Volunteer Support Assistant at Volunteer Centre Dorset

Dorset Council UK; Thames Centre; On-site; Part time

Job summary

A local government council in Ontario is seeking a Volunteer Support Assistant for a part-time role aimed at helping individuals facing barriers to volunteering. The successful candidate will assist in a new Supported Volunteering Programme, supporting new and existing volunteers and running social action groups. No specific qualifications are outlined, but a passion for volunteering is essential. This position is office-based with travel required across the council area.

Responsibilities

• Assist the project co-ordinator in supporting individuals who face barriers to accessing volunteering.
• Develop personalised development plans with participants and help match them to suitable volunteering opportunities.
• Support the day-to-day operations of the programme.
• Help run social action groups to enable people to come together, socialise, develop life skills.
• Champion volunteering and contribute to finding sustainable volunteering pathways for all.

Job description

Overview

Volunteer Support Assistant, Volunteer Centre Dorset

Salary: £19,994 (£26,421 pro rata)

Hours: Part-time, 28 hours per week (up to)

Contract: Fixed-term until December 2029

Location: Office-based in Dorchester with travel across Dorset Council Area

Reports to: Volunteer Support & Development Officer

Start date: To be agreed, likely 5 January 2026

Purpose of the role

We are launching an exciting new Supported Volunteering Programme to help anyone who wants to volunteer find a meaningful role. You will assist the project co-ordinator, working with individuals who face 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 a person to develop a personalised development plan, and help match and support them into a suitable and supported volunteering opportunity. You’ll help with the day-to-day operations of the programme, including supporting new and existing volunteers helping to ensure everyone has the chance to contribute and thrive through volunteering. You will assist with the running of social action groups enabling people to come together, socialise, develop life skills, and have opportunities for days out and additional learning. You will help to champion volunteering, and finding sustainable volunteering pathways for all.

Responsibilities

• Assist the project co-ordinator in supporting individuals who face barriers to accessing volunteering, including people with learning or physical disabilities, young people, long-term unemployed, and those experiencing mental health challenges.
• Develop personalised development plans with participants and help match them to suitable volunteering opportunities.
• Support the day-to-day operations of the programme and assist with onboarding and ongoing support for volunteers.
• Help run social action groups to enable people to come together, socialise, develop life skills, and access additional learning opportunities.
• Champion volunteering and contribute to finding sustainable volunteering pathways for all.

Qualifications

Not specified in the provided description.