JOB LOCATION:
The Round House, Ashington, Northumberland
ACCOUNTABLE AND REPORTING TO:
Project Manager
HOURS:
20 hours across 5 days
CONTRACT:
Permanent, Subject to funding - initial 2.5 year project
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:
To support the provision of short-term, structured befriending support for older people across Northumberland, to support individuals to achieve defined personal goals, improve their confidence and independently access activities and groups in their local community.
THE MAIN DUTIES OF THE ROLE:
In this role, you will work with volunteers to match with an older person for a short time, offering the focused companionship and encouragement they need to reach their goals.
* Team working:Be an active member of the Charitable Services team
* Goal Setting: Collaborate with clients to establish clear, measurable, and realistic personal goals during the initial meeting.
* Action Planning: Break down large objectives into manageable weekly action steps.
* Skill Building: Teach practical skills like navigating public transport, using local community hubs, or adopting digital tools.
* Confidence Boosting: Support volunteers to accompany clients to new social groups or activities until they feel secure enough to attend alone.
* Progress Tracking: Maintain accurate, brief records of weekly achievements and emotional milestones.
* Empowering Independence: Work with volunteers to prepare clients gradually for the end of the matching period to avoid dependence on the befriender.
* Signposting: Connect clients with long-term community resources, clubs, or professional services before exit.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:
* Goal Focus: Ability to keep conversations and activities aligned with the client’s agreed action plan.
* Communication: Active listening skills paired with clear, motivating language.
* Boundary Management: Firm capability to maintain professional boundaries and adhere to the time-limited nature of the role.
* Problem Solving: Resourcefulness to help clients overcome sudden hurdles to independence
* Prepared to undertake a DBS check
* Can commit to 20 hours per week
* IT literate
* Car owner / driver
Knowledge and Experience
* Community Awareness: Strong knowledge of local community assets, groups, and public transport links.
* Experience: Prior background in mentoring, coaching, social care, or volunteering is highly desirable.
* Safeguarding: Basic understanding of adult safeguarding principles and confidentiality protocols highly desirable.
Personal Attributes
* Empathetic: Genuine warmth and understanding toward individuals facing isolation or mental health challenges.
* Reliable: Punctual, organised, and deeply committed to the agreed schedule.
* Resilient: Patient when progress is slow, with a consistently positive attitude.
We offer out of pocket expenses, training, and support, and in return, you will join a great team and know that you are making a real difference in the lives of older people.
For more information - call us on 01670 784 800.
To apply – send your CV and a covering letter to
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