At a Glance
- Tasks: Be a positive influence for young people, meeting them regularly and engaging in fun activities.
- Company: Volunteer Now, connecting passionate volunteers with meaningful opportunities.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, make a difference, and have your expenses covered.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training provided, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Empower young people and help them navigate life's challenges while building lasting friendships.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, just a passion for supporting youth.
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
Flexible - hours are based on your availability and other factors.
Youth Befriender - Independent Visitor Scheme - Downpatrick employer: Volunteer Now
Volunteer Now is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. With flexible volunteering hours and comprehensive training opportunities, volunteers can develop valuable skills while contributing to their community in Downpatrick. The Independent Visitor Scheme not only allows you to be a positive influence but also connects you with like-minded individuals, creating a rewarding experience that enhances personal growth and social responsibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Befriender - Independent Visitor Scheme - Downpatrick
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Volunteer Now and Be Collective to understand their mission and values. This will help you tailor your approach and show genuine interest when you connect with them.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past volunteers through social media or community groups. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you don’t see a role that fits, don’t hesitate to register on the Be Collective platform and keep checking back. New opportunities pop up all the time, so stay in the loop!
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet with someone from the organisation, share your enthusiasm for supporting young people. Your genuine commitment can make all the difference in landing the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Befriender - Independent Visitor Scheme - Downpatrick
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 sentences are easy to read and your ideas flow logically. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you can easily check for new opportunities there!
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.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express why you want to be a befriender. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping young people and your understanding of their challenges.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand the organisation better. You might ask about training opportunities or how they support volunteers.
✨Demonstrate Your Skills
Be ready to discuss specific skills relevant to the role, such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've successfully used these skills in similar situations.
