WEvolution

Job Description

Title of Post: SRG Development Worker (Full Time)

Salary:£24,495 (This relates to the Scottish Joint Council Salary Scales AP4, point 28)

Hours: 35 hours a week (The candidate must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends.)

Location:Based in Glasgowand working in surrounding areas

Responsible to: Managing Director

CONTEXT OF THE ROLE

WEvolution is a movement of people from disadvantaged backgrounds and who have aspirations for a better life for themselves, their families and communities. Bringing people, together in its Self-Reliant Groups (SRG), WEvolution promotes a model that is based self-help, mutual trust and collective endeavour towards overcoming social and economic isolation. Although well established in other parts of the world, it is a new way of working alongside people, in Scotland’s poorest communities. For more information about our work, please visit

We are looking to recruit an imaginative and people-focused person to join #teamWEvo. The successful applicant will have substantial experience in community development, group dynamics and stages of development and facilitation skills. S/he will have the experience, skills and confidence to inspire and engage like-minded agencies, community groups and organisations in the development and spread of the SRG model. S/he will provide on-going support to the SRGs based on a participative Group Development Plan as each of our SRGs grow into becoming agents of socio-economic change. You will work closely with the team and assist in other areas of our work as necessary. You will be prepared to work flexible hours and take up other responsibilities as thought appropriate by your line-manager.

KEY PURPOSE

As part of #teamWEvo, you will promote the SRG approach in Glasgow and surrounding areas focused in the very poorest neighbourhoods, develop new SRGs and provide ongoing support.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

WEvolution Board of Trustees; Priority Areas Committee (Church of Scotland); Yunus Centre for Social Business & Health (Glasgow Caledonian University); Faith in Community Scotland; Local Authorities; Government Agencies; Community & Women’s Groups; and Community Organisations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Promote, Train and Build Capacity of SRGs

  • Identify and train people in the SRG approach and establish new groups.
  • Facilitate ongoing training to the SRGs as appropriate to their stages of group development and in keeping with each SRG’s development plan.
  • Support Training &Capacity Building Coordinator in the development of opportunities for SRGs to network with each other through events and other relevant activities.
  • Assist in WEvolution’sSkills Training & Personal Development Programmes, as appropriate.
  • Assist in supporting WEvolution’s network of SRG Encouragers.

Outcomes: Increased number of SRGs. Group members become confident and have an improved sense of well-being. SRG members self-manage their groups and develop a vision for themselves. SRGs are connected to the wider movement.

Develop Key Relationship & Effective Partnerships

  • Support #teamWEvo to promote relationships across a range of community groups, organisations and agencies to grow the SRG movement.
  • Assist in delivering information and training workshops for organisations and community groups.

Outcomes: A network of partners developed with knowledge and commitment to the SRG model. A regular programme of information and training organised. A support and advice system put in place for SRG members on benefits.

Assist in Communications & Social Media

  • Contribute to communication material on SRGs including newsletters, website updates and other relevant publicity on SRGs.
  • Use all forms of social media to disseminate regular and consistent information, stories and updates.

Outcomes: Effective use of the social media and website to generate awareness of stories and good practice to external and internal audiences.

Person Specification

Qualities / Essential / Desirable
Educational/ professional qualifications and knowledge / A degree or an equivalent training and experience in community development and group work / Knowledge of the microfinance sector
Training in group facilitation
Knowledge of the Self-Help Group model in other parts of the world
Previous Experience / Experience of developing and delivering training
Experience of working with community groups or projects especially involving women
Experience of organising events and learning programmes. / Knowledge of welfare and benefits system
Skills / An ability to develop relationships of trust and communicate with people on a one-on-one basis and in groups.
Strong networking and negotiation skills
Excellent presentation skills to a range of audiences
Sound planning and management skills
Demonstrating attention to detail and quality in every aspect of work
Demonstrable facilitation and leadership skills
Strong IT skills including use of Microsoft Office. / Confident in the use of social media
Motivation/Disposition / Absolute reliability.
Available to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings at short notice
Self-motivated and having a ‘can-do’ attitude
Committed about learning and development for self and others
Flexible and positive approach and desire to work with people in a non-judgmental and person-centred way.

TO APPLY

Please contact Lorna McKenzie (e: ; t: 0141 249 0098) for a job application pack.

CLOSING DATE

Completed applications must be received 8th May 2015.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted and, therefore, should not be submitted.

INTERVIEWS

Shortlisted applicants will be informed by 11th May 2015.

Candidates must be available for interview in Glasgowon 13th May 2015.