Wellbeing Activities and Volunteer Coordinator

Reading Refugee Support; Oxford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000

Job description

Wellbeing Activities and Volunteer Coordinator

This charity has an exciting opportunity as Wellbeing Activities and Volunteer Coordinator to make a real difference to asylum seekers and refugees in the Reading area.

Position: Wellbeing Activities and Volunteer Coordinator

Location: Reading

Hours: Full-time, Office based with an immediate start

Contract: 1-year contract renewed subject to funding

Salary: £25,584 pro rata + 6% pension

Closing date: Tuesday 15th April 2025, the client will be interviewing on a rolling basis and may close the role early.

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (additional day per year of employment, max 5 days), cycle to work scheme, confidential counselling support and welfare days.

About the role:

As the Wellbeing Activities and Volunteer Coordinator, you will manage the recruitment and support of volunteers and run projects and events aimed at supporting asylum seekers and refugees in engaging in social and wellbeing activities, building networks, and getting to know the local area. Through a programme of holistic activities including wellbeing activities, language support, employment support, and cultural/community activities.

The Wellbeing Activities Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator will introduce and support clients to different activities that will improve the mental health and wellbeing of asylum seekers and refugees through reducing isolation.

Key areas of responsibility include:

1. Wellbeing Activities:

• To run the weekly drop-in centre.
• To plan and run different client activities & events promoting wellbeing and integration.
• Organising group activities to bring people together, provide opportunities to make social connections and reduce isolation by running creative activities such as music, arts and crafts, social events, trips, and other programmes as agreed with the line manager.
• Run at least three information sessions about mental health and access to treatment for refugees and asylum seekers in Reading.
• Liaise and communicate with other projects and organisations in Reading as appropriate, signpost and refer clients to group activities, and advertise programmes to promote maximum participation.
• To promote activities and events amongst the client group through appropriate means (emailing, texting, posters, fliers, word of mouth).

Volunteer Coordinator:

• To recruit and select suitable volunteers in line with the policies and procedures.
• To liaise with other staff members on recruitment needs for volunteers.
• To support staff members who themselves manage volunteers regarding any volunteering issues.
• Be the contact point for volunteers.
• To deliver basic induction training for volunteers and appropriate ongoing and ad hoc training in coordination with staff members.
• Ensure appropriate and regular supervision meetings are held.
• Maintaining and developing projects managed by volunteers and supporting volunteers in this process.

About you:

The role would suit someone who is confident in communication, has some cultural awareness, and can uphold the values of the charity. All candidates should have strong ethical standards, team spirit, and be passionate about working with asylum seekers and refugees. You will have practical IT skills, be able to work to strict deadlines, and have good organisational and methodical skills.

Key skills required for this role:

• Ability to work from the office in Reading.
• Knowledge and understanding of the voluntary/community sector.
• IT experience in using Word, Excel, email, database management.
• The charity encourages applications from people with lived experience of being a refugee, but this is not essential.
• Experience managing volunteers and running group activities.
• Good organisational skills and ability to set up new systems.
• Excellent communication skills in networking, speaking, and writing.
• Ability to empathise and work cooperatively with all stakeholders.
• Experience of being a volunteer (desirable).
• Experience of working with refugees and asylum seekers (desirable).
• Knowledge of the asylum process and refugee issues (desirable).

About the organisation:

The employer is a charity in Berkshire that offers comprehensive assistance to refugees, including free legal advice through IAA (formerly OISC) accredited solicitors, integration support via a drop-in centre, social activities, and a refugee football team. They also engage in advocacy and campaigns for refugee rights. The organization encourages community involvement through fundraising, volunteering, and membership. They have made significant impacts, such as providing extensive casework support and distributing food parcels.

The employer aims to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.