Job Description Mission Area Officer South East Scotland PART TIME
(MAO(SEScot)
Background/Introduction
The south east coast of Scotland, from Edinburgh in the north to Boulmer in the
south, is home to many hundreds of commercial fishermen. The Fishermen’s
Mission maintains a strong ecumenical Christian presence along the coast in order
to provide emergency, practical welfare and pastoral support to active and retired
fishermen and their families, of all faiths and none.
A number of volunteer Honorary Agents, are planned, mainly drawn from key parts
of the industry, along with other volunteers and supporters to assist in aspects of the
work of the Fishermen’s Mission. MAO (SE Scot) is responsible for planning and
coordinating the work of volunteers to support him/her in their roles. The core work
is peripatetic outreach activities that involve significant amounts of travel around the
area to build relationships, unearth suffering and deprivation and to deliver event or
life changing outcomes for our beneficiaries.
Commercial fishing along this stretch of coast faces many often daunting challenges,
from strict legislation on fisheries, catch size and days at sea to bad weather and
shoe string margins. By some measure, fishing is the most dangerous occupation in
the UK.
The Fishermen’s Mission prides itself on offering a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week,
365 days per year emergency response service. A willingness to respond swiftly to
fishing emergencies and accidents remains at the heart of our purpose. In addition to
our emergency work, the Fishermen’s Mission seeks to provide a comprehensive
welfare service – dealing with the full range of issues. All our staff undertake training
as caseworkers and need to develop skills in assessing need and making relevant
applications for grant support. Most of our port staff work particularly closely with the
Shipwrecked Mariners Society and will usually act as their agents.
The Fishermen’s Mission is motivated by its historic and ongoing commitment to
share the love of God. This is done with deep sensitivity and with a focus on practical
action – “Christianity with its sleeves rolled up”. The Fishermen’s Mission has no
denominational affiliation and an ability to work ecumenically is important. We seek
to work closely in co-operation with local churches in our Christian ministry to the
fishing community. The spiritual support we offer will include a willingness to lead
funerals and other services as appropriate.
This is an exciting and challenging 3 day a week post and the successful candidate
will be part of a dynamic nationwide team at a time of significant development within
the Fishermen’s Mission.
Key responsibilities
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To build strong and proactive relationships with the fishing community, active
and retired, including widows and families
To maintain strong relationships with the wider fishing industry, with key
community leaders and relevant organisations – especially RNLI and
Coastguard
To maintain a programme of harbour and boat visits
To offer welfare support and advice, including at home and in hospital as
appropriate
To arrange financial support and make grant applications where required
To provide leadership and support to local Fishermen’s Mission staff,
Honorary Agents and volunteers
To explore, in discussion with Head Office, the possibility of special projects
which might be relevant to the area
To maintain strong relationships with local churches and appropriate
community groups
To lead and preach at funerals and other services as requested
To liaise closely with Fishermen’s Mission colleagues
To attend Fishermen’s Mission conferences and undertake appropriate
training as required
To maintain close contact with Head Office and to fulfil administrative tasks as
required
To lead port fundraising in your area
The Mission Area Officer is expected to wear the Fishermen’s Mission uniform.
Desirable qualities
The following would be an asset
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An ability to relate to people with confidence and ease
Some experience of welfare work and advice
Some experience of preaching and public speaking
Familiarity with basic IT, especially e-mail
Kindness, warmth, compassion
Organisational and administrative abilities
Confidence to work independently
An ability to motive and support a team
A willingness to explore new ideas and develop projects
The Fishermen’s Mission is a Christian Organisation. It is an
occupational requirement that the person appointed to the post is a
practicing Christian.
It is important that candidates are able to drive and have use of a car
Appropriate training opportunities will be provided and will include visits to other
ports.
Practicalities
Appointment: Permanent part time contract for 3 days p.w. with a twelve month
probationary period
Salary: £17,515.05 per annum.
Holiday entitlement: 15 days per annum plus statutory bank holidays
Pension scheme: The Fishermen’s Mission offers auto enrolment in the Group
Personal Pension Scheme after completion of 3 months service.
Life Assurance: Offered to employees on joining the Group Personal Pension
Scheme
Uniform: Will be provided
Line management: The successful applicant will be responsible to the Chief
Executive.
Application and interviews
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Application forms are available on the Fishermen’s Mission’s website
www.fishmermensmission.org.uk or via Hanna Taylor at
hannataylor@fishermensmission.org.uk
The closing date for applications will be Thursday 3 September
Interviews will be held at Eyemouth on Friday 11 September.
As an organisation The Fishermen’s Mission, takes seriously our commitment to
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. As such, appointment will be subject to
satisfactory references and DBS/ PVG checks.
Aug 2015