At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with disabilities in accessing their community and developing life skills.
- Company: Hampshire County Council, dedicated to empowering local youth.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive training, and make a real difference in someone's life.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours with ongoing support from a Volunteer Coordinator.
- Why this job: Be a positive influence and help young people build confidence while having fun.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and ability to build relationships.
Community Buddy Volunteers support children and young people aged 10 to 17 with disabilities and/or additional needs to access their local community, helping them develop key life skills and meet outcomes outlined at the start of their Buddy journey. Buddy Volunteers are matched with a child or young person and offer one-to-one support during an activity or outing into the community.
A crucial aspect of the volunteering role is the ability to build positive relationships with a child or young person with a disability and/or additional need, enabling them to build confidence to access the community or their chosen club or activity. Participation in activities, clubs or accessing the community will be set out by the child or young person and their parents or carers and may take place in a variety of local settings.
Examples of the type of support a volunteer would provide are as follows:
- Visiting cafes
- Going shopping
- Accessing public transport
- Taking part in sports activities
- Attending a youth club or special interest club such as Choir or scouts
Buddy Volunteers will receive a full training programme which will equip them to provide support when out and about as a Buddy Volunteer with their child or young person. As part of the support package, Buddy Volunteers will have regular access to a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator – who will provide each Buddy Volunteer with guidance, advice, and supervision while they are delivering their volunteering activities.
Community Buddy - Hampshire county council employer: Unity Online
Hampshire County Council is an exceptional employer that values the contributions of its Community Buddy Volunteers, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and ongoing guidance from dedicated coordinators, ensuring they feel empowered and equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people with disabilities. This role not only fosters personal growth and skill development but also provides a unique opportunity to engage with the local community in a rewarding and fulfilling way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Buddy - Hampshire county council
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with what a Community Buddy does and think about how your experiences can relate. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show them you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since this role is all about building relationships, think of examples from your past where you've successfully supported someone or worked in a team. We want to see that you can connect with young people and make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your passion for community involvement! Talk about any previous volunteering or activities you've done that relate to supporting children or young people. It shows you care and are committed to making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about the role and the amazing work we do at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Buddy - Hampshire county council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting children and young people shine through. We want to see why you care about making a difference in their lives and how you can help them build confidence.
Be Personal:Share any personal experiences or skills that relate to working with children or those with additional needs. We love hearing about your unique journey and how it shapes your approach as a Buddy Volunteer.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and align your application with the key responsibilities. Highlight how your skills match what we’re looking for in a Community Buddy, so we can see you’re the perfect fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unity Online
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand what being a Community Buddy involves. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as supporting children and young people with disabilities. Think about how your experiences align with these duties and be ready to share relevant examples.
✨Build Rapport
Since this role is all about building positive relationships, think of ways to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully connected with others in the past, especially in challenging situations. Show that you can create a comfortable environment for the young people you'll be supporting.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
The activities you’ll be involved in can vary widely, so it’s important to show that you’re adaptable. Be prepared to talk about times when you’ve had to adjust your plans or approach to meet someone else's needs. This will show that you can handle the unpredictability of working with children and young people.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand the expectations better. You might ask about the types of activities you’ll be involved in or how the Volunteer Coordinator supports Buddy Volunteers. It’s a great way to engage and leave a positive impression.
