Volunteer Befriender

Reporting to: Sarah Davidson

The Deafness Resource Centre has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and the promotion the welfare of adults, children and young people.

The Volunteer Befriender will:

• Encourage the client to participate in activities and become less isolated
• Promote the development of confidence and self esteem through participation of activities

Volunteer Befrienders may be asked to undertake and agree to the following:

1. Arrange a time and date with the client which is mutually convenient to meet and participate in activities
2. Aid communication and encourage participation with the clients chosen activity
3. To follow all the Deafness Resource Centres policies i.e. lone working, safeguarding, health & safety etc
4. To assist in planning, developing and delivering a successful befriending programme
5. To report any concerns regarding the client immediately to the Outreach worker
6. Respect the clients wishes and needs and positively promote equal opportunities
7. To attend meetings and training sessions as appropriate.
8. To undertake such other duties as may become necessary from time to time.

Person Specification

The qualities and experience that we are looking for in people who apply are as follows:

• Some understanding of the D/deaf community
• Ability to work as part of a small team, be adaptable and self-disciplined in an informal working environment
• Good communication skills
• Commitment to the Deafness Resource Centre’s Equal Opportunities policy
• Commitment to the Deafness Resource Centre’s policies on safeguarding.

We are looking for volunteers who have a positive attitude and approach and who demonstrate the following personal attributes:

• Sense of humour/Easy going
• Positive outlook
• Enthusiastic
• Persistence to follow up issues
• Patience
• A non-judgemental attitude
• Reliable
• Committed to equal opportunities
• Willingness

The following skills would be an advantage but are not essential:

• Experience of working with the D/deaf community
• A qualification in BSL
• Be motivated, and able to take instruction well

Job location

Volunteers will work in the client’s home, the local community and from the centre – Deafness Resource Centre, 32 – 40 Dentons Green Lane, St Helens, WA10 2QB.

Expenses

Travel expenses will be paid.

Other information

Due to the nature of the work the provisions of Section 4(2) of the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act do not apply. Information about convictions, which for other purposes are “spent” must therefore be disclosed. Successful applicants will need to give permission for an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check to be made.