Volunteer Support & Development Officer

Volunteer Support & Development Officer, Volunteer Centre Dorset

Salary: £28,637
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Fixed term until December 2029
Location: Office based in Dorchester with travel across Dorset Council Area
Reports to: CEO
Start date: As soon as possible following appointment

Purpose of the Role

We are launching an exciting new Supported Volunteering Programme to help anyone who wants to volunteer find a meaningful role. As the project co ordinator, you'll work with individuals facing barriers to accessing volunteering - including people with learning or physical disabilities, young people, long term unemployed, and those experiencing mental health challenges. You will work with individuals to develop a personalised development plan, and with a variety of organisations to create suitable, supported and inclusive volunteering opportunities. You'll manage the programme day to day, recruit and support Volunteer Mentors, and build strong community partnerships to ensure everyone has the chance to contribute and thrive through volunteering. You will oversee the further development of social action groups enabling people to come together, socialise, develop life skills, and have opportunities for days out and additional learning. You will play a major role in championing volunteering and ensuring sustainable volunteering pathways for all.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme Leadership: Coordinate the Supported Volunteering Programme across Dorset, ensuring delivery meets project outcomes.
• Volunteer Mentor Recruitment & Support: Recruit, train, and support Volunteer Buddies, ensuring they feel supported and equipped to provide inclusive volunteering support for participants.
• Participant Support: Work with participants, carers, family and support workers to develop one to one participant support plans tailored to needs, skills, goals, and barriers ensuring their aspirations are met.
• Partnership & Advocacy: Support local organisations to adapt roles for accessibility, embed buddies where needed, and advocate for inclusive volunteering.
• Relationships & Community Engagement: Build and maintain strong partnerships with local organisations, community groups, referral agencies including health and social care professionals, and education providers. Represent the programme at local networks, events, and meetings, promoting the programme widely.
• Supervision & Mentoring: Support and mentor Lived experience Ambassadors and guide and develop their contribution to the programme.
• Programme Development: Facilitate training, social activities, and recognition events to build confidence, community, and sustainability. Provide leadership and day to day support for the Project Assistant.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Collect data, feedback, and case studies to evaluate outcomes and support reporting to funders. Monitor progress against agreed outcomes and funding requirements. Utilise our CRM to manage capture data, manage relationships and outcomes.
• Safeguarding & Compliance: Ensure all programme activities adhere to safeguarding, health and safety, and equity, diversity, and inclusion policies.

Person Specification Essential

• Experience managing projects, preferably in a community, voluntary, care or support setting.
• Strong relationship building and communication skills; able to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong people skills with proven ability to engage and support people with diverse needs.
• Experience working with people who face barriers to inclusion, eg learning or physical disability.
• Strong understanding of inclusive practice, particularly for individuals facing barriers (disability, mental health, social isolation, youth, poverty, etc.).
• Ability to manage and motivate staff, volunteers, and peers.
• Excellent advocacy skills and a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding.
• Strong organisational, administrative and digital skills, including use of CRM systems.
• Ability to manage time and priorities across a wide geographical area, and work occasional evenings/weekends.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle.

Desirable

• Understanding of, or experience working within Dorset's VCS.
• Experience in volunteer management, training, or mentoring.
• Experience in monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting.
• Experience working in partnership with voluntary, statutory, or community organisations and delivering funded projects.
• Experience delivering training, workshops, or small group learning sessions.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR, or other key VCS compliance areas.

About Us

Volunteer Centre Dorset supports Dorset's voluntary and community sector to thrive, and champions volunteering for all. We also manage and deliver support to residents through a variety of projects designed to improve health, wellbeing and independence.

What we offer

• A varied and rewarding role making a difference to VCS organisations and communities across Dorset.
• Contribution to impactful work improving lives and community resilience across Dorset.
• Being part of an experienced, passionate, supportive team committed to collaboration and making a tangible impact.
• A fun, dynamic working environment within a values led organisation.
• Mileage allowance and relevant travel expenses reimbursed.
• Opportunities for training, personal development and networking.