Advertised from 21 July 2025

Role

About Simon Community Scotland

People are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Day-by-day, person-to-person, we tailor what we offer to what people need. We're here to provide consistent, friendly and informed support so that people can explore options and take 'the next step' towards a positive future. We welcome people with a wide range of skills and experiences – including those who have lived through homelessness.

To make a difference we need to work flexibly, with everyday leadership, humour and a 'can do' spirit. We want to make it easy, make it right, and make it happen – not only for the people we support but also for each other. Our #OneTeam ethos is core to who we are, and it means caring for and supporting each other regardless of our role, service or location.

For people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, Streetreads has provided a lifeline. The library provides a safe and welcoming space for people experiencing extreme poverty and deprivation to access literature, resources, educational materials, and human connection. Our aim is to empower and uplift individuals facing tough realities by offering them an opportunity for personal growth, learning, and a sense of belonging.

Job Purpose

The Simon Community is Scotland's leading homeless charity. We are creative and innovative. We get things done with care and compassion that make a difference to our community, being true to our values. We are a community of staff, volunteers and the people that we support.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about changing expectations and experiences of people we support, many of whom have experienced significant trauma, exclusion and stigma. They often engage in risk taking behaviours that put their physical and mental health, and their lives at risk. Despite the challenges they face they have incredible resilience, survival skills and a wicked sense of humour. They know what a good, and not so good service looks like.

The concept of Streetreads came from a remarkable woman called Rachel Cowan. Rachel asked a young woman on the streets of Edinburgh if she could buy her a sandwich. She was surprised when the woman declined the offer of food and instead asked for a book. From this encounter, Streetreads was born. Before long, Rachel had a team of friends and volunteers collecting books and handing them out to people experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh. This unique outreach service allowed many people with a passion and desire to read to reconnect with their love for books, free from stigma or judgement.

In 2018, Rachel and Simon Community Scotland combined our mutual desire to reach more people and help make more connections. Rachel’s wish for a Streetreads library was discussed, and we decided to make this dream a reality.

Streetreads is now open 6 days a week for people who need it. Thanks to incredible support from the community, and our partnerships with a number of Edinburgh bookshops, Streetreads boasts a wonderful and up to date selection of books. People are able to take out new books and resources without having to present any ID or return the books. As well as having a library, Streetreads is also a space where we run a number of psychosocial groups, events, and co-production workshops. We’re delighted that people can access this safe and welcoming space to read, relax, and benefit from a wide variety of support.

Job Summary

Over the past 2 years, Street Reads developed exponentially. We increased from 1 drop-in session per week, to being open 6 days and providing up to 200 supports per week. 

Through conversations with people we support, and constant evaluation, we have created a multipurpose space that promotes education, community, and inclusiveness while working within the principles of harm reduction and human rights. Our biggest lesson from the last two years is that a library can’t be just a library. Streetreads has developed beyond a library, becoming a space that fosters community and connection. 

We meet people where they are at and create the opportunities to discover where they can be. The world of books and learning creates a world of opportunity.

It provides a safe and welcoming space for people to access:

• Educational resources
• Mental health projects for vulnerable groups
• A safe and inclusive non-transactional space
• Digital inclusion drop in
• Community engagement
• Interactive workshops
• Support from a number of partner organisations
• Psychosocial group work
• Hope and purpose

Streetreads has become an important part of the support we provide in Edinburgh, and we believe a project worker is now essential for the success and sustainability of Streetreads. We want to ensure Streetreads remains a transformative and inclusive space for people experiencing homelessness and poverty. This will be a multi-faceted role and a great opportunity for development. 

As well as providing support, helping to facilitate groups, and keeping the space organised, there will also be an opportunity for the successful candidate to influence the growth of the space through creating new partnerships, managing volunteers, and expanding the library's programs such as workshops and activities. Additionally, they will play a key role in gathering feedback, tracking outcomes, and driving the library’s growth by adapting services to emerging needs. By addressing practical barriers such as literacy or digital skills, we can empower people we support to access resources effectively while maintaining a safe, welcoming environment free from stigma. Ultimately the successful candidate will help to ensure the library fulfils its mission to provide hope, belonging, and pathways to personal growth for those most in need.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities in this post are as follows:

• Day to day organisation of Streetreads library and activities
• Support a team of dedicated volunteers to plan, promote and deliver these activities, projects and events
• Play and active part in volunteer training and development
• Creating and maintaining partnerships with the aim of developing the space and establishing pathways and choices for the people we support
• Maintain and develop the library’s book collection through partnerships with Edinburgh bookshops
• Help design and facilitate workshops and author events
• Help maintain and develop the unique trauma informed space to meet the emerging needs of the people we support and partner agencies
• Help maintain the health and safety protocols and management of the building including building checks
• Collecting data and maintaining accurate records of groups and drop-ins 
• Keeping stock of supplies and ordering things in when needed
• Working closely with CSC and WSY and helping to facilitate groups
• Helping to facilitate library drop-in sessions
• Creating promotional materials for the library and workshops
• Developing Streetread’s Outreach Provision
• Put people at the heart of what we do; co-production and codesign with supported people 
• Other related activities that may arise as the role develops

Person Specification

Training & Qualifications 

Essential: 

• Excellent command and highly proficient in spoken and written English
• A knowledge and passion for literature and creative arts
• Excellent communication and digital skills

Desirable:

• Evidence of building partnerships
• Experience of Fundraising/Sales
• Good Digital Literacy
• Experience

Essential:

• Setting up processes and procedures within the workplace
• Building positive networks and connections
• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment which requires quick decision making
• Comfortable delivering events and group activities

Desirable:

• Experience in writing project plans and reports
• Experience in data management tasks
• Experience working in a team based in multiple locations
• Experience of managing volunteers

Knowledge & Skills

Essential:

• Fully committed to Simon Community Scotland’s Mission and Values
• Able to approach your role and tasks with an empathetic and non-judgmental attitude
• Ability to work with people in a way that takes into consideration their individual and cultural beliefs
• Good communication and people skills

Desirable:

• Knowledge of promoting events and building an audience
• Community Engagement with stakeholders, businesses
• Creating Effective Partnerships
• Data Collection, Monitoring and Evaluation
• Personal

Essential:

• Be a positive person who leads by example
• Have a willingness to learn and adapt to each situation

Desirable:

• Existing relationships with creative arts organisations within Edinburgh

Application notes

Please visit our website to apply for this role.

Closing Date- 31/07/2025