About Smart Works
Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses, coaches and empowers unemployed women for success at their job interview. After visiting Smart Works, 63% of clients secure a job within a month. The Smart Works service is delivered in 11 centres across the UK. Over the past ten years, Smart Works has helped over 35,000 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre. More information about who we are can be found on our website. The Smart Works service is delivered in London North, South & West, Greater Manchester, (Manchester City & Stockport), Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Newcastle, Reading and Leeds.
About the Opportunity
Every woman who comes to Smart Works is referred by another organisation or charity. Across the UK over 300 organisations refer women to Smart Works, including job centres, refuges, prisons, work programme providers and other charities. Without our referral partners, Smart Works would not be able to reach women in need and help them to succeed at interview and start a new chapter. Building and nurturing these partnerships is central to our work and success as a charity.
The Outreach Volunteer will support the Outreach Lead with the engagement of our referral partners, ensuring that they are aware of our service and how to refer clients. The role would be based at our Smart Works centre in Newcastle, with frequent off-site attendance at events, meetings and presentations. Smart Works Newcastle supports women across the region from North Northumberland to Teesside so there will be an element of travel required with this role. The successful individual(s) will chat to partners and potential clients, attend job fairs and events across the region.
Ideally you will be able to dedicate half a day per week to Smart Works Newcastle. However, this is negotiable. If you enjoy working in a collaborative environment, chatting to the public and have excellent communication skills, then this is an ideal opportunity for you.
Outreach travel expenses will be refunded where applicable.
Outreach Volunteer Activities
1. Attending career fairs, job centres and employment events across the North East.
2. Supporting the Outreach Lead to organise, deliver and attend community outreach events in centre and across the North East to help increase the profile of Smart Works.
3. Presenting to potential clients and referral partners about Smart Works in a variety of settings.
Essential Criteria
4. Friendly and comfortable with speaking to groups.
5. Organised with good attention to detail.
6. Passionate about the work of Smart Works and our mission.
7. Able to commit to 16 hours per month (Flexible but usually in blocks of 4-5 hours)
Desirable Criteria
8. Experience presenting and engaging local community partners/conducting outreach activity.
9. Experience working within a fast-paced organisation, where flexibility is key.
10. Full clean UK driving licence and access to own car is not essential but desirable given the nature of the role.
11. Knowledge of the employability support available to unemployed people in Newcastle.
Benefits of Volunteering
12. Using your knowledge and skills to help women feel more confident before they enter the workplace and make a positive difference to the lives of our clients.
13. Meeting people from a range of backgrounds and making new friends who have a shared passion for helping others.
14. Joining our monthly UK wide virtual volunteer forums to meet individuals across the charity and receive training opportunities to help you learn new skills.