At a Glance
- Tasks: Support older people by providing structured befriending and helping them achieve personal goals.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Out-of-pocket expenses, training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of older individuals while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in mentoring or social care is a plus; strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
Friendship Co-ordinator - Enabling Connections in Ashington employer: Age UK Northumberland
At The Round House in Ashington, Northumberland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering training and resources to empower our team members as they help older individuals achieve their goals. Join us to be part of a passionate team where your contributions truly matter, and enjoy the satisfaction of enhancing the lives of those around you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Friendship Co-ordinator - Enabling Connections in Ashington
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
✨Join Social Impact Networks
Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at Age UK Northumberland. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re still in uni, tap into career services that may have exclusive listings for part-time roles in nonprofits. They often host job fairs or info sessions where you can meet representatives from organisations like Age UK Northumberland directly. It’s a great way to make an impression beyond your CV!
✨Check Out Online Opportunities
Websites like Idealist or CharityJob specifically showcase part-time positions in the nonprofit sector. Make sure to check these regularly while keeping an eye on Age UK Northumberland’s own job listings on our website. Being proactive here can put you ahead of the curve!
We think you need these skills to ace Friendship Co-ordinator - Enabling Connections in Ashington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Friendship Co-ordinator - Enabling Connections at Age UK Northumberland, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the Friendship Co-ordinator - Enabling Connections, customise your documents to fit the vibe of Age UK Northumberland. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at Age UK Northumberland
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Age UK Northumberland. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with Age UK Northumberland's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
