At a Glance
- Tasks: Be a positive influence for young people, meeting them regularly and engaging in fun activities.
- Company: Volunteer Now, partnering with Be Collective to enhance volunteering in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and make a real difference in young people's lives.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training provided, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Empower youth and help them navigate life's challenges while building meaningful connections.
- Qualifications: Passion for youth support and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Volunteer Now has partnered with Be Collective to bring a dedicated online platform for volunteering to Northern Ireland. The platform supports volunteers through the volunteering process and helps connect more people with a wider range of opportunities.
WHAT IS THE INDEPENDENT VISITOR SCHEME?
Independent Visitors is a volunteer-led befriending and support service for young people with care experience in Belfast and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts, who have infrequent or poor-quality contact with a parent or guardian, are experiencing isolation or a significant transition in their lives. Each young person is matched with a volunteer for up to one year, with the possibility of extension which will be formally reviewed with your social worker.
Tasks and responsibilities
- To meet and befriend a young person aged up to 21 years, looked after by Health & Social Services Trusts.
- To act as a positive adult influence in the life of the young person, aiding their personal and social development through meeting them regularly and encouraging involvement in agreed shared activities.
- To keep brief records on visits with young people and return to the Project Worker.
- To feedback regularly to Senior Practitioner, giving priority to safeguarding children issues.
- Occasional attendance at group activity days.
- To operate as IV/IR volunteer in line with Niacro’s policies.
- To meet with the young person on a one-to-one basis and visit agreed public locations such as parks, sports centres and appropriate entertainment venues.
- The role will be a maximum commitment of 2-3 hours once a fortnight depending on the needs and wishes of the children/young people on the project.
- Must commit to attending training, group supervision and other scheduled required events as/when required.
- Be able to work with these young people to develop their agency and act as an advocate and positive influence in their lives.
- To attend “Looked After Children” (LAC) review meetings at various locations, if requested by the young person.
- Volunteers will be reimbursed out of pocket expenses incurred during their voluntary work.
Skills and experience gained
- Adaptability
- Advice & Guidance
- Advocacy
- Child Welfare
- Childcare
- Children's Support
- Communication Skills
- Community Development
- Mentoring
- Problem Solving
- Resilience
- Time Management
- Youth Services
Location: Bangor, UK. Flexible - hours are based on your availability and other factors.
Youth Befriender - Independent Visitor Scheme - Bangor employer: Volunteer Now
Volunteer Now is an exceptional employer, offering a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of young people in Bangor. With a supportive work culture that prioritises personal development and community engagement, volunteers can expect comprehensive training and the chance to develop valuable skills while working flexibly around their own schedules. The Independent Visitor Scheme not only fosters personal growth but also provides a rewarding experience that enriches both the volunteer and the young person they support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Befriender - Independent Visitor Scheme - Bangor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before you step into that interview, do a bit of homework on NIACRO and their Independent Visitor Scheme. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect better during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for youth work! When you're talking about your experiences, make sure to highlight any relevant volunteering or mentoring roles you've had. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in young people's lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your ideas! Think about how you can engage with the young people you'll be working with. Whether it's fun activities or ways to build trust, having a few suggestions up your sleeve can really impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Befriender - Independent Visitor Scheme - Bangor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. We want to see why you care about making a difference in their lives and how your experiences have shaped that passion.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Youth Befriender role. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly and easily.
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can keep an eye on new opportunities as they come up!
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Now
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Youth Befriender. Familiarise yourself with the Independent Visitor Scheme and think about how your experiences align with the tasks, like supporting young people and attending meetings. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a positive impact in their lives. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. You might ask about the training process or how success is measured in the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Skills
Think about specific examples from your past that showcase your adaptability, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to discuss how these skills can benefit the young people you'll be working with, as this will illustrate your readiness for the role.
