Current vacancies

We are always looking for people who want to make a difference! If you are interested in working for us please download the job application here: opokaciojobapplication.docx

Become an Opoka Trustee and join our Board of Trustees!

We are looking for TRUSTEES with a wide range of skills and experience, including experience gained in communities in the West of England.

We are particularly keen to find individuals with skills in the areas of:

·        governance,

·        finance,

·        policy development,

·        marketing and communications in the charity and voluntary sectors.

This is an exciting time to join OPOKA.

We are embarking on a new three-year strategic plan to continue to grow as a grassroots organisation, adapting our work to keep pace with a changing world and changing needs.

This is a voluntary role that requires one to attend a minimum of 4 Trustees meetings per year with a total time of 10 hours per calendar year.

Secretary of the Board of Opoka

We are looking for a person for the position of Secretary of the Board of Opoka

The task of the secretary of the board of the organization is:

• Attending quarterly meetings
• Preparing and sending the agenda;
• Accurate recording of minutes of board meetings;
• Communication with board members.

Time required: Working time - 12 hours per year
Salary - Voluntary position.

Volunteer Coordinator

Would you like to acquire new skills, or do you already have experience in managing people? We are looking for a person for the position of - Volunteer Coordinator. We need a person with excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills, who has the confidence to develop and manage volunteers.

Contract: Permanent to start with a 3-month probationary period for you and the Opoka CIO to get to know our organisation and each other.

Salary: £22,573 per annum based on 37.5 hours per week, pro-rated to 8 hours.

Actual amount: £4,813.12 per annum

Hours of work: Part-time

Hours: 8 per week, there is potential to increase hours to 16 per week

Holidays: 28 days paid holiday is offered, including bank holidays + IWD on a full-time basis, in which case the holiday will be pro-rated at 8 hours per week.

Location: Bristol & South Gloucestershire

Current responsibilities include:

• Leading the development of the volunteer pathway.
• Recruiting new volunteers - proactively working to diversify our volunteer base and supporting project participants to increase engagement with Opoka CIO through volunteering.
• Liaise with potential new volunteers and refer them to appropriate tasks based on project needs.
• Coordinate and deliver training and development programs for volunteers. Review and develop the volunteering experience at Opoka.
• Regular community events for volunteers.
• Liaising with the operations manager to effectively coordinate and develop volunteers.
• Manage communication channels with volunteers (emails and WhatsApp).
• Overseeing and reviewing all volunteer activities.
• Liaising with the community/voluntary sector; developing relationships with partner organisations.

Helpline Volunteer
Volunteers can be an essential part of the work we do at OPOKA. With appropriate training, support, and supervision volunteers learn and grow while offering compassionate, real-time support to women experiencing domestic abuse — over the phone through our Helpline service.
The candidate should have excellent communication skills in Polish and English. It happens that our helpline is very often called by English-speaking professionals therefore is a need for fluent communication in English and the ability to take notes and record information electronically in English.

***This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9 and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 applies. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Safe House Support Worker

Safe House Housing Officer 

We are looking for a Safe House Support Worker and Safe House Housing Officer with communicative Polish and English to join our team.

Salary: £25,500 - £27,00 pro-rata per annum ***depending on qualifications and experience.

Contract: 22.5 hours per week 

This role is for someone who wants to learn something new, has a lot of empathy, and would like to make a positive difference to the lives of women and their children.

As a Safe Home Support Worker, you will be responsible for providing high-quality practical and emotional support to people who have experienced domestic abuse and their children living in our homes.

You will ensure the smooth running of the safe home, including admitting women and their children into the home. You will also assess their needs and advise them on their entitlements to welfare and housing benefits.

You will develop support plans for each woman and her children and assist them in obtaining permanent accommodation from city resources or the private rental housing market. We would prefer a candidate who communicates well in Polish and English and knows the importance of maintaining boundaries and professional confidentiality.

Candidates who already have experience working in social care or as a carer (Health & Care Assistant) and experience in providing emotional support to traumatised people are welcome.

Training in domestic violence legislation, including civil/criminal law and guardianship laws is provided. Flexibility and willingness to work 'ad hoc' in the event of necessary sickness or holiday replacement and occasional evening work in emergency/crisis situations is essential.

·        We offer a competitive salary and annual promotion,

·        28 days annual leave increasing to 30 days + International Women's Day

·        Pension scheme at NEST which includes employer contribution and health scheme

·        Westfield Health Scheme and life insurance.

***This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9 and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 applies. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.