Youth Volunteer Wellbeing Worker

Swansea Community Farm is looking for a Wellbeing Worker to work with young people on our volunteering projects.

We run community-led wellbeing-focussed outdoor volunteering programmes which offer participants wellbeing and learning opportunities, along with socialising and playing a part in building a community. Over-16s attend two days a week and work in all areas of the Farm, gaining experience and qualifications, and progressing to peer mentor positions. On Saturdays, our Child & Youth volunteers look after the Farm, learning practical skills and developing skills for managing their wellbeing. Volunteers can self-refer, or come to us via health professionals, independent living accommodation and other routes. Farm volunteering makes a real difference to people’s lives, and your work will contribute to that.

This role involves: supporting delivery of activities designed to improve wellbeing through practical engagement in the life of a city farm through volunteering, training and educational opportunities. To be achieved through on the ground and administrative support for the delivery of activities for young people.

An ideal candidate will have a passion for improving young people’s wellbeing through outdoor work (in all weathers!). They will be non-judgmental, experienced at working with groups, and able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people. They will have confidence around livestock and a willingness to learn how to care for them. They will enjoy supporting young people to increase their confidence and wellbeing. They will be flexible and able to fit into a small, dynamic team, keen to take on responsibility and learn new things, undergoing any necessary training.

Responsible To: Operations Manager and Youth & Communities Manager

Pay Scale: £14,839 - £16,274 per year, dependent on experience (equivalent to £24,402 - £26,762 full time)

Hours: 22.5 hours per week fixed term until 31st March 2025 (with the possibility of additional hours dependent on candidate)

Annual Leave: 28 days p.a. plus statutory bank holidays, pro rata

This post is subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS check before starting the post.

Principal duties and responsibilities

• To support the direct delivery of activities for the Farm’s young volunteers and programme participants on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• To support participants and the staff team in the preparation of tasks and activities - organising tools/equipment and allocating tasks as appropriate.
• To support participant engagement in the Farm activity programme for young volunteers from all backgrounds including animal care, conservation management, allotment gardening and events.
• To offer one-to-one support for volunteers and programme participants with additional needs ensuring that their participation in Farm activities is as meaningful, accessible and positive as possible.
• Supporting volunteers in engaging with a range of training opportunities, both informal and accredited.
• To help ensure that working practices are in accordance with Farm policies including: Health and Safety, Child Protection & Adults at risk, Equal opportunities, Environment
• To assist the manager and other staff in: assessment and evaluation of current activities and participants’ progress; related record keeping and the development of the Farm’s programmes and services.
• To take a lead on management of the young volunteer cohort, including active recruitment, inductions, reviews and case studies.

General responsibilities

• To ensure a high standard of customer care when dealing with the visiting public and delivering activities.
• To fulfil all the above duties and any other realistic requests from your Line Supervisors or the management team, including additional training.

Finance

• To ensure efficient handling of monies and receipts in accordance with Farm financial procedures.

Working Relationships

The development of effective working relationships through:

• Co-operation and collaboration with other staff.
• Negotiation with beneficiaries and volunteers to develop their potential.
• Participation in working groups, staff training events and meetings for the purpose of the project’s development.

NB: Your Line Manager and the board of trustees have the right to review or vary this Job Description. This post is subject to a 3-month probation period. This job description is as currently applies, but it will be reviewed as required and may be subject to variation. The post holder may be required to undertake other tasks that can reasonably be assigned, which are within their capability and grade.

Statement of equality, diversity & inclusion: We are an equal opportunities employer, seeking to avoid discrimination in all its forms, and to this end, we have a blind application process. We welcome applications from all areas of the community, including candidates with additional languages, lived experience and from diverse backgrounds.

Timeline of recruitment:

• You are welcome to visit the Farm on Saturday 8th June, 2-4pm to learn more about the work we do.
• Online Q&A, 1pm Monday 3rd June.
• Application deadline 23:59 Wednesday 12th June.
• We will contact you by Friday 14th June if you have been successful.
• Interviews will be held at the Farm on Wednesday 19th June. The interviews will involve a formal interview and a 25-minute practical session, which you will plan and deliver with a small group of volunteers.