At a Glance
- Tasks: Be a positive influence for young people, supporting their personal growth through regular meet-ups.
- Company: Join NIACRO, a dedicated organisation focused on youth support and community development.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, experience, and have your expenses reimbursed while making a difference.
- Other info: Flexible hours, perfect for students looking to gain experience while giving back.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a young person's life and help them navigate challenges.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, just a passion for helping others and commitment to training.
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
Location & Hours
NIACRO Newcastle, UK. Flexible - hours are based on your availability and other factors.
Youth Befriender - Independent Visitor Scheme - Newcastle employer: Volunteer Now
Volunteer Now is an exceptional employer, offering a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of young people through the Independent Visitor Scheme in Newcastle. With a strong commitment to volunteer support, a collaborative work culture, and flexible hours tailored to your availability, you will gain invaluable skills while contributing to community development. The organisation prioritises personal growth and provides training and supervision, ensuring that every volunteer feels valued and empowered in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Befriender - Independent Visitor Scheme - Newcastle
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research NIACRO and their Independent Visitor Scheme. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect better during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past volunteers through platforms like Be Collective. They can share insights about their experiences and might even give you tips on how to stand out in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for potential interview questions by role-playing with a friend. Focus on scenarios related to youth support and advocacy, so you can showcase your skills and adaptability when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email 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 - Newcastle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for helping 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 make sure your thoughts are organised and easy to follow. This will help us understand your qualifications and motivations 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 track your application status there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Now
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a Youth Befriender entails. Familiarise yourself with the Independent Visitor Scheme and think about how your experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a positive impact on young people's lives. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to youth support and advocacy. Let your passion shine through!
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the organisation's approach to supporting young people. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Think about the skills mentioned in the job description, like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase these skills in action, especially in a mentoring or supportive context.
