At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and mentor at-risk young people, helping them build confidence and social skills.
- Company: Barnsley Council, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting youth welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, personal development opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Long-term commitment with training and support provided.
- Why this job: Be a positive influence in a young person's life while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must be over 21, reliable, and passionate about supporting vulnerable youth.
The Opportunity: A flexible, exciting and rewarding volunteer opportunity that fits around your current lifestyle and other commitments, where you will make a positive difference to the life of an ‘at risk’ young person, contributing to their development and confidence.
We Are Looking For Volunteers To:
- Establish a long‑term, trusting and nurturing relationship with a vulnerable child or young person from Barnsley, typically between the ages of 8 and 18 years old.
- Help to motivate them, develop their social skills, ensuring they feel valued and encouraging them to reach their full potential.
- Meet regularly with the child or young person on a monthly basis, offering friendship, support and advice.
- Engage in visits, positive activities and outings that are led by the young person, depending on their interests.
- Support children and young people to ensure that their voice is heard.
- Work in partnership with the local authority while maintaining the independence necessary to this role, promoting the child’s or young person’s social and emotional development.
- Complete all paperwork required and attend supervision meetings as directed by the scheme.
- Be willing to undertake any training relevant to the role and commit to safeguarding and protecting children and young people at all times.
Skills And Qualifications Required:
- Must be over 21 years of age.
- Ability to work independently and use own initiative.
- Ability to communicate effectively with children and young people.
- Be a good listener.
- Be reliable and punctual.
- Ability to receive and accept support and guidance.
- Able to provide a long‑term commitment by ‘just being there’.
- Commitment to promoting the safety and welfare of young people.
- Have an understanding of the challenges of vulnerable children/young people.
- An understanding of the issues children and young people face in society.
- Ability to deal with sensitive, confidential and potentially distressing information.
- Sensitivity to the needs and wishes of the child / young person.
- Have a commitment to children’s rights and welfare.
- An understanding of the impact of discrimination on individuals.
- Be able to abide by confidentiality and professional boundaries within organisational policies and procedures.
- Operate at all times within the Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough council.
- Be willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check required for this role.
On successful application, the volunteer will be supported to attend training and development opportunities to further their skills, knowledge and personal development.
Hours: There are no set times or hours. Each volunteer is expected to meet with a young person at least once per month for a minimum of a couple of hours, excluding travel time.
Duration of the Opportunity: Placement matches between young people and adult volunteers are ideally long‑term unless there is a breakdown in the relationship. Matches will support a young person through key transition points in their life.
Location: Independent volunteers will not have a formal base as the role involves meeting with young people at a time/place convenient to them and organising activities together. A small budget will be available for the volunteer and the mentee to pursue activities and interests, as well as covering the cost of mileage and expenses.
For more information and an application pack please email: independentvisitorsinfo@barnsley.gov.uk
The headquarters for supervision, training and support of the volunteers is the Wombwell IKIC Young People’s Centre, Barnsley Road, Wombwell, Barnsley, S73 8HT.
EEO and Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects that volunteers share this commitment. Volunteer opportunities are provided in line with the Council’s "Working with Volunteers" policy and procedure. Due to safeguarding implications, volunteering opportunities for this project are not available to those aged 21 and under.
Independent Visitor Volunteer employer: Barnsley Council
Barnsley Council is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful career in social work, particularly within the supportive environment of the Hospital Social Work Team. With a strong emphasis on collaboration with health professionals and a commitment to employee growth through flexible working arrangements, staff are empowered to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with complex care needs. The council fosters a culture of inclusivity and professional development, making it an attractive place for qualified social workers to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Visitor Volunteer
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Visitor Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Barnsley Council, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Barnsley Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Council
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Barnsley Council and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
