EARS Outreach Volunteer

Responsible to

Volunteer Coordinator

Support from

Volunteer Coordinator, other staff & Volunteers

Purpose of role

Help elder clients through their trauma of elder abuse onto a pathway of recovery by building a friendship based on trust and respect.

To support and empower an older person to attend activities that will help them on the road to recovery and improve their overall health and well-being as well as aiming to reduce isolation.

Description of tasks

After a referral has been received (either self-referral or professional) and risk assessment has been conducted, contact the client to arrange a first meeting, possibly in the client’s home.

Introduce the client to activities or groups they might not have tried before, but would like to and initially attend with them.

Support the client to overcome any barriers to commence recovery from issue or concern relating to recovery.

Undertake and/or work towards mutually agreed goals as stipulated in client individual development plan

Create and adhere to volunteer agreement

Encourage and motivate the client to be more physically active; to engage socially or to take other steps to improve their health and wellbeing.

Arranging to attend activities with the client being supported using the mode of transport they will use after you withdraw support.

Attending support/advice/training sessions with other volunteers

Contributing to the collection of information about how the project runs.

Refer all information and advice enquiries to the Volunteer Coordinator which will be forwarded to the relevant member of staff.

Provide a summary of each meeting with the client to the Volunteer Coordinator

Attend one-to-one sessions with Volunteer Coordinator

Time commitment

Committed to the role for at least 6 months

Minimum of 4 hours per week

Length of visits will vary with each client. Visits could take place weekly or could be on a one-off basis. Visits could mean going to individuals own home/community setting or escorting them to an activity or an appointment

Skills and qualifications

We look for people who understand and empathise with the service objectives, who have relevant experience and who can demonstrate a professional but friendly approach

Good listening and communication skills essential.

Patience and tact

A caring, empathetic, sensitive manner and a non-judgemental approach

Reliable/dependable/flexible

To be able to recognise and work within personal and organisational boundaries

Understanding of confidentiality (working within AEA policies and procedures)

Commitment to understanding the needs of older people

Willingness to help raise self-esteem/confidence through a positive befriending relationship

Willingness to work without direct supervision

Training and support

Induction training (2 days, that can be split over 4 half days. Weekend training may also be an option)

On-going support is provided

Additional training into dementia awareness/mental health awareness etc is also available

Expenses

Lunch & Travel expenses

Benefits to the volunteer

This opportunity will allow volunteers to use and develop their skills.

Our volunteers will join an exciting and dynamic organisation and help us to work towards a safer community for all elderly adults across the UK. Access to AEA’s Elder Abuse Recovery Service training courses including: Health & Safety, Lone Working, Safeguarding

One-to-one support

Get involved with your local community

The satisfaction of knowing that you play a pivotal role in aiding an older person in their recovery

Impart your time and skills for the benefit of survivors of elder abuse & their families

Valuable experience of volunteering that you can add to your CV

References

You will be required to supply two references, one being your current or most recent employer

Both of which must have known you for at least two years

DBS

This role will be subject to a DBS check – carried out following successful completion of training