Digital Helpline Volunteer Roles in Home Based

At Teenage Helpline, we are a tight-knit community of people who are passionate about make a difference in the lives of young people across the UK �� 

Teenage Helpline is an online peer-to-peer mentoring service for young people. We can act as the first stepping-stone for young people who do not feel comfortable seeking support for themselves, or who need a listening ear to help them cope with personal issues. 

All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers. We have great systems in place to allow our employees and volunteers to get to know each other, work effectively together and do great work! 

We are a flexible organisation that values the contributions of everyone. We will never ask more from our volunteers and employees than they can give, but we are sure to celebrate and recognise their efforts. 

About the role

As a Digital Innovations Developer, you’ll be part of our dynamic team dedicated to uncovering the next big digital breakthroughs.

The role involves communication with other Teenage Helpline team members; researching new technologies; reviewing and updating existing application portfolio; prototyping; developing solutions; creating technology education and awareness material for volunteers and cross-team collaboration.

Responsibilities 

• Turn concepts into reality. Build prototypes, test hypotheses, and iterate.
• Strong familiarity with and use of Microsoft 365 and Azure products.
• Exploring new opportunities with low/no code products such as those in the Microsoft portfolio, making the most of opportunities to provide more value for the charity.
• Investigate emerging technologies that could have a use case within our charity, primarily supporting our volunteers.
• Develop and maintain web and mobile solutions using cutting-edge technologies. 
• Create responsive, user-friendly interfaces.
• Develop technology use cases and collaborate with stakeholders to implement solutions and update existing applications and processes.
• Create awareness around new technologies being adopted by the charity, highlighting value.
• Engage in cross-disciplinary discussions, brainstorming sessions.
• Promote best practices such as adhering to the project's software development lifecycle requirements.
• Reporting key updates and results to the Digital Innovations Development Team Lead.
• Identify opportunities for new solutions and improvements in Teenage Helpline’s IT infrastructure and operations.

Skills 

• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn about Teenage Helpline’s IT systems and processes.
• Passion for researching new technologies, presenting how they can create value for Teenage Helpline’s operations through use cases.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Organisational skills and the ability to ensure set tasks are delivered on time.
• Ability to plan and manage time effectively.
• Experience working with others in a team.
• Software engineering, programming, website development and software development understanding.
• Strong familiarity with and use of Microsoft 365 and Azure products.
• Understanding of relevant software engineering and security by design principles such as the Software Development Lifecycle and OWASP.

Our mission is to make Teenage Helpline the best charity in the UK. To build inclusive processes, we need to build an inclusive team. Please know that this list is indicative and that we would still love to hear from you even if you feel you only are a 75% match. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot. We promote a diverse and inclusive culture at TeenageHelpline.

The Process

Our hiring process typically has three stages 

1. Video or Written Application (when applicable) 
2. Interview with the Talent Team
3. Interview with the Hiring Manager 

Some roles will have extra stages but we’ll let you know as early as possible if so.

Please let us know if you require any accommodations for the interview process, and we’ll do our best to assist.

We are seeking to appoint a new Trustee to provide strategic oversight and leadership for the organisation, particularly in the area of IT, Digital, and Technology.

The purpose of your role is to work alongside the other trustees to ensure that the Association is working towards its charitable purposes, is complying with all applicable rules and laws, and is making best use of its resources to achieve its aims. We are specifically looking for someone to provide us with the expertise to oversee our exciting digital transformation, product development and overall cybersecurity. 

Being a charity trustee with the Association is a rewarding experience and gives a unique opportunity to support and shape a national mental health charity at the highest level. Now is an exciting time to join us as we have recently begun the transition from a volunteer-led organisation to a staff-led model, which is opening up new opportunities. 

Trustees have legal responsibility for the Association’s management and administration. They are ultimately responsible for the Association’s work and are accountable to both the Association’s legal members and its regulators such as the Charity Commission for the good governance of the Association.

Trustees take considered and informed decisions in the best interests of the Association. Trustees are not expected to be experts on all areas of their work but are expected to seek guidance and support where necessary and to bring their own knowledge and experience to contribute to discussions.

You can find out more about being a Charity Trustee from the Charity Commission, the Scottish Charity Regulator and the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• Eligible to be a Company Director & Charity Trustee

Experience

• Professional experience in an IT/Digital/Technology Field, such as (but not limited to):
  • Software development
  • Cybersecurity
  • Technical programme/product management. 
  • Engineering management. 
  • Managing/overseeing technology-related projects, including financial components.

Competencies

• Excellent communicator, verbal and written – approachable, clear and professional
• Strategic and creative approach – not being afraid to change the way we do things to improve outcomes
• A strong team-player – a contributor of opinion and thoughts, whilst having the ability to collaborate and be accepting of others views
• Logical approach to decision making – ensuring difficult decisions are taken calmly on the best available information, and with the beneficiaries of the charity in mind

Knowledge

• Familiar with public Cloud technologies. 
• Familiar with modern software development principles (SDLC, DevOps)

Values

• Commitment to the vision and aims of Nightline Association
• Commitment to equality and diversity – seeking to ensure that Nightline best reflects the population it serves at all levels
• Professional integrity – leading a culture of honesty, openness, fairness and trust
• Willingness to give the minimum time commitment

Desirable Criteria

Experience

• Strategy / business management with the ability to plan and develop the charity
• Previous experience with a telephone helpline or mental health charity (or similar)
• Managing and engaging volunteers and/or young people
• Previous experience as a company director and/or charity trustee

Knowledge

• Understanding of the Nightline movement and/or the wider student mental health sector

ABOUT THE ROLE

As part of our Community Support team, you will play a key role in ensuring the fulfilment of our users' needs by sharing information about our services, projects, and activities; this takes place in person, through our digital channels and helpline. Additionally, you will be responsible for keeping up to date information about other services and partner organisations. The primary challenge faced by the Latin American community is the language barrier, which hinders their comprehension of the UK system and their entitlements. Taking part in the Community Interpreting service, you will support service users in navigating these obstacles, enabling them to establish a more integrated life in the UK. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to better understand the challenges faced by the Latin American community in London; use their language skills in a positive and impactful way; and develop valuable administrative and customer service skills in a multicultural, fast-paced organisation.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

● Connecting service users to our services, projects and activities in person or by answering phone calls and emails

● Supporting users with general enquiries, referring them to relevant services within our organisation as well as signposting and referring to external services

● Registering users on our database and keeping accurate records of services offered

● Monitoring internal calendars and appointments

● Sharing useful, up-to-date information with users as instructed by other team members

● Ensuring internal communications, flyers and handouts are up to date

● Interpreting calls for service users and supporting with non-official translations

● Supporting community members with basic application forms

● Liaising with staff in other departments and with external contacts

PERSON SPECIFICATION

● Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish and/or Portuguese

● Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and with a diverse population of service users, staff and partners

● A caring, sensitive and non-judgemental approach

● Ability to cope with stressful and emotionally challenging issues

● Professionalism to handle sensitive and confidential information

● Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to multitask

● Ability to set their own work priorities, take initiatives and work with minimal supervision

About Pain Concern

 Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work. All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results 

Purpose of Volunteer Role

This role supports our aim in delivering pain education in our communities and providing access to high quality resources to those who may not have digital access. As an ambassador you will provide tailored information on pain management services available in the local health board area and Signpost to any other support services in the community. Promote the concept of supported self-management as a recommended, effective intervention for chronic pain. Help make a difference to people living with pain by providing a powerful platform to hear the views and experiences for the all too often, voiceless patients. Due to the nature of the role, successful applicants will be required to undertake a PVG check.

What would you be doing 

• Have personal experience of chronic pain (e.g., a diagnosis or experience of supporting a family member or friend).

• Representing Pain Concern in a professional manner

• Build a network with local GP surgeries, NHS health board.

• Attend Pain Management groups (virtually or in person), to highlight long term support options.

• Making conversation with members of the public as appropriate, and answering questions about the charity’s work.

• Signpost to helpline, Pain Concern information leaflets, Airing Pain etc

• Carry out research into community groups, local events and businesses in your area, so that you can contact them to attend fayres, exhibitions etc

• Attend cheque presentations and local events officially thanking donors and hosts for their support

• Adhere to Pain Concern’s policies and procedures at all times, including Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality;

• Attend training and volunteer meetings

• Keep your Volunteer Manager up to date on your activities, including the contacts you’ve made and talks that you’ve arranged. 

Is this role right for me

 We are looking for an individual who possesses some or all of the below experiences, skills and qualities.

• Friendly, positive and outgoing personality

• Tenacity and enthusiasm for sourcing opportunities in your community

• Enthusiasm and interest in chronic pain and the work we do

• Good communication skills, including public speaking

• Strong organisational skills, and an ability to work on own initiative and be proactive

• Access to the Internet and confidence in using it

• A good local knowledge

• Flexibility 

Availability and location

Minimum commitment of 6 months. Minimum 2-3 hours per week. By becoming one of our Community Ambassadors, you will travel in and around your geographical area to meet support groups and attend events and from our office at Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh EH15 3HS 

Benefits to you 

• Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team

• Meet new people

• Build on your employability skills

• Training and a dedicated volunteer line manager looking after you

• A job reference after 6 months of volunteering.

• Satisfaction of giving a valuable service to the community

• On-site car parking

• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy

How do I apply

Download and complete an application form via the volunteering page on our website. For more information about this role please contact us via our website.

Thank you for wanting to find out more about becoming a member of Age UK Lambeth’s Board. 

Our Board members are unpaid volunteers called trustees. They fill an essential role in ensuring our charity improves the lives of older and vulnerable people around the borough of Lambeth. We hope that this pack lets you know more about the charity, the role of a trustee and how to apply to become one. 

We currently have seven Board members with space for up to five more. We want to find people who have a desire to direct services that enable lives to be changed for the better.   We want to increase the diversity of the Board bringing different life experiences which match the Lambeth community, broad and diverse as it is. Ideally we want people that bring new skills and experience or enhance those already in place, but this is not essential. It’s not necessary to have previous Board experience.

Please check the Recruitment Pack attached.

We look forward to hearing from you!

How to apply? Whilst we want the application process to be simple, it is for us, a small local charity, a big decision. We need to make sure we have the right people on our Board, which means the process is not necessarily the quickest, but we hope at every point it helps ensure you are doing the right thing for you and us, by becoming one of our Board members. To get the process started, please send us your CV with a covering letter explaining why you think you would make a good Board member for Age UK Lambeth. Be clear about how you think your skills and/or experience will contribute to the effective governance of the charity. We are running a rolling recruitment programme, but if you can get us your application by 17th May you will be in time for our first tranche of interviews with shortlisted candidates, w/c 27th May. Following a successful interview you will be invited to attend a Board meeting as an observer. This gives you a chance to get a proper feel for whether being on our Board is for you. If both parties are happy after that, then you can be appointed as one of our new Trustees.

Lead Volunteer Role Description

• To update the Volunteers’ Rota from the Court diary and ensure that each Volunteer in the team and the CCSS office has a copy. Wherever possible, the Rota should be kept on a computer for updating and emailed to the rest of the team and the office. 

• Ensure sufficient numbers of Volunteers are on duty for effective and appropriate support for bereaved families and witnesses who attend the Inquests.

• To arrange and re-arrange the Rota between the Volunteers, noting any holiday or leave of absence dates.

• Ensure a finalised Rota is sent to the office at the end of each month in order for volunteer expenses to be checked and processed.

• To ensure that all the Volunteers have each other’s contact details and the Volunteer emergency contact details are included in the court file and updated when changes occur.

• To ensure monthly and yearly statistics are kept up to date and to send the Monthly Statistics to the Volunteer who collates the stats at the end of each month.

• To ensure there are sufficient Report Forms for the Volunteers’ use if collecting stats in paper format.  If alternative methods of collecting stats are used, to ensure that the team are all using the same method.

• To inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office of the need for more Volunteers or of any leavers.

• To assist with the recruitment interviews and induction of new Volunteers.

• Responsible for the support of new Volunteers and their final sign off.  Where the Lead Volunteer has concerns about the level of support required or the competency of a new Volunteer, they should refer those concerns to the Operations & Training Manager.

• To organise Volunteer team meetings (minimum of 3 meetings per year) and to inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office via email of the dates of these so they can attend if necessary/appropriate.

• To immediately refer any serious concerns raised by the Coroner or Coroner’s Officers to the CEO.

• To inform the CEO immediately of any issues or concerns that arises at the Court that might impact on the CCSS.

• To provide local information for the Helpline Court Information Sheet when requested.

• To ensure the team follow the practices of the court and work in partnership with the court staff.
• To forward any testimonials about the support provided by our volunteers to the CCSS office.

• Responsibility for maintaining the stock of CCSS leaflets.

• Organise cover for themselves when they are on holiday or need to take time off.

SLDAS OCN Accredited Volunteer Training Programme

SLDAS is a local organisation working in South Liverpool. We support women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse. We are a small team and are busier than ever and we need volunteers to help us reach all the women who we support. Have you got some time to give us?

All volunteers complete our Open College Network training programme that is accredited with Open Awards. Our aim is to provide trainee volunteers with the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to enable them to work with women who are currently experiencing domestic abuse or have experienced it in the past.