Volunteer Coordinator - Older Persons Befriending Service

Location: Home Working and Community Working

Hours: 28 hours per week (4 days)

Holidays: 5.6 weeks inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata)

Salary: £12.71 per hour

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for recruiting, supporting, and supervising volunteers who provide befriending support to older people experiencing loneliness or social isolation. The role ensures the service is safe, effective, volunteer-friendly, and centred around the wellbeing and preferences of older people.

• Promote volunteering opportunities through community partners, events, digital platforms, and local networks.
• Manage the volunteer application process, including screening, interviews, references, and DBS checks.
• Deliver engaging inductions and essential training to prepare volunteers for their befriending roles.
• Provide ongoing support to volunteers through regular check-ins, supervision sessions, and peer support opportunities.
• Recognise and value volunteer contributions, ensuring they feel appreciated, confident, and able to fulfil their role.
• Address any issues, concerns, or conflicts promptly and sensitively.
• Match volunteers with older people based on compatibility, location, and support requirements.
• Monitor befriending relationships to ensure their quality, safety, and positive impact.
• Ensure all safeguarding policies and procedures are followed by volunteers and clients.
• Respond to safeguarding concerns promptly and appropriately, escalating to managers where required.
• Maintain accurate records and risk assessments for all matches and volunteer activities.
• Maintain up-to-date volunteer and service-user records, ensuring compliance with GDPR and organisational policies.
• Track volunteer hours, service outputs, and outcomes for reporting to funders and senior management.
• Support the development of service improvements and help shape the growth of the befriending programme.
• Build links with local organisations, community groups, and referral agencies.
• Represent the befriending service at community events, meetings, and networking opportunities.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with volunteers, older people, families, and professionals.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Empathy, patience, and understanding of the experiences of older people.
• Experience of coordinating volunteers or working in a community or support service (desirable).
• Knowledge of safeguarding adults and confidentiality best practice.

• Training and development opportunities.
• Supportive team environment.
• Ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older people.
• Travel expenses reimbursed.

To apply, please submit your CV along with a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are passionate about joining our team.

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