: Development Worker (Social Programme)

Responsible to:Service Manager (Glasgow)

Responsible for: Supervision of sessional staff & volunteers

Salary scale:Pt 27-30 £24,052 - £26,629

All new employees will be appointed at the first point on the scale.

This post is funded by The Big Lottery Fund. Funding is in place until June 2017. Continuation of this post is subject to further funding being secured.

Hours per week:36 hours (full time)

Main Purpose of the Job

The post holder will be responsible for developing and delivering a programme of LGBT social events and information sessions through three strands of work. The post holder will:

  • Work as part of the LGBT Age Project to develop and deliver a varied programme of monthly events and information sessions for LGBT people aged 50+ in Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Lothians.
  • Develop and deliver a general programme of LGBT social events for all ages in Glasgow, with programmes designed to attract people 50+.
  • Support the development of community groups in Glasgow.

This is an exciting project that is funded by the Big Lottery Fund. LGBT Age Scotland addresses the barriers, marginalisation, social isolation and inequalities experienced by LGBT people (50+). The programis delivered in Greater Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Lothians. The post holder will work closely with the Service Manager and Development Worker (Befriending).

The post holder will be based in our Glasgow offices at 12 Queen’s Crescent. Regular travel is required to LGBT Health and Wellbeing offices in Howe Street, Edinburgh and other locations to ensure delivery of the social programme across Greater Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Lothians.

The postholder will:

  • Take lead responsibility for the delivery of the social programme and delivery of information sessions aimed at older (over 50) LGBT people in Greater Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Lothians. The programme will be delivered with support of volunteers and sessional staff.
  • Develop all aspects of the quarterly programme of fortnightly social events (provided in Glasgow and Edinburgh) that will enable LGBT people (50+) opportunities to mix with their peers. The programme will be informed by our community survey, consultations and the LGBT Age Scotland Activities Coordinating group.
  • Take lead responsibility for the delivery of a programme of larger LGBT social events in Glasgow.
  • Support the formation of LGBT community groups in Glasgow, including identifying potential new groups, supporting existing groups and assisting community group leaders via community group leader forums.
  • Use a range of monitoring and evaluation tools in order that the service can clearly demonstrate its impact and that agreed outcomes are met.

Duties and Responsibilities

1To lead, develop and manage the organisation’s LGBT Age Social Programme, particularly targeting socially excluded older (over 50) LGBT people most at risk of experiencing health inequalities and social isolation.

2Coordinate the delivery of a programme of quarterly programme of information sessions around issues of relevance to LGBT people over the age of 50.

3Support the development of the quarterly Activities Coordinating Group designed to involve beneficiaries in the development of the programme.

4Lead, develop and manage a new programme of LGBT social events for all ages in Glasgow, including programmes specifically targeting 50+.

5Support the development of community groups in Glasgow; identify potential groups, hold community consultations, and provide support to community group leaders via a community group leader’s forum.

6Act with a high degree of autonomy, initiative and flexibility and take an active role in service development and continual improvement.

7Manage and supervise social programme volunteers, including LGBT Age Social Programme Volunteers, LGBT Community Social Programme Volunteers, and one-off Event Volunteers.

8Promote and market the social programme to LGBT communities and organisations, including via social media.

9Support the recruitment of volunteers and the provision of a programme of induction and ongoing training for volunteers. This will include direct delivery of training to individuals and groups.

10Provide formal support and supervision to volunteers on a one-to-one and group basis, including opportunities for volunteers to socialise.

11Work closely with the wider staff team to ensure the project is promoted through all of the organisation’s work and publicity, including through its monthly e-bulletins and quarterly programmes.

12In line with the organisation’s monitoring and evaluation systems, identify and implement methods to monitor and evaluate project impact.

13Prepare a range of written and verbal progress reports including reports to the funders and impact reports.

14Attend relevant meetings, conferences and training as part of continuing professional development.

15Work as part of the staff team, attending team meetings, undertaking supervision and participating in the annual appraisal system.

16Work in accordance with the organisation’s policies and procedures, including equal opportunities, health and safety, confidentiality and financial systems.

17Be willing to regularly work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

18Carry out any other duties as may be determined from time to time which may be reasonably required of the post holder relevant to the main purpose of the post.

This job description will be reviewed annually and may be subject to change.

Person Specification

Job title: Development Worker (Social Programme)

Essential / Desirable
Experience / Qualifications
  • Experience of delivering support / community development programmes (2 year minimum)
  • Experience of volunteer and or staff management and recruitment
  • Experience of working with older people and/or vulnerable adults
  • Experience of developing strong partnerships and joint working arrangements with other organisations
  • Experience of planning and delivering training
  • Experience of identifying community needs and issues, planning and developing new initiatives and running events
/
  • Educated to degree level
  • A recognised community education / community development / volunteer management qualification
  • Experience of volunteering
  • Experience of working with vulnerable adults
  • Experience of community health initiatives and user-led service delivery models

Knowledge / Understanding
  • Good understanding of the diverse needs of LGBT communities.
  • Understanding of the experiences of older people
  • Understanding of marketing and promotion
  • Cultural competence in relation to working with LGBT people
  • Understanding of, and commitment to, equal opportunities, human rights and addressing the inequalities experienced by older LGBT people
  • Understanding of need for confidentiality
/
  • Knowledge of statutory and voluntary sector health and support agencies.

Skills / Abilities
  • Excellent telephone and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, non-judgemental empathic approach and ability to work with and inspire a wide variety of people at all levels
  • Ability to process information and produce good quality written work
  • Ability to provide effective support, signposting and information
  • Ability to be self-administering in terms of IT, including Microsoft Word, financial and email systems
  • Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
  • Ability to set priorities and manage a workload while remaining responsive to events
  • Ability to audit and evaluate own work, maintaining accurate records and statistics and produce reports
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
  • Flexible attitude to the demands of the post and the needs of the organisation
  • Motivation and enthusiasm

JD+PS DW (SP) November 2015