Parent Mentor Job Description Overview:

 The INclude Parent included program matches parent mentors, who themselves have attended the Include parent training and have a desire to be peer mentors to other parents, thereby enabling the INclude programme to develop a community of well informed, empowered and inspired parents pan London and beyond. The purpose of the program is to support parents who have children in schools and all alternative provisions in understanding and navigating the education systems.

Position Summary: Focusing on the goal of enhancing and improving permanency outcomes for families, Parent Mentors are role models who provide guidance based on a combination of training and personal first-hand experience. Empowering and coaching parents through the process with a CEN parents toolkit is an important aspect of this work. 

Skills and Abilities:

1. Values working in a multicultural/diverse work environment.

2. Strong commitment to the population served by the program and to seeing parents succeed.

 3. Ability to communicate in a professional manner, both orally and in writing.

4. Ability to advocate for others.

5. Organizational and time management skills.

6. Ability to maintain professional boundaries and to handle confidential information.

7. Openness to feedback and supervision.

8. Ability to handle sensitive information and situations in a calm and professional manner.

9. Ability to work from a strengths-based perspective in motivating parents to make a change.

10. Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team.

Other Requirements: Passing a criminal background check Complete confidentiality training and sign confidentiality statement

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develop a trusting relationship with assigned parents.

2. Regular contact and visits with parents.

3. Support parents in developing positive parenting skills.

4. Support parents with treatment services and community resources as needed.

5. Support parents in making positive choices.

6. Empower parents to advocate for themselves and their family.

7. Coach parents in understanding the boundaries and expectations of the education system.

8. Attend regular conferences with program supervisor.

10. Attend scheduled mentor support group meetings.

11. Document contacts and visits with parents.

12. Attend all trainings as required.

13. Maintain confidential information.

14. Facilitate training as required.

15. Participate in advisory committees as required.

16. Give presentations to various community groups.

17. Models and encourages direct, professional communication.

Education and Experience Requirements

1. Ability to read and write in English at High School level or its equivalent.

3.  Working Conditions: 1. Possible interactions with individuals who are using drugs and/or alcohol. 2. Possible exposure to upset, angry, severely traumatized or emotionally disturbed children, adolescents, parents and extended families. 3. Possible evening and week-end duties. 4. May be visiting parents in environments such as homes and schools.

JOB TITLE:  Volunteer  Mentor

RESPONSIBLE TO:  Mentor Co-ordinator

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

What we are looking for: We are looking for dependable, personable, enthusiastic, and confident volunteers to provide mentoring support to children and young people.

Essential skills, abilities and knowledge:

• A mature mind and attitude
• Honest
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to engage in ‘active’ listening
• Good organisational skills 
• Solution-focused
• Assertive and resilient
• A non-judgemental attitude
• Able to empathise with others 
• Able to work collaboratively with other agencies and organisations

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

Mentors compliment the role of school teachers and pastoral staff by working with pupils who are experiencing difficulties in learning arising from social exclusion, bullying, abuse, absence, punctuality and poor/challenging behaviour. Mentors work on a group or one-to-one basis with students in primary and secondary education and seek to add value to the school curriculum, particularly in the area of student support. Mentors should have good working knowledge of the Children’s & Families Act 2014 and its key principles.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To provide practical and academic support to students identified as underachieving or experiencing difficulties within the learning environment.
• Agreeing and creating action plans
• Making home visits to engage with parents about issues and explore possible strategies to overcome the problems presented by their child(ren).
• Liaising with education practitioners, social workers, educational psychologists and making referrals, where appropriate
• Organizing and running drop-in sessions and extra-curricular events to engage the ‘disengaged’ and promote learning
• Assisting children/young people with any transitions that occur during their school careers
• Helping students to improve confidence and raise self-esteem by listening to them and working with them to devise appropriate strategies.

TRAINING AND SUPPORT

• Willingness to attend a relevant series of initial induction and preparatory training sessions.
• Willingness to attend supervision sessions with the Co-ordinator of the Mentor service, as required.
• Willingness to attend local support and peer supervision sessions.
• Willingness to attend additional training as and when agreed by the Co-ordinator of the Mentor service

Location and Commitment:

We are based in a friendly office at Wapping in Tower Hamlet, we welcome applications from all sectors and background. We are looking for someone who can initially commit to one day a week, but must be Monday to Friday.

We reimburse genuine out of pocket travel expenses( London Zones) to and from place of work.

Buckinghamshire Mind works to support and represent people with mental health problems living across the county. We tackle stigma and discrimination head-on. We support our service-users to live safe, purposeful and fulfilled lives in our communities. We believe in their recovery and are hopeful about their future. Working together with national Mind we will not give up until everyone in our community gets the respect and help they need.

Volunteer Opportunity:  Music Wellbeing Volunteer  -   Guitar Player (or similar)

Location:  Chesham

Times: Tuesdays 3.00pm - 4.30pm

Opportunity:

An enthusiastic guitar player (or similar) is sought to assist the wellbeing team to facilitate a musical and motivating service.  Activities enable mentally unwell service users to achieve their wellness goals through the use of musical instruments and singing.

Activities may include:

• Involvement with musical opportunities with a focus on wellbeing and recovery in response to identified service user requests

• Playing musical instruments and singing to increase service users confidence, self esteem and desire to try new things.

Other

• Maintain strict confidentiality concerning all Buckinghamshire Mind matters
• Follow Bucks Minds safeguarding policies and procedures at all times
• Support equality and diversity principles
• All volunteering opportunities require References and will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

Contact

If this volunteering opportunity is of interest to you, please contact us for further information.

The Next Steps Personal Support service is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to provide 1:1 or 2:1 support to young people living in Surrey, aged 8 - 25 years old, who have a disability or learning difficulty.

The service aims to empower young people by: improving their independence; enabling them to have new experiences; providing opportunities to socialise and make friendships; and giving them a voice to express their views on services, community resources and issues that affect their lives.

The weekly time commitment of the volunteer role is flexible, depending upon the volunteer’s availability. The role involves spending a minimum of one hour a week with a young person, to help deliver the services outlined below.

The service offers individual tailored packages for young people based on their assessed needs. Support is offered Surrey-wide and can be provided on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis (where necessary) between 7am and 10pm, 7 days a week.

Services can include:

• Life skills
• Building self-esteem and independence
• Access to leisure and community activities
• Travel training
• Transition support
• Social and communication support
• Attending appointments and meetings
• Low level healthcare tasks
• Advocacy for child protection conferences or annual reviews
• Assistance in job applications and interviews

Key activities of volunteers include:

• Being involved in the running of tailored 1:1 support for disabled children and young people across the county
• Helping to promote the young people's independence, skills levels and choice
• Supporting in helping to develop awareness around online safety, fire safety, stranger awareness and relationship awareness
• Supporting in helping to develop skills and knowledge around cooking, food safety and hygiene and how to cook with a budget
• Reporting any safeguarding concerns raised by the young people, parents /carers, volunteers or others
• Ensuring that events and activities are made accessible to all disabled children and young people regardless of the nature of their disability, and irrespective of the child's age, gender, ethnicity, religion, culture or language 

All these activities are to be carried out with the support and guidance of the Children's Service Manager and Project Coordinator.     

Skills and Qualifications Required

• An understanding of people with disabilities and their needs 
• Awareness of the relevance of outreach support work and group work
• An interest in current issues and how they affect young people
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with service users with challenging needs
• Ability to relate and communicate with young people
• Commitment to delivering a high quality service which makes a real difference to young people and their families
• Commitment to Barnardo's Basis and Values 
• Commitment to Barnardo's Equality and Diversity Policy

Volunteering opportunities are available across Surrey.

Here at The Children's Society's Safe Zones service, we support young people (aged 13-18) with their mental health and emotional wellbeing (for example, anxiety, stress, anger, depression, etc). We're now looking for new volunteers to join our friendly team and make an important difference to young lives.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a friendly and reliable person to gain experience of supporting children and young people in a mental health setting. You will receive great support from our friendly team and lots of opportunities to develop your skills and experience.

The key activities of the role include:

-Supporting a young person to talk about their feelings and make positive steps towards achieving good mental health.

-Creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, providing tours of the service and giving correct and relevant information about what we offer.

-Helping to ensure that the young person has a voice in making decisions which affect them.

-Building rapport with young people and providing skills and techniques to support their emotional wellbeing (for example, mindfulness, and self-help resources).

-Recording accurate and high quality notes and providing risk assessment information to staff.

-Participating in and helping to facilitate young person focused groups and workshops with staff.

For the role to be valuable to the volunteer and the service, you will need to be available to volunteer one session per week, lasting 3-4 hours, for a minimum of 6 months. However there is flexibility over the specific days and hours.

This role is offered following a successful interview. If you're offered the role, we'll also apply for a DBS check (enhanced) and seek references covering the past five years.

Please read through the information pack for more info about the role and the recruitment process.

How to apply

To find out more, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator for Manchester Safe Zones, Mari Gibson - [email protected]

Would you like to help young refugees and asylum seekers?

The Children's Society runs a youth club for young asylum-seekers and refugees to offer emotional and social support through a range of activities and workshops, as well as providing information, advice and guidance.

We are looking for Volunteer Group Befrienders to provide support to the young people at the youth club and to contribute to the planning and delivery of our regular group sessions.

This is a great opportunity for a friendly and reliable person to develop their experience of engaging with children and young people and make a positive difference to the lives of young asylum-seekers.

The key activities of the role include

-Undertake appropriate training for the role

-Participate in weekly youth club and activities

-Be supportive and encouraging to young people helping them to join in activities

-Collaborate with volunteers and staff to co-ordinate and plan activities for young people

-Attend Befriender support meetings and supervision as required

-Support staff team to address any behaviour/issues/problems that may arise and direct any concerns to The Children's Society staff

-Support staff to ensure children and young people are safeguarded at all times and work within the boundaries and policies of The Children's Society.

Please read through the role description for more information on the activities involved, skills required and training provided. If you think this could be the role for you, please apply by clicking the red 'apply' button on this page.

If you have any questions or have any difficulty applying online, please contact the Volunteering Team at [email protected]

A successful interview is required for this role. We will apply for an enhanced DBS check for successful candidates and will seek at least 2 references spanning the last 5 years.

Due to the nature of the role, we are only able to accept applications from those aged 18+.

Would you like to help young refugees and asylum seekers?

The Children's Society runs a youth club for young asylum-seekers and refugees to offer emotional and social support through a range of activities and workshops, as well as providing information, advice and guidance.

We are looking for Volunteer Group Befrienders to provide support to the young people at the youth club and to contribute to the planning and delivery of our regular group sessions.

This is a great opportunity for a friendly and reliable person to develop their experience of engaging with children and young people and make a positive difference to the lives of young asylum-seekers.

The key activities of the role include

-Undertake appropriate training for the role

-Participate in weekly youth club and activities

-Be supportive and encouraging to young people helping them to join in activities

-Collaborate with volunteers and staff to co-ordinate and plan activities for young people

-Attend Befriender support meetings and supervision as required

-Support staff team to address any behaviour/issues/problems that may arise and direct any concerns to The Children's Society staff

-Support staff to ensure children and young people are safeguarded at all times and work within the boundaries and policies of The Children's Society.

Please read through the role description for more information on the activities involved, skills required and training provided. If you think this could be the role for you, please apply by clicking the red 'apply' button on this page.

If you have any questions or have any difficulty applying online, please contact the Volunteering Team at [email protected]

A successful interview is required for this role. We will apply for an enhanced DBS check for successful candidates and will seek at least 2 references spanning the last 5 years.

Due to the nature of the role, we are only able to accept applications from those aged 18+.

Would you like to help young refugees and asylum seekers?

The Children's Society runs a youth club for young asylum-seekers and refugees to offer emotional and social support through a range of activities and workshops, as well as providing information, advice and guidance.

We are looking for Volunteer Group Befrienders to provide support to the young people at the youth club and to contribute to the planning and delivery of our regular group sessions.

This is a great opportunity for a friendly and reliable person to develop their experience of engaging with children and young people and make a positive difference to the lives of young asylum-seekers.

The key activities of the role include

-Undertake appropriate training for the role

-Participate in weekly youth club and activities

-Be supportive and encouraging to young people helping them to join in activities

-Collaborate with volunteers and staff to co-ordinate and plan activities for young people

-Attend Befriender support meetings and supervision as required

-Support staff team to address any behaviour/issues/problems that may arise and direct any concerns to The Children's Society staff

-Support staff to ensure children and young people are safeguarded at all times and work within the boundaries and policies of The Children's Society.

Please read through the role description for more information on the activities involved, skills required and training provided. If you think this could be the role for you, please apply by clicking the red 'apply' button on this page.

If you have any questions or have any difficulty applying online, please contact the Volunteering Team at [email protected]

A successful interview is required for this role. We will apply for an enhanced DBS check for successful candidates and will seek at least 2 references spanning the last 5 years.

Due to the nature of the role, we are only able to accept applications from those aged 18+.

As a First Aider at Events, you’ll help St John Ambulance provide first aid at large and small events within the community. You’ll be part of a team of volunteers delivering help where it’s needed, dealing with everything from a sprained ankle to a cardiac arrest.

The experience you gain could lead to more advanced roles, including patient transport, cycle response, advanced first aid and emergency response. You’ll make a real difference to your community and have a huge impact on the nation’s health. 

As a First Aider at Events, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on: Saturday 9th November 2019, running from 0930 until 1700 at St John Ambulance, Derby Road, Chesterfield, S40 2ED

Potential volunteering locations are:

• Belper
• Bolsover
• Chesterfield Church
• Gresley
• Clay Cross
• Derby
• Dronfield
• Hope Valley
• Ilkeston
• Peartree
• Normanton
• Pleasley
• Heanor
• Walton

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - Saturday 9th November 2019, running from 0930 until 1700 at St John Ambulance, Derby Road, Chesterfield, S40 2ED

Training for role - First Aider, 4 days - 23rd, 24th Nov, 7th, 8th Dec 2019, 0900 until 1700 at St John Ambulance, Derby Road, Chesterfield, S40 2ED

Closing date for these opportunities is: 2nd November 2019

Foundation (IHF) is seeking forward-thinking, dynamic individuals of all ages and backgrounds to contribute to our international centers as part of our Voluntourist program Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, on the island of Java. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience with an international not-for-profit organization at the ground level and contribute your time and talents to help provide opportunities for our wonderful childrenInternational . This is an ideal opportunity to gain first-hand experience in international development, but still have time to explore a new place and culture.

IHF’s mission is to educate impoverished children; activating their highest potential, and also to educate global citizens about the realities of impoverished communities and the value of other cultures.  Your knowledge, skills and experience can support this mission to care for and educate children born into poverty.Humanity 

International Humanity Foundation (IHF) is seeking forward-thinking, dynamic individuals of all ages and backgrounds to contribute to our international centers as part of our Voluntourist program. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience with an international not-for-profit organization at the ground level and contribute your time and talents to help provide opportunities for our wonderful children. This is an ideal opportunity to gain first-hand experience in international development, but still have time to explore Kenya’s Rift valley, the lakes and African wildlife. 

IHF’s mission is to educate impoverished children; activating their highest potential, and also to educate global citizens about the realities of impoverished communities and the value of other cultures.  Your knowledge, skills and experience can support this mission to care for and educate children born into poverty.

“Debbie”, a lady we support in the Yarburgh area, would love someone to visit, offering friendship and chat over a cup of tea. 

We are looking for a volunteer who knows British Sign Language and / or Makaton sign, who would like to make a real difference by supporting the team in building "Debbie's" communication and interactions.

Activities will include:

• Communicating with British sign language and/or Makaton sign
• Getting to know your buddy.
• Being a friendly and open person.
• Sharing activities in the home such as having a cup of tea and a bite to eat

Activities will NOT include: Personal care or medication.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Comfortable with using British sign language and/or Makaton sign
• Friendly, polite and a good listener
• Reliable/dependable
• Comfortable communicating with people with learning disabilities and autism
• Willing to commit to volunteer regularly (exact times and days can be discussed)

A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role. 

 

What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer:

Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:

• Free certificated training (with access to 800 plus courses)
• Free membership to an online shopping discount scheme
• Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff
• Agreed travel expenses reimbursed
• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector

Want to apply for this role?

If you’d like to be a Dimensions volunteer, we’d love to hear from you! Simply click on Apply with Charity Jobs below.

Meet some amazing people, whilst making a real difference to their lives by enabling them to attend their activities and services!

Activities will include: 

• Driving the people we support between their homes and services in a safe manner, in accordance with UK law.
• Assisting people we support in and out of vehicles and locations – with assistance from trained Dimensions staff.
• Driving in a manner that is sensitive of physical and emotional requirements of the people we support.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a full, clean and current UK Driving License (or equivalent)
• Has comprehensive insurance, that covers transporting the people we support
• Is aged 21 or over, with at least 2 years driving experience
• Has a road worthy vehicle, with up to date road tax and MOT
• Has the ability to understand verbal and written instructions in relation to journeys
• Is friendly with the people we support and our support staff

A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role. 

 

What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer:

Dimensions provides support for around 3,500 people with learning disabilities and autism across the UK.

We help them to live more independently and be involved in their local communities.

Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:

• Free certificated training (with access to 800 plus courses)
• Free membership to an online shopping discount scheme
• Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff
• Agreed travel expenses reimbursed
• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector

Want to apply for this role?

If you’d like to be a Dimensions volunteer, we’d love to hear from you! Simply click on Apply with Charity Jobs below.

If you enjoy swimming and would like to share time with people we support, then you are the buddy for us!

 Activities will include:

• Swimming and accompanying people we support in the water
• Helping to ensure they are safe and having fun
• Providing chat and friendship

Activities will NOT include: Physically supporting people to swim, personal care or medication

In this role, there will always be a support worker present, so you would there to provide company, friendship and someone the people we support can enjoy the water with!

We are looking for someone who is:

• Active and able to swim
• Friendly and polite
• Enjoys chatting with people
• Reliable/dependable
• Willing to commit to volunteer regularly

A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role. 
 

What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer:

Dimensions provides support for around 3,500 people with learning disabilities and autism across the UK.

We help them to live more independently and be involved in their local communities.

Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:

• Free certificated training (with access to 800 plus courses)
• Free membership to an online shopping discount scheme
• Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff
• Reasonable expenses may be agreed
• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector

Want to apply for this role?

If you’d like to be a Dimensions volunteer, we’d love to hear from you! Simply click on Apply with Charity Jobs below.