Volunteer Coordinator (Age-Related Hearing Loss Befriending Project) in Huntingdon

Cambridgeshire Deaf Association is a leading charity dedicated to supporting individualswith hearing loss and promoting Deaf culture.

We are committed to empowering Deaf andhard-of-hearing individuals to lead independent lives and activelyparticipatein society.

Our aim is to expand our reach and support more people across Cambridgeshire.

The Hearing Help Befriending Project will extend our support to older adults with hearingloss in Cambridgeshire byprovidingsocial engagement opportunities, wellness activities, and essential support to tackle social isolation and cognitive decline.

Role Overview

Many older people gradually lose confidence as their hearing deteriorates.

Conversationsbecome harder, social activities stop, and over time many people become isolated.

Thisproject exists to change that by connecting people with volunteers who can help rebuildconfidence, reducelonelinessand encourage people to reconnect with their communities.

We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic Befriending Coordinator to join our Hearing Help team.

The ideal candidate will be organised, empathetic, and passionateaboutmakinga difference in the Hard of Hearing community.

They willbe responsible forcoordinating and managing our volunteer befrienders to support people with hearing lossacross Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

This exciting project supports clients to improve feelings of wellbeing, reduce isolation andaccess to information, ensuring clients receive the support they need.

This role willoversee the coordination of drop-in sessions, social events, and wellness activities, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all participants.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Recruit and train volunteers to support the project.
• 3.

Meeting with clients toestablishwhat they need from the volunteer service, undertaking an assessment andmaking a planof supportrequired; such asarranging regular check ins or providing resources for specific needs.

• 4. Matching clients withappropriate volunteers.
• 6. Supervising volunteers and providing regular support and guidance, includingconducting performance reviews and offering development opportunitieswhereappropriate.
• 7. Provide ongoing support, supervision, and guidance to volunteers.
• 8.

Work alongside the BSL Befriending Coordinator to ensure continuity of service.

Whilst you will not coordinate the BSL befriending scheme, you’llprovide day-to-day cover for enquiries from volunteers and clients when the coordinator isunavailable.

• 9.

Work closely with the Hearing Help team, hearing aid maintenancevolunteersandcommunity staff toidentifypeople who maybenefitfrom the befriending serviceand ensure smooth onward referrals.

• 10. Network with other local organisations and bodies to grow the project including
• 11. Attend community events, and build links and partnerships with other local organisations.
• 12. Monitor project performance against agreed outcomes and targets, taking actionwhere required to increase volunteer numbers, clientreferralsandengagement.
• Event& Activity Coordination

• Plan, organise, and deliver regular events, including

• Drop-in sessions covering healthy eating, gentle exercise, and self-help strategies.
• Social events (coffee mornings, green space walks, etc.)

• Ensure all events are fully accessible, incorporating

• Trained volunteers toassistattendees.
• Encourage family members and carers toparticipatein activities.
• Community Engagement & Partnerships

Promote hearing health and hearing aid support in partnership with NHS andaudiology departments.

• Work with cultural partners and other organisations.
• Gather feedback from participants and report on the impact of the project.
• Working with colleagues in the team about onward referrals between services, for
• example Case Work, Advocacyand hearing aid maintenance drop- in sessions.
• Project Monitoring & Reporting
• Maintainaccuraterecords of volunteer participation and service user engagement.
• Track and evaluate mental well-being, mobility, and social engagement outcomes.
• Contribute to funding reports and applications to secure long-term sustainability.
• Completion of CDA paperwork including, Initial Assessments, working togetheragreements, Form of Authority, Risk assessment, Reviewing work, and feedbackforms.

We’relooking fors omeone who

• 1. Genuinely enjoys meeting people
• 2. Builds relationships easily
• 3. Is proactive rather than waiting for work to come to them
• 4. Is organised
• 5. Enjoys solving problems
• 6. Believes older people deserve to stay connected with their communities
• 7. Is comfortable working independently
• preferably within a charitable or non-profit organisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an empathetic approach.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Awareness of Deaf culture and willingness to learn and engage with the Deaf
• community.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Valid UK Driving License
• Ability to reliably commute to various locations
• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C equivalent) or above, inc. English and Maths
• Knowledge of social media tools and platforms
• BSL Level 2 or willingness to learn

At Cambridgeshire Deaf Association, you’llbe joining an organisationthat’sambitious, supportiveand always looking for better ways to serve our communities.

We encouragenew ideas, invest in ourstaffand give people the opportunity to develop their careers.

You’llbe working alongside experienced colleagues who are passionate about making agenuine difference every day.

Cambridgeshire Deaf Association is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusiveenvironment where every individual feels valued and respected.

We embrace the uniquecontributions of our staff, volunteers, and the communities we serve, regardless ofdisability, background, or identity.

Our goal is to create a supportive and empoweringspace that promotes equality, understanding, and collaboration.

Weare dedicated toprovidingaccessible services and opportunities that reflect the diversity ofourcommunities and encourage the participation of all individuals.

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