Volunteer

Description

The Community Substance Misuse Team (CSMT) service was set up in 2012 as a multi-disciplinary team, within the suite of services managed by CASP www.casp.ie/csmt-services and funded through the HSE and Mid-West Regional Drug and Alcohol Forum (MWRDAF).

The role of the Communications and Social Media volunteer is to build an online and written media presence through real world experience promoting the community and business activities of CSMT. In partnership with the Communications & Marketing lead of the CSMT (CEO/Team Leader) you will develop brand awareness using a variety of social media platforms and deliver email marketing within a Public Relations strategy.

The volunteer position would suit a student from a marketing or media-related course of study who is looking to gain ‘hands-on’ real life and practical experience in social media and marketing. The person must be able to provide evidence and references (personal or professional) to support their experience.

Is training provided?: Yes

Please note that Garda Vetting is required for this position which will be processed with you after you apply.

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

CASP CSMT provides a range of community services and interventions; social, recreation, sport, education, and the successful candidate will assist in designing the message and delivering it to our community network.

The aim is to increase awareness of our services to a wider audience and develop the strategy to grow our communication channels and attract new partnership/collaboration opportunities by developing CASP CSMT’s social media presence with a particular focus on:

• keeping our social media platforms updated, ideally at least bi-weekly
• encouraging others to comment on our posts and share them
• creating a hashtag database to support the marketing strategy
• review, redesign if necessary and increase the numbers of people following our posts on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube and website.
• building the CASP CSMT brand

Furthermore, supporting the design and delivery of social media objectives and targets as well as undertaking the following projects:

Public Relations: contributing to a press release and/or newsletter weekly/bi-weekly/monthly/quarterly, with a view to generating media coverage; responding to any resulting media interest and working with the CEO/Team Leader Communications & Marketing lead to obtain the necessary information, photographs and interviews if required. The Communications and Social Media volunteer will be expected to partake in SWOT analysis sessions and marketing meetings with the aim of setting strategies and objectives for social media strategy/campaigns.

Skills required for this role:

The volunteer position would suit a student from a marketing or media related course of study who is looking to gain ‘hands-on’ real life and practical experience in social media and marketing. The person must be able to provide evidence and references (personal or professional) to support their experience.

This role would suit someone who:

• has a clear rationale for volunteering and is seeking a self-directed learning opportunity.
• has experience of marketing and social media, either through education, work, volunteering and can be from personal use.
• has experience of using social media platforms and other online tools to generate interest in a business, a project, or a community interest and includes Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube and the organisation website.
• is an excellent communicator with a broad range of audiences
• is able to write clearly, accurately, and concisely
• can be flexible with their time: we envisage a volunteer will spend a short time each week (although not necessarily every day) supporting the design of a communications strategy for the CEO of CASP and roll out on social media channels. This can be a hybrid arrangement of face-to-face and remotely.
• is willing to attend occasional events and workshops with a view to reporting on them.
• is creative, connected, and can engage with business and community development.
• has their own equipment and software to deliver the requirements as these are not provided.
• is able to work within the CASP CSMT’s policies and practice relating to good governance, behaviour and conduct online or in person.
• is aware of the sensitive nature and the social challenges of the sector that CASP CSMT operates in.

Details of time commitment needed for role:
We would like to recruit a volunteer for 2 hours per week (negotiable), for a period of six months (initially) with a bi-weekly performance and operational review built into the placement. Can be flexible with their time: we envisage a volunteer will spend a short time each week (although not necessarily every day) supporting the design of a communications strategy for the Board of CASP and roll out on social media channels. This can be a hybrid arrangement of face-to-face and remote working.

Minimum time commitment per week:
2 hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role:
If you are interested in this position, apply via studentvolunteer.ie for the attention of Mike Walsh with your CV and covering letter, listing your relevant experience in a marketing and social media role, and your previous use of social media platforms. The plan is to screen applications, conduct interviews and carry out vetting prior to any appointment. An induction will be provided that includes an orientation of the business and operations. Any available training that can be sourced and resourced that is relevant to your role will be considered by the board.