Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Be a positive influence for young people in care by meeting regularly and engaging in activities.
- Company: Volunteer Now collaborates with Be Collective to enhance volunteering opportunities in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and have expenses reimbursed while making a difference.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in young lives while building your social CV and gaining essential skills.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a passion for supporting young people and commitment to training.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 2-3 hours every fortnight; training and supervision provided.
Volunteer Now has partnered with Be Collective to bring a dedicated online platform for volunteering to Northern Ireland. The platform supports volunteers through the volunteering process and helps connect more people with a wider range of opportunities. There’s lots of great features to Be Collective like messaging, making a profile, and being able to compile all your experiences, training and roles as well as the skills gained within a social CV. You can search and apply for volunteer roles below. If you can’t find anything you like at the moment – register now, then check back soon – new opportunities are added all the time!
Tasks and responsibilities:
- To meet and befriend a young person aged up to 21 years, looked after by Health & Social Services Trusts.
- To act as a positive adult influence in the life of the young person, aiding their personal and social development through meeting them regularly and encouraging involvement in agreed shared activities.
- To attend Independent Visitor Reviews (Young Person, Volunteer, Social Worker, Independent Visitor Project Worker).
- To keep brief records on visits with young people and return to the Project Worker.
- To feedback regularly to Senior Practitioner, giving priority to safeguarding children issues.
- Occasional attendance at group activity days.
- To operate as IV/IR volunteer in line with Niacro’s policies.
- To meet with the young person on a one-to-one basis and visit agreed public locations such as parks, sports centres and appropriate entertainment venues.
- The role will be a maximum commitment of 2-3 hours once a fortnight depending on the needs and wishes of the children/young people on the project.
- Must commit to attending training, group supervision and other scheduled required events as/when required.
- Be able to work with these young people to develop their agency and act as an advocate and positive influence in their lives.
- To attend “Looked After Children” (LAC) review meetings at various locations, if requested by the young person.
- Volunteers will be reimbursed out of pocket expenses incurred during their voluntary work.
Skills and experience gained:
- Adaptability
- Advice & Guidance
- Advocacy
- Child Welfare
- Childcare
- Children's Support
- Communication Skills
- Community Development
- Mentoring
- Problem Solving
- Resilience
- Time Management
- Youth Services
Causes supported:
- Mentoring & Advocacy
- Young People
To provide a befriending service, continuity, support and encouragement to children/young people who have infrequent or poor contact with their family. This can be a particularly challenging role as some of the young people may have had difficult experiences in their lives.
Independent Visitors is a volunteer-led befriending and support service for young people with care experience in Belfast and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts, who have infrequent or poor-quality contact with a parent or guardian, are experiencing isolation or a significant transition in their lives. Each young person is matched with a volunteer for up to one year, with the possibility of extension which will be formally reviewed with your social worker.
Independent Visitor Scheme (IV) employer: Volunteer Now
Contact Detail:
Volunteer Now Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Visitor Scheme (IV)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of young people in care. Understanding their backgrounds and challenges will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local community groups or organisations that work with young people. Networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and may even lead to recommendations for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your personal experiences or skills that relate to mentoring and advocacy. Being able to share relevant stories will showcase your suitability for the role and your passion for supporting young people.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and issues affecting looked after children. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show your dedication to understanding the complexities of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Visitor Scheme (IV)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and tasks involved in the Independent Visitor Scheme. Familiarise yourself with the skills required, such as adaptability, communication, and advocacy.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in your CV that aligns with the role. Focus on any previous volunteering, mentoring, or youth work experience, and ensure to showcase your skills in communication and problem-solving.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for supporting young people. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to advocacy and child welfare, and explain why you want to be part of this initiative.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear and professional. A polished application shows attention to detail and dedication.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Now
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Independent Visitor role. Familiarise yourself with the tasks involved, such as meeting young people, attending reviews, and providing support. This will help you articulate how your skills align with the position.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to empathise with young people who may have faced challenges. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your understanding of child welfare and advocacy, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with young people and maintain clear communication with social workers and project staff. Provide examples of past experiences where your communication skills made a difference.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about the training provided or how success is measured for volunteers in this position.
