*New Paid Opportunity* with Volunteer Centre Dorset - Volunteer Support Assistant

29th October 2025

Volunteer Support & Development Officer

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^th 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Support: Work closely with the Project Coordinator to ensure smooth delivery of programme activities, supporting the involvement of volunteers, buddies and Lived-experience Ambassadors.

• Participant Support: Provide one-to-one and group support to programme participants, helping them build confidence and settle into volunteering roles. Support participants to access volunteering, training, and social opportunities.

• Volunteer Buddy Support: Work alongside Volunteer Buddies (mentors), offering practical assistance and ensuring they are well supported.

• Training & Activities: Assist with the delivery of training sessions, social activities, and recognition events. Contribute to the preparation of training packs and resources for participants and Volunteer Buddies.

• Monitoring & Feedback: Gather participant feedback through surveys, conversations, and case studies. maintain accurate records to contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Outreach & Engagement: Help promote the programme and engage with individuals, families, and community organisations.

• Administrative Support: Assist with communications, scheduling, and resources to ensure smooth programme delivery. Assist in coordinating travel, expenses, and logistics for participants and volunteers.

• Safeguarding & Compliance: Ensure all programme activities adhere to safeguarding, health and safety, and equity, diversity, and inclusion policies.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience working in a support, community, voluntary sector or volunteering role.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to engage diverse individuals, building trust and rapport.
• Practical, hands-on approach with ability to provide encouragement and reassurance.

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills; able to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to engage and support people with diverse needs, eg learning or physical disability, mental health, youth, etc.
• Excellent advocacy skills and a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding.
• Strong organisational, administrative and digital skills, including use of CRM systems.
• Organised and reliable with good attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable, able to work across different community settings.
• Ability to manage time and priorities across a wide geographical area.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle

Desirable

• Familiarity with Dorset’s voluntary and community sector.
• Experience in volunteer or community project support.

• Experience in volunteer management, training, or mentoring.
• Experience in monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting.

• Experience working in partnership with statutory bodies or delivering funded projects.
• Experience delivering training, workshops, or small group learning sessions.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR, or other key VCS compliance areas.

What We Offer

• A varied and rewarding role making a difference to people with additional needs or barriers to inclusion.
• 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.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your application to [email protected] including:

• Your CV
• A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification

Deadline for applications: Sunday, 9^th November 2025
Interviews expected: Week commencing 24^th November 2025
For further information please call 01305 269214 or email [email protected]