South Ayrshire Dementia Befriending Volunteer Coordinator 15/05/2026 Ardrossan

Community & Sport
Ayrshire
May 26, 2026
Permanent
Urgent

Job Description

Job Title

South Ayrshire Dementia Befriending Volunteer Coordinator

Reports To

Dementia Befriending Manager / CEO

Hours of Work

16 hours per week

Salary

£14 per hour, paid 26th month, employers’ contribution-based Pension.

Contract

Until end 30th September 2027

Holidays

5.6 weeks based on contracted hours, inclusive of public holidays

Purpose of the Post

To develop and deliver a safe and reliable Dementia befriending and Wellbeing cafés project, supporting people living with Dementia and the unpaid carers throughout Ayrshire, promote and support the recruitment and management of volunteers in Ayrshire, and contribute to the administration, monitoring, evaluation and development of the Befriending project.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop and deliver a high-quality befriending service and Wellbeing cafés.
  • Recruit and select volunteer befrienders for the project following AILN’s thorough and robust selection process.
  • Prepare and train volunteers for their role so they can offer effective support to the people who use the project.
  • Ensure a clear process for the identification and referral of service users.
  • Visit, assess and prepare people for their involvement with the project.
  • Respond to enquiries in a timely manner and match service users with befrienders according to clear guidelines.
  • Ensure participants in the project are adequately safeguarded.
  • Support and supervise volunteers and help them develop in their role.
  • Monitor the befriending relationships to ensure they are operating successfully and achieving outcomes.
  • Evaluate the overall effectiveness of the service and the outcomes achievable.
  • Prepare reports including number of users, outcomes, recommendations for improvements and future developments, and report back to the Dementia Befriending Project Manager.
  • Develop volunteer recruitment campaigns and work in collaboration with other agencies, including volunteer recruitment agencies.
  • Identify risk and ensure appropriate risk assessments are carried out and comply with health and safety requirements.
  • Attend, arrange and coordinate awareness-raising and recruitment events across Ayrshire.
  • Undertake any other duties as required by the Dementia Befriending Project Manager/CEO.

Person Specification – Qualifications

  • Evidence of educational qualifications gained at school, college or university.

Person Specification – Essential Experience

  • Supporting or managing volunteers.
  • Delivering support services.
  • IT confident.
  • Experience/knowledge of working/living with someone living with dementia and working with vulnerable adults.
  • Understanding the need for confidentiality.
  • Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
  • Ability to set priorities and manage a workload while remaining responsive to the project.
  • Ability to audit and evaluate the service while maintaining accurate records and statistics to produce reports for the Project Manager/CEO.

Person Specification – Desirable Experience

  • Recruitment of volunteer and/or staff management.
  • Overseeing a befriending or mentoring service.
  • Planning and delivering training.
  • Experience developing strong partnerships and joint working arrangements with other organisations.
  • Personal experience of volunteering.

Person Specification – Skills/Abilities

  • Excellent telephone, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent listening skills.
  • Self administering in terms of IT, including using Microsoft Office and email systems.
  • Ability to communicate with people in a sensitive, person centred manner, including people who require support, carers, other professionals and members of the public.
  • Ability to organise, plan and prioritise own work and meet deadlines while remaining responsive to others.

Other Requirements

  • Ability to work away from home for the purposes of services across Ayrshire, using a current driving licence and access to a car.
  • Will work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and/or weekends as needed.
  • Willing to comply with AILN’s policies and procedures.
  • Participation in staff team meetings and supervision sessions with the Line Manager.
  • Maintain confidentiality in relation to people who use AILN’s service and other stakeholders.
  • Carry out duties with regard to Equal Opportunities and Non Discriminatory practice.

Location

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