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We are seeking a Group Support Co-Ordinator (Nutrition and Charity Sector) to join our team based at our Frimley but predominantly working from home with occasional travel to Support Groups across the UK. We are a leading charitable organisation within the nutrition and health related sector, providing advice, information and support to our members across the UK. The role would suit candidates with proven experience of providing support to volunteer or similar external groups. Any experience within the voluntary, charitable, nutrition or medical sectors would also be beneficial.
This is a new role with the main purpose being to coordinate and quality assure the running of support groups for adults and parents affected and support volunteer support group facilitators to provide a safe and welcoming environment for group attendees. Ensuring regular communication with volunteers, providing training, debriefing, supervision and supporting their wellbeing . Responsible for monitoring the effective management, administration and evaluation of support groups in line with volunteer training policies. The coordinator will also provide support to those using our helpline, while also contributing to website and resource improvements.
We can offer you the chance to join a friendly team working Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm and allow you to utilise your relevant Degree or work experience in our specialist field. We can offer a mainly home based role with once a month on site at our office in Frimley, free parking with a salary up to £35k depending on experience and 25 days holiday.
Key Responsibilities:-
Co-ordinating safe and impactful support groups hosted by volunteers
To develop and co-ordinate peer-support groups hosted by volunteers in their local areas for people with severe allergies, or parents of children with severe allergies. To create a supportive volunteering environment and build supportive relationships with all volunteers bringing empathy, respect and non-judgmental approach. This includes:
o Developing regular communication of key information for dissemination at support groups.
o Helping volunteers with publicity for their groups, via the organisation’s website and social media channels.
o Support volunteers with organising payment of venues.
o Ensuring that attendance at groups is recorded and collated for national reporting.
o Obtaining and analysing data and feedback to inform the development of groups and service policies.
o Reporting on the development of the support group network to senior management and Trustees.
o Facilitate supervision groups for volunteers.
o Support recruitment and induction of new volunteers including ensuring that volunteers have completed mandatory training and DBS checks.
o Supporting volunteer wellbeing by providing debrief meetings following groups.
o Supporting volunteers in managing groups dynamics and challenges that may arise.
o Ensuring that volunteers adhere to the volunteer agreement and follow the organisation’s relevant policies and procedures.
o Responding promptly to incidents that arise and ensuring that all matters are dealt with in line with the AUK safeguarding policy.
o Monitoring the sufficiency of volunteer training, support arrangements and AUK policies (in collaboration with volunteers and AUK staff) to ensure positive experience of support groups.
o Remain up to date with national policies and other developments relevant to the delivery of support groups.
o Create and maintain safety
o Foster a collaborative and supportive relationship with groups leaders
o Ability to maintain an anti-discriminatory space for all staff and promote inclusive practice.
• To lead the organisation of the volunteer support group leaders’ annual conference, to ensure that volunteers are well-motivated, feel supported and informed by the organisation
• To attend support group meetings and volunteer events as directed which may involve occasional evening work and travel
Supporting people using the helpline:
· Provide information and support to callers or via email.
· Keep accurate electronic records of advice, information and support given, and produce basic reports when required.
Supporting and developing outreach activities
• To update and maintain the website pages and resources that are relevant to volunteering, in particular the area dedicated to support groups (map and events calendar). Additionally, adding information on the impact of allergies on mental wellbeing or on quality of life.
• To ensure that the organisation’s CRM database of members and supporters is updated with the voluntary activity being undertaken by individuals.
• Working with the Fundraising and Information teams to maintain strong communications and links with their areas of work, in order to maximise both the fundraising potential of support groups and other community-based volunteers and ensuring a flow of high-quality information
• Contributing to and supporting the work of the Fundraising and Information teams in providing regular feedback on support group activities
To be suitable for the Support Co-ordinator role, you will ideally have the below knowledge, skills and experience:-
• Knowledge of data protection and confidentiality
• Knowledge of organising and managing community groups
• Experience in managing volunteers.
• Experience working with community, support or similar groups.
• Experience of producing timely and accurate impact reports on project and routine activities
• Proven track record of accurate and competent administrative work
• Active listening skills
• Excellent communication skills and confidence in dealing with people by phone, email and in person
• Able to show initiative and take personal responsibility for completing tasks
• Able to work under pressure to achieve deadlines
• Able to develop effective working relationships with other teams / departments
• Organisation skills and able to work towards deadlines
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Strong writing skills
In return we can offer the opportunity to make this new role your own and join an established and friendly company whereby you can work the majority of the time from home with once a month meeting in the Frimley office and occasional travel to support groups across the UK. We have 25 days holiday, Mon to Fri 9 -5 working hours and can offer a salary up to £35k depending on experience.
