At a Glance
- Tasks: Be a positive influence for young people in care by meeting and supporting them regularly.
- Company: Volunteer Now, partnering with Be Collective to enhance volunteering in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, make a difference, and have your expenses reimbursed.
- Other info: Flexible hours based on your availability; great for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Empower young people and help them navigate life's challenges while building meaningful connections.
- Qualifications: Passion for youth support and commitment to regular meetings.
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. There’s lots of great features to Be Collective like messaging, making a profile, and being able to compile all your experiences, training and roles as well as the skills gained within a social CV. You can search and apply for volunteer roles below. If you can’t find anything you like at the moment – register now, then check back soon – new opportunities are added all the time!
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
NIACRO Belfast, UK Flexible - hours are based on your availability and other factors.
Youth Befriender - Independent Visitor Scheme - Belfast employer: Volunteer Now
Volunteer Now is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people in Belfast through the Independent Visitor Scheme. With a strong focus on community development and personal growth, volunteers benefit from flexible hours, comprehensive training, and the chance to develop valuable skills while being part of a supportive and collaborative work culture. This role not only allows you to advocate for vulnerable youth but also fosters personal fulfilment and professional development in a vibrant city.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Befriender - Independent Visitor Scheme - Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Get your profile sorted on Be Collective! Make sure it highlights your skills and experiences that relate to youth work. A strong profile can really catch the eye of those looking for volunteers.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just apply and wait! Reach out to organisations directly through the messaging feature. Show them you’re keen and ask any questions you might have about the role or the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay active on the platform! New opportunities pop up all the time, so check back regularly. You never know when the perfect role might be added that suits your interests and availability.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with other volunteers! Connect with people who are already involved in the Independent Visitor Scheme. They can offer insights and tips that could help you stand out in your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Befriender - Independent Visitor Scheme - Belfast
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 fits 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 make sure your thoughts are organised and easy to follow. This will help us understand your motivations and qualifications quickly.
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, you can easily check back for new opportunities as they come up!
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Now
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Youth Befriender. Familiarise yourself with the Independent Visitor Scheme and think about how your skills can positively impact young people. This will help you articulate your passion and suitability during the interview.
✨Share Personal Experiences
Be prepared to share any relevant personal experiences that demonstrate your ability to connect with young people. Whether it’s through volunteering, mentoring, or even informal settings, these stories can showcase your empathy and understanding, which are crucial for this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the organisation and the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if this opportunity aligns with your values and goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment
Highlight your willingness to commit to the role, including attending training and group supervision. Discuss how you plan to manage your time effectively to meet the needs of the young people you’ll be working with, as consistency is key in building trust.
