At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and children in a friendly community setting through engaging activities.
- Company: Join Family Action, a dedicated team making a difference in local communities.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and receive training while making an impact.
- Other info: Flexible hours, ongoing support, and a chance to meet new people.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of your community and help families thrive.
- Qualifications: Empathy, good communication skills, and a passion for helping others.
9:00am to 12noon OR 12:30pm to 3:30pm (1 – 3 days per week) – Between 3 and 9 hours per week.
Purpose of the Role
To be a valued member of a friendly 0-19 team making a difference to local children, young people and families and their communities. To provide caring, empathetic and holistic support to families receiving support from Family Action and the wider Stockton on Tees Partnership.
What’s in it for you? (Benefits of the role)
- An excellent opportunity to develop new and existing skills.
- The opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of settings.
- The chance to be at the heart of your local community, meet new people and be part of an enthusiastic team.
- Out of pocket expenses.
- A reference.
Training and support you will receive
As a volunteer with Family Action, you will get:
- Access to our standard e-learning package, giving you a great basic introduction to topics such as Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity.
- Face-to-face training to ensure that you are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for this role.
- Regular meetings with your supervisor to discuss any challenges you are facing, and celebrate your progress in the role.
- Ongoing support from your supervisor and the wider team.
The Volunteer Recruitment Process:
- We ask you to complete an application form.
- We invite you to an informal meeting to explore your application and suitability for the role. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions to help you decide for yourself whether the role is right for you.
- If you decide to proceed with your enquiry, you will be asked to provide two references and undertake a DBS check.
- Once we receive satisfactory references and a DBS check you will be provided with e-learning login details and invited to undertake the Induction programme and a start date will be agreed.
- You will be provided with ongoing support through regular supervision meetings, regular training opportunities and any other support as required.
Key Responsibilities:
- To be involved in the planning and preparation of room and packing away the equipment used at the end of the session.
- Meet and greet parents/carers and their children and make them feel welcome and relaxed.
- To facilitate fun and interactive groups for the families attending.
- To model, encourage and support parents/carers and their children to take part in activities.
- Provide additional signposting to Service Users where a need for support has been requested or identified.
- Organise refreshments for the session.
- To ensure safe and agreed practices are adhered to at all times.
- To record attendance at the groups in line with Family Action’s policies and procedures.
- Volunteers will need to gain an understanding (appropriate to your role) of, and comply with, all relevant Family Action Policies and procedures.
- Record your volunteer hours and submit to Family Action.
Skills Required:
- Friendly, empathic and non-judgmental attitude.
- Good organiser.
- Effective communication skills, confident speaking to a diverse range of people and an active listener.
- Able to work in a confidential manner.
- A strong team player.
- Enjoy helping people and their community.
Community Family Support Volunteer – Toddler & Carer Group employer: Stockton Volunteers
Family Action is an exceptional employer that values the contributions of its volunteers, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture where you can make a real difference in the lives of local families. With opportunities for personal development through training and regular supervision, you will be part of a dedicated team that fosters community engagement and provides holistic support to those in need. Located in Stockton on Tees, this role allows you to connect with your community while gaining valuable experience in a friendly environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Family Support Volunteer – Toddler & Carer Group
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Family Action and their values. This will help you connect with them during your informal meeting and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be interacting with parents, carers, and children, it’s essential to be confident and approachable. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to share your experiences! Think about times when you've helped others or worked in a team. These stories can really highlight your suitability for the role and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to engage with the community online.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Family Support Volunteer – Toddler & Carer Group
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are and what makes you passionate about supporting families in the community.
Tailor Your Responses:Make sure to relate your experiences and skills directly to the role. Highlight any previous volunteer work or relevant skills that show how you can contribute to our friendly team.
Ask Questions:Don’t hesitate to ask questions during the informal meeting. This is your chance to find out more about the role and ensure it’s the right fit for you, so come prepared with anything you’re curious about!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stockton Volunteers
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Community Family Support Volunteer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like facilitating groups and supporting families. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Since this role requires a caring and empathetic attitude, think of examples from your past experiences where you've supported others. Be ready to share these stories during the interview to highlight your ability to connect with families and children.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is right for you.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, practice active listening. This means really paying attention to what the interviewer is saying and responding thoughtfully. It’s a great way to show that you value communication, which is crucial for this volunteer role.
