England Services Southwest

Social Media Volunteer

This is an exciting opportunity to delve into the world of social media, using social media platforms to enhance the online presence of Shelter Devon and Cornwall. You’ll be providing information, promoting our services, and increasing engagement with local and national campaigns. This role gives you the chance to volunteer across diverse and friendly teams, gain valuable experience in online communications, and put your own creative stamp onto projects.

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to develop skills and experience within social media and who has an interest in social welfare. This may include personal experience of bad housing or homelessness which will enrich your knowledge, empathy, and authenticity within the role.

Suggested time commitment: Contributing approximately 3-4 hours each week in the Plymouth office (between our opening hours of Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm) as well as attending 2-3 events throughout the month. The time commitment is flexible and volunteering hours can be agreed around your existing commitments.

Location: This role will take place at the Devon and Cornwall Hub in Plymouth as well as outreach locations within the Devon and Cornwall area.

Supervised by: John Hawton

Why volunteer with Shelter?

A home is a fundamental human right, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, unsuitable housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now. Together with individuals, in communities and across society, we will lead the way for a safe home for all. But we need your help to do it.

Main Tasks can include:

• Establishing and/or maintaining active social media accounts.
• Researching and creating creative content for different social media channels, starting with Twitter and Instagram, with view to expansion (you will have the opportunity to shape the role as you develop).
• Helping develop social media communication plans for sharing information that can help and support the local community.
• Liaising with the team in the Devon and Cornwall hub including to plan and promote national and local Shelter campaigns.
• Identifying current news and issues affecting people locally around housing and benefits

• Identifying target audiences and being up to date with current trends.
• Attending events organised by the Devon and Cornwall Hub to provide updates on social media and/or live tweeting throughout,

Skills and Experiences Required:

• Confident in using technology.
• Competent use of various social media platforms including Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.[RM1] 
• Excellent communication skills.
• A flexible and organised approach.
• Creative.
• Ability to write about relevant issues in an informed and non-bias manner.
• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including Volunteering, Safeguarding, Data Protection and Health & Safety.

Induction, Learning and Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity, Shelter will:

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies and Procedures.
• Provide learning on topics including Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Data Protection.
• Provide an induction to the role and other relevant training.
• Reimburse "out of pocket" expenses in line with Shelter's volunteer expenses policy.

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter

• Being part of Shelter’s Fight for Home.
• Gaining valuable skills and experience and confidence that may be beneficial for future volunteering or employment opportunities.
• Learning more about social media by volunteering alongside the social media team, including how to support a campaign using social media platforms.
• Being part of a great team.
• Learning about housing and homelessness issues

Next steps

Please complete an online application for this role. After you have applied, we will hold an informal recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Please note, after receiving an offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us at volunteering@shelter.org.uk if you require more information.