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CAREERS WITH S.M.I.L.E. COUNSELLING

View and apply for the latest career opportunities with SMILE Counselling

S.M.I.L.E. Counselling is a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to providing affordable counselling services to individuals aged 11-24 (up to 26 with experience of the care system). As the largest high school counselling provider in West Lothian, we are committed to ensuring that young people have access to the mental health support they need to thrive. Additionally, we serve as a leading mental health and counselling trainer, equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge to address mental health challenges in their communities.

 Volunteer Board Trustee
Fundraising and Grant Writing

Role Summary:

The Board Trustee – Fundraising and Grant Writing will play a crucial role in advancing S.M.I.L.E. Counselling’s mission by leading efforts to secure funding and grants to support our programs and initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise in fundraising and grant writing to drive sustainable growth and impact within the organisation.

Responsibilities:

  1. Fundraising Strategy: Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with the organisation’s mission, vision, and goals.
  2. Grant Writing: Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities from government agencies, foundations, corporations, and other sources to support S.M.I.L.E. Counselling’s programs and operations.
  3. Proposal Development: Lead the development of compelling grant proposals, grant reports, and other fundraising materials, ensuring alignment with funder priorities and requirements.
  4. Relationship Building: Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective donors, partners, and stakeholders to strengthen support for S.M.I.L.E. Counselling’s mission and programs.
  5. Donor Engagement: Collaborate with the Board and senior management to design and implement donor engagement strategies, including events, campaigns, and stewardship initiatives.
  6. Budget Oversight: Work closely with the Finance Committee to ensure accurate budgeting, tracking, and reporting of fundraising activities and revenue streams.
  7. Board Meetings: Attend monthly Board of Trustees meetings to provide updates on fundraising efforts, participate in strategic discussions, and contribute to decision-making processes.
  8. Collaboration: Collaborate with other Board members, staff, volunteers, and external partners to leverage resources and maximise fundraising impact.

Qualifications:

  • Proven experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations, preferably within the nonprofit sector or social enterprise environment.
  • Strong writing skills, with the ability to craft compelling grant proposals, reports, and fundraising communications.
  • Excellent research, analytical, and project management skills, with a track record of successfully securing grants and donations.
  • Strategic thinking and the ability to develop and execute effective fundraising strategies that align with organisational goals.
  • Passion for mental health advocacy and a commitment to supporting the well-being of young people.
  • Alignment with the mission and values of S.M.I.L.E. Counselling, including a dedication to promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment in our counselling and training programs.

Time Commitment:

Approximately 6 hours per month, including attendance at monthly Board of Trustees meetings (2 hours).

Joining the Board of Trustees at S.M.I.L.E. Counselling offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute your expertise in fundraising and grant writing to a socially impactful organisation that is dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of young people. If you are passionate about making a difference and possess the skills and experience outlined above, we encourage you to apply.

Contact: Ian Angus-Felton (Chairperson) – [email protected]

 Volunteer Board Trustee
Human Resources & Recruitment

Role Summary:

The Board Trustee – HR and Recruitment Specialist will play a pivotal role in guiding S.M.I.L.E. Counselling’s strategic direction as we continue to expand our reach and impact in the mental health support sector. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise in HR and recruitment to an organisation that is at the forefront of addressing the mental health needs of young people.

Responsibilities:

  1. Strategic HR Planning: Collaborate with the Board and senior management to develop and implement HR strategies that support the growth and sustainability of S.M.I.L.E. Counselling’s counselling and training programs.
  2. Policy Development: Contribute to the development and enhancement of HR policies that promote inclusivity, diversity, and equity within our organisation and the broader community.
  3. Recruitment and Talent Acquisition: Provide leadership in designing and implementing recruitment strategies to attract passionate and skilled individuals who are committed to our mission of supporting youth mental health.
  4. Selection and Onboarding: Play a key role in selecting and onboarding staff and volunteers, ensuring that they are aligned with our values and equipped to deliver high-quality counselling and training services.
  5. Performance Management: Provide guidance on performance evaluation systems and professional development opportunities to enhance the effectiveness and impact of our team members.
  6. Employee Relations: Foster a positive and supportive work culture by addressing employee concerns, promoting open communication, and resolving conflicts in a fair and constructive manner.
  7. Legal Compliance: Stay informed about relevant employment laws and regulations to ensure that S.M.I.L.E. Counselling remains compliant and ethical in all HR practices and operations.
  8. Board Meetings: Attend monthly Board of Trustees meetings to provide insights and recommendations on HR and recruitment matters, contributing to informed decision-making and organisational success.

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated expertise in Human Resources and Recruitment, with a track record of success in developing and implementing strategic HR initiatives.
  • Strong understanding of HR best practices, employment law, and regulatory requirements, particularly within the context of social enterprises and nonprofit organisations.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Passion for mental health advocacy and a commitment to supporting the well-being of young people.
  • Alignment with the mission and values of S.M.I.L.E. Counselling, including a dedication to promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment in our counselling and training programs.

Time Commitment:

Approximately 6 hours per month, including attendance at monthly Board of Trustees meetings (2 hours).

Joining the Board of Trustees at S.M.I.L.E. Counselling offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute your expertise in HR and recruitment to a socially impactful organisation that is dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of young people. If you are passionate about making a difference and possess the skills and experience outlined above, we encourage you to apply.

Contact: Ian Angus-Felton (Chairperson) – [email protected]

 Volunteer Board Trustee
Treasurer

Role Summary:

The Board Trustee – Treasurer will play a critical role in ensuring the financial stability and integrity of S.M.I.L.E. Counselling as we continue to grow and expand our impact within the mental health support sector. This position offers an opportunity to apply financial expertise and strategic oversight to support the organisation’s mission and goals.

Responsibilities:

  1. Financial Management: Oversee the organisation’s financial affairs, including budgeting, financial planning, and risk management, to ensure sound financial practices and compliance with regulations
  2. Budget Development: Collaborate with the Board and senior management to develop annual budgets that reflect the organisation’s priorities, goals, and funding sources.
  3. Financial Reporting: Prepare and present regular financial reports to the Board, providing insights into the organisation’s financial performance, trends, and opportunities.
  4. Cash Flow Management: Monitor cash flow and liquidity to support day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives, identifying potential risks and opportunities for improvement.
  5. Internal Controls: Establish and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard the organisation’s assets, prevent fraud, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial information.
  6. Audit Oversight: Coordinate with external auditors to facilitate annual audits and reviews, ensuring timely completion and compliance with reporting requirements.
  7. Investment Management: Provide guidance on investment strategies and policies to optimize returns while minimizing risk, in accordance with the organisation’s financial objectives and risk tolerance.
  8. Board Meetings: Attend monthly Board of Trustees meetings to report on financial matters, participate in strategic discussions, and contribute to decision-making processes.

Qualifications:

  • Professional qualification in accounting, finance, or a related field (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CIMA).
  • Extensive experience in financial management, preferably in a nonprofit organisation or social enterprise setting.
  • Strong understanding of financial principles, practices, and regulations, including nonprofit accounting standards.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to provide strategic financial guidance and insights.
  • Integrity, transparency, and a commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in financial management.
  • Passion for mental health advocacy and a dedication to supporting the well-being of young people.
  • Alignment with the mission and values of S.M.I.L.E. Counselling, including a commitment to promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment in our counselling and training programs.

Time Commitment:

Approximately 6 hours per month, including attendance at monthly Board of Trustees meetings (2 hours).

Joining the Board of Trustees at S.M.I.L.E. Counselling offers a unique opportunity to leverage your financial expertise and strategic leadership skills to make a meaningful impact on the mental health and well-being of young people. If you are passionate about our mission and possess the skills and experience outlined above, we encourage you to apply.

Contact: Ian Angus-Felton (Chairperson) – [email protected]