Outreach Volunteer

ABOUT SMART WORKS

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that helps unemployed women to get the coaching, clothing and confidence they need to secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives. After visiting Smart Works, 63% of clients secure a job within a month of their appointment.

The women Smart Works support are at high risk of economic hardship, often struggling with confidence and self-belief in the face of repeated rejection and real barriers to employment. Smart Works has supported over 40,000 women into employment over the past decade.

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 your local Smart Works centre, with frequent off-site attendance at events, meetings and presentations across your local area. 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. 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

• Represent Smart Works at various career fairs, job centres and employment events across your local area.
• Support the Outreach Lead to organise, deliver and attend community outreach events in the Smart Works centre and across your local area.
• Research new referral partners to reach out to and engage with.
• Present to potential clients and referral partners about Smart Works in a variety of settings.

DO YOU HAVE...

• A friendly and approachable manner, with an ability to talk to individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
• Good organisational skills with an attention to detail.
• Great presentation skills.
• A passion for what Smart Works does and our mission.
• Able to commit to 2 days per month (may vary depending on which centre you would like tovolunteer in).

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING

• 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.
• Meeting people from a range of backgrounds and making new friends who have a shared passion for helping others.
• Joining our monthly UK wide virtual volunteer forums to meet individuals across the charity and receive training opportunities to help you learn new skills.

You can apply for the role through our website, Smart Works Birmingham. Go to 'support us', 'get involved', and then 'become a volunteer'.