Research and Admin Support Volunteer — Aberdeen or Remote

About Aberdeenshire Outreach

In partnership with Catalyst Vineyard Church, Bethany Christian Trust has a worker who supports the multisite community drop-ins across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. These drop-ins (Open Doors and Lifestyle) offer a safe and welcoming environment where people can get a hot drink and meal, and advice on pathways out of crisis.

We have a big vision: to see Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire transformed, our communities made more inclusive and for people living in our communities who are marginalised, excluded or disadvantaged to have access to transformative, holistic care and support that sees them integrated, included, valued and thriving and we’re passionate about achieving it!

Summary of the role:

Open Doors and Lifestyle drop-ins create a space where people be supported to access the help or opportunities that exist both within the church and through statutory and third sector organisations. We work with the person or family to help identify the relevant support and to encourage (and facilitate where necessary) engagement with it.

This volunteer role will provide research and some administrative support to the Pioneer and Intervention Worker which will increase the capacity to meet our clients’ needs.

General responsibilities:

• Research: Conduct targeted research to identify accurate and up-to-date information regarding external resources, organisations, services, and support networks across Aberdeen City and Shire.
• Signposting Database Maintenance: Assisting in maintaining our signposting database.
• Client-Focused Solutions: Investigate a diverse range of topics tailored to individual client needs, including but not limited to mental health support, addiction recovery services, pet fostering, and befriending networks.
• Administrative Support: When required, execute essential admin tasks.
• Teamwork: Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers.
• Care: Respond with care, sensitivity and understanding to the issues, concerns and complex situations that affect our clients.
• Supervision & Training: Participate and attend all required training and regular support and supervision meetings.

Important pre-requisites for the role:

• Confidence with IT and digital research skills. Being able to discern the accuracy and relevance of information found online, to help meet our clients’ needs.
• Attention to detail and an ability to maintain clear and accurate information for our signposting database.
• Basic administrative skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Being able to maintain healthy personal and professional boundaries and observe confidentiality.
• Awareness and respect of the Christian ethos upon which Bethany Christian Trust is founded.
• Desirable: Prior knowledge of support organisations and community resources across Aberdeen City and Shire is advantageous, though not essential.
• Desirable: An interest and some understanding of homelessness, mental health issues, addiction problems and chaotic behaviour is desirable.

Location

Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire or Remote: Ideally in Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire, but will consider candidates in other parts of Scotland

Pattern of hours

Ideally this role will be 2-3 hours per week, but there can be some flexibility for the right candidate.

Research  and Admin Support Volunteer