Community Befriending Advisor in Romford

Company Description

HAVERING ASIAN SOCIAL AND WELFARE ASSOCIATION is a community-focused fundraising organization dedicated to supporting the social and welfare needs of Asian communities in the Havering area. The association works closely with local residents, partners, and donors to develop initiatives that promote inclusion, wellbeing, and social cohesion. Through various projects and events, the organization aims to enhance access to support services and create opportunities for community engagement. Potential team members join a small, committed group of colleagues who value collaboration, respect, and cultural awareness.

Role Description

Havering Asian Social and Welfare Association (HASWA)

Registered Charity No. 1104919

Job Description

Post Title: Community Befriending Advisor

Salary: £26,000.00 per annum (including Outer London Weighting) + 6% pension.

Hours of work: 35 hours per week (excluding meal breaks)

Terms: 3 year fixed term subject to completion of probation period

Purpose of the Post:

Provide advice and support in respect of a wide range of issues which will enable individuals to make better informed decisions regarding their living circumstances and to improve their quality of life in general. To develop and implement various models of for the delivery of a befriending service (based upon need), these including:

• Face to Face
• Distance befriending
• Group befriending
• Befriending or mentoring

To develop a variety of networks/relationships with other voluntary and public sector organisations which will promote the befriending and advocacy work of HASWA

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Take referrals to the service from clients and ensure clients are treated fairly and with dignity.
• Possess good communication skills to enable you to establish working relationships with clients and statutory/voluntary services
• Help older people feel less lonely by providing companionship and conversation.
• Have a good local knowledge of the Havering area and the services/organisations available
• Empower clients to speak for themselves, or speak on their behalf where necessary
• When necessary, accompany clients to meetings, or attend meetings on their behalf
• Make appropriate referrals to other agencies, if required, according to clients’ needs/wishes
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of adult welfare benefits and statutory developments, which may affect your clients
• Liaise with other agencies as required, including health and social care professionals and the local authority
• Manage a caseload and keep accurate, confidential records within the organisation’s working practices and data protection policies and procedures
• Compile reports as required
• Support and supervise advocate volunteers.
• Organise and attend outreach meetings to raise awareness of the service, to groups within the community
• To undertake other duties appropriate to the job as required.

Skills

• Good administration and IT skills
• Good verbal, listening and written communication skills with all age groups.
• Self-starter, able to work independently and in a team.
• Ability to speak any Indian language as second language.

Professional learning and development

• Keeping up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures
• Attending internal and external training
• Obtaining and maintaining accreditation for specialist practice