At a Glance
- Tasks: Support harm reduction efforts by providing knowledge and equipment to those at risk.
- Company: St Helens IRC, a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and make a real difference in the community.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with diverse daily challenges and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital mission to keep people safer and informed.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, no prior experience needed, just a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Your role will be to support the St Helens IRC in reducing the harm caused by drug misuse by offering service users the knowledge, advice, and equipment to enable them to keep themselves at less risk, and better informed. As a Harm Reduction Volunteer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our needle exchanges are confidential, welcoming, non-judgmental, and friendly environments. You will provide injecting equipment and paraphernalia, document needle exchange transactions.
Alongside this you would be engaging injecting drug users, and others, as to the benefits of Naloxone, HIV and Hepatitis testing, alongside safer sexual health advice and advice on risks and trends currently concerning drug users. You will also encourage and promote treatment options within the service, as well as signposting and referral to other support services available.
Our services can be fast paced environments with only a small amount of time to engage those who use them, so the ability to work quickly and effectively is needed. No two days are the same and you can really make a difference in helping to keep people safer. You will be provided with all the skills, knowledge, and support to undertake the role including full induction and training.
If you have any questions on this opportunity that you would like to talk through please contact us using the below details:
- Andy Bourne | andrew.bourne@cgl.org.uk | 07353006940
Please note that we require you to be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this volunteering role. This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.
Harm Reduction Volunteer: Safer Injecting & Support in St Helens employer: Change Grow Live
Change Grow Live is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and service users. Located in Bromley, this role provides meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth, with a focus on making a positive impact in the community. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous leave, and the chance to collaborate with dedicated professionals in the field of recovery support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Harm Reduction Volunteer: Safer Injecting & Support in St Helens
✨Connect with Local Charities
Get in touch with local charities and community centres — they're often looking for volunteers in social work. This not only gets your foot in the door but also helps you build that all-important network in the social work community.
✨Show Up at Community Events
Attend community events, workshops, or local forums focused on social issues. It's a great way to meet people who are already working in social work and can offer insights, advice, or even opportunities at organisations like Change Grow Live.
✨Leverage Online Platforms
Check out platforms like VolunteerMatch or local Facebook groups dedicated to volunteering. Many organisations post their volunteer needs there, and it’s a prime way to connect with those who share your passion for social work.
✨Speak Directly to Organisations
Don’t shy away from approaching organisations you admire, like Change Grow Live. Pop in for a chat or drop them an email expressing your interest in volunteering — sometimes, it’s the direct approach that stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Harm Reduction Volunteer: Safer Injecting & Support in St Helens
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When writing your application, share your enthusiasm for social work. Talk about why you want to volunteer in this field and any personal experiences that have motivated you. It's all about demonstrating your genuine commitment to helping others, as we all know that passion can make a huge difference.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences you have, like working with vulnerable populations or strong communication abilities. Mention your ability to handle challenging situations and your empathy—these are key traits in social work, and they should shine through in your application.
Explain Your Availability:Since this is a volunteer role, be transparent about when you can commit. Whether you’re available for a few hours a week or more flexible, let them know your schedule. This helps Change Grow Live understand how you might fit into their needs and ensures you’re on the same page from the get-go.
Reflection on Learning Opportunities:In your application, reflect on what you’re hoping to learn from this volunteer experience. Discuss your desire to gain hands-on insight into social work, develop your skills, or understand the community better. This is a great way to show that you’re not just looking to give, but you’re also eager to grow, and that’s something we value at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Change Grow Live
✨Showcase Your Compassion
For a social work volunteer role, it's all about demonstrating your empathy and understanding. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences where you’ve helped others or made a positive impact. This can show Change Grow Live how you relate to different communities.
✨Know the Key Issues
Familiarise yourself with the current social issues relevant to the community Change Grow Live serves. Whether it’s homelessness, mental health, or child welfare, understanding these challenges will not only impress during the interview but can also help you articulate how you can contribute to solutions.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Social work often involves handling real-life situations. Expect questions that present you with hypothetical scenarios, asking how you would respond. Practising your answers to these can help us articulate our thought processes and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As a volunteer, showcasing your eagerness to gain experience is crucial. Mention instances where you've actively sought out learning opportunities, whether through previous roles, workshops or courses related to social work. This highlights your commitment and readiness to grow with Change Grow Live.
