Family Peer Mentor
Purpose of the role
As a Volunteer Mentor you will empower children and their families to resolve current issues and develop coping strategies for the future; provide a model for a healthy, trusting relationship through clear communication and appropriate boundaries; acknowledge their strengths and talents and encourage them to use them; and be an active listener, offering support and encouragement where appropriate.
What you will be doing
Giving practical, personal and emotional support to help children and families meet assessed needs and promote their health and wellbeing; maintaining clear, confidential records; encouraging parents and carers to be involved in their children's learning, development and wellbeing through tailored interventions (which could include focused group work); maintaining awareness of relevant information and resources; ensuring children, young people and adults are safe at all times with a thorough understanding of CAVS' Safeguarding policies; advising the Designated Person of any safeguarding concerns; supporting emotional wellbeing groups in schools alongside a Family Support Practitioner (if comfortable - discussed at interview); and adhering to information-sharing guidelines.
Skills, experience and qualities
Experience of working with the community, voluntary and school sectors (desirable); awareness of issues affecting children and families (e.g. poverty, bereavement) and ability to signpost to services; an understanding of child development; awareness of local services for adults, children and families; understanding of safeguarding children (training provided); excellent written and oral communication; and empathy for socially excluded families and those not in education, training or employment.
When and where
A minimum of 1 hour per week by phone or face-to-face with your client; consistency and reliability are essential.
Support offered
Full training; support from the Family Mentoring and Volunteer Management teams; regular supervision; volunteer newsletter and updates; agreed expenses covered.
Other
An Enhanced DBS check and two references are required.
Apply for this roleBefriender
Purpose of the role
We need empathetic, flexible volunteers who can spare a minimum of 2 hours per week, on a regular basis, to befriend CAVS service users across Castle Point, Rayleigh and Rochford. Befrienders provide support, empowerment and companionship to people who are isolated or in need of extra help.
What you will be doing
A bespoke service depending on client need - from social home visits and accompanying clients in the community to telephone or written contact. The choice is yours and is discussed during induction training.
Skills, experience and qualities
Good listening and relationship-building skills; enjoy social contact; able to motivate/encourage others; reliability; patience and understanding; a sense of humour.
When and where
Hours to suit the volunteer's availability, discussed at interview.
Support offered
Full training; support from the Befriending and Volunteer team; regular supervision; volunteer newsletter and updates; agreed expenses covered.
Other
A DBS check and two references are required.
Apply for this roleAdmin Support
Purpose of the role
Committed volunteers to provide admin support to our teams for a minimum of two hours per week.
What you will be doing
Maintaining records on databases; contacting people working with, or seeking support from, the team (face-to-face, email or phone); helping keep information up to date; research using websites, phone and email; and other office duties as required.
Skills, experience and qualities
Previous administration experience (desirable); knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word and Excel; database experience beneficial (training can be provided); a polite, confident manner; and an understanding of confidentiality.
When and where
CAVS office, c/o CPBC, Kiln Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 1TF - days and times agreed at interview.
Support offered
Full training; support from the Ways to Wellness and Volunteer team; regular supervision; volunteer newsletter and updates; agreed expenses covered.
Other
A DBS check and two references are required.
Apply for this roleGroup Leaders
Purpose of the role
Volunteers who can spare a minimum of 2 hours per week to help oversee and lead our social groups (for example the Walk, Talk and Be Healthy group and craft group). The role is essential to keeping our social groups running and thriving.
What you will be doing
Facilitating activities; encouraging participation and interaction; ensuring a positive environment; supporting participants; arranging materials for each session; and managing check-in for accurate attendance records.
Skills, experience and qualities
Good verbal and written communication; good organisation; reliability; ability to lone-work and work in a team; understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding.
When and where
Days and times depending on the group.
Support offered
Full training; support from the Volunteer team; volunteer newsletter and updates; agreed expenses covered.
Other
A DBS check and two references are required.
Apply for this role