At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, helping them thrive and avoid social worker intervention.
- Company: Children’s Services, part of the Isle of Wight Council, dedicated to community support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, improve skills, and receive free training and DBS checks.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours, suitable for Duke of Edinburgh Award and under 18s.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while meeting new people and gaining references.
- Qualifications: Open to all ages; no specific qualifications required, just a passion for helping others.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our volunteer scheme here at Children’s Services, managed by the Targeted Family Support Team. We are looking to grow our team of volunteers to more effectively support children and families living on our Island. Volunteers add real extra value to the great work the staff at Children’s Services are already doing.
Volunteering with us will provide you with opportunities to improve your skills, knowledge, and experience, and to meet new people. You may be retired, in further education, employed, or seeking employment. As the largest employer on the island, we are committed to supporting you through your volunteering journey.
Current and future opportunities include:
- Family Champions: Provide support to children and families who have not yet reached the threshold for Social Worker intervention but would benefit from support to avoid further intervention. Examples of tasks may include:
- Support with completing paperwork
- Budgeting
- Support to access groups/activities
- Attending appointments with family
- Taking children to the park to provide respite
- Support and direct families to create more ordered living environments
- Support with form filling/benefit claims
- Support to access community activities/build networks
Skills: As a Children’s Services volunteer you will:
- Meet new people
- Improve your skills, knowledge, and experience
- Complete online learning from your own home
- Have a DBS (police) check carried out free of charge
- Gain references
- Obtain experience for entry to social work
This opportunity has no specific location.
Volunteers - Family Champions employer: IW Volunteer
Joining our volunteer scheme at Children’s Services offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families on the Isle of Wight. As the largest employer on the island, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for our volunteers, including skill development, online learning, and valuable references, all within a welcoming and inclusive work culture that fosters community engagement and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteers - Family Champions
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Children’s Services and understand their mission. This will help you connect with them during your volunteering journey and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Chat with current volunteers or staff members if you can. They can give you insider tips on how to make the most of your experience and might even help you land future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for tasks to come to you. Offer your help, suggest ideas, and show your enthusiasm. This will not only benefit the families you’re supporting but also make you stand out as a dedicated volunteer.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do at Children’s Services.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteers - Family Champions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what motivates you to volunteer with us.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in becoming a Family Champion.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon to ensure we can easily understand your points. A well-structured application goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to make a difference.
How to prepare for a job interview at IW Volunteer
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a Family Champion involves. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, like supporting families with paperwork and accessing community activities. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
✨Share Personal Experiences
Think about any relevant experiences you have that relate to supporting families or children. Whether it's volunteering, personal experiences, or skills you've gained through education or work, sharing these stories can show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the training provided, how volunteers are supported, or the types of activities you might be involved in. Asking insightful questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but remember to be yourself! The team is looking for authentic individuals who are passionate about helping others. Let your personality shine through, and don’t hesitate to express why you want to volunteer with Children’s Services.
