At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families in a safe, welcoming environment during contact sessions.
- Company: Fresh Futures, a charity dedicated to helping vulnerable children and families.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and support while making a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours with opportunities for social events and career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding mission to help children and families rebuild connections.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting children, good interpersonal skills, and knowledge of child development preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36840 £ per year.
Established in 1974, Fresh Futures is a regional charity that supports vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people, and their families, within Kirklees and surrounding areas.
Service Family Time Key Contact Children and Family Services
Commitment
A minimum of one half-day per fortnight (Saturday).
Training
Induction training and online safeguarding course. DBS Required (Processed by Fresh Futures). References: 2x character references are required.
Location
Brian Jackson House, Huddersfield.
Role Purpose
To contribute to supporting children and their parents/guardians/relatives in child‑centred and safe contact arrangements following the breakdown of family relationships.
Hours
Family Time runs every Saturday in Huddersfield. Volunteers can choose to volunteer during the morning (9am – 1pm), the afternoon (1pm – 5pm), or for the whole day (9am – 5pm). Volunteers can also choose if they would like to volunteer weekly or fortnightly.
Tasks
- Greet parents and child/ren attending the centre with a warm, friendly, and welcoming attitude.
- Engage with child/ren if staff need to speak to their parent or guardian about adult matters.
- Support the lead contact worker in observing higher-level Supervised and Assisted contact sessions.
- Conduct lower level Supported and Handover contact sessions independently, following review of experience and confidence in the role.
- Follow relevant policies and procedures, i.e. safeguarding and confidentiality and data protection policies.
- Prepare contact rooms with appropriate toys and equipment prior to sessions.
Welcomed Experience and Qualities
It is imperative that volunteers have good interpersonal skills and a passion for supporting children and families. A knowledge of child development is desirable. We welcome volunteers with experience working with children/families, especially those who understand the issues that surround children of separated parents. Experience of applying knowledge of child development and child protection in work with children is also welcome. All Family Time Volunteer Support Workers must be willing to respect confidentiality and volunteer within the guidelines outlined in our Volunteer Expectations.
Support for Volunteers
An induction and full training are provided. Access to online and in‑person safeguarding training. Regular support from our team via phone calls and emails. Travel expenses are reimbursed. Invites to social events throughout the year.
Volunteer Expectations
- To carry out your volunteering responsibilities to the best of your ability, letting us know if you need any help.
- To attend an induction and complete online safeguarding training.
- To commit to volunteering for 3 months or longer.
- To be reliable and punctual; if unable to attend, contact us with as much notice as possible.
- To respect confidentiality and maintain impartiality.
- To understand the importance of safeguarding policies and procedures and know the relevant people to report any concerns to.
- To treat people with respect, being fair, honest, and considerate.
- To respect our policies and procedures as shared with you at Induction and in the Volunteer Handbook.
- To reply to our communications with good time or let us know if you will be unable to answer calls/emails for a significant period of time.
- To accept responsibility for your actions.
- To observe all health and safety measures put in place for your safety and the safety of others.
- Not to smoke, drink alcohol or use illegal drugs while volunteering or prior to volunteering.
In return you can expect us:
- To provide you with a supportive and rewarding volunteering experience.
- To deliver volunteer induction and training to enable you to carry out your role.
- To let you know if we are making any changes and involve you as much as possible in decisions which affect you.
- To support you as much as possible in your volunteering goals such as progressing to employment.
- To recognise and thank you for your valuable contribution to the organisation.
Family Time Volunteer in Huddersfield employer: Fresh Futures group
Fresh Futures is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling opportunity for volunteers to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families in Kirklees. With comprehensive training, ongoing support, and a welcoming work culture, volunteers can develop their skills while contributing to a vital cause. The organisation values its volunteers, providing reimbursement for travel expenses and invitations to social events, ensuring a rewarding and enriching experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Time Volunteer in Huddersfield
✨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 Family Time Volunteer in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Fresh Futures group, 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 Fresh Futures group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fresh Futures group
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Fresh Futures group 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!
