Branching Out Lifeline Volunteering Information Pack

About Branching Out Lifeline
We provide a free, accessible, confidential substance misuse service to; young people under 19, those affected by the substance use of others, and a transitional service for 19-25 year olds
We offer information, treatment, advice and support. We will respond appropriately to the needs of individuals and offer a friendly and supportive service regardless of race, ability, gender or sexuality.
Our core service is to work with under 19s and offer support, advice, and information around drug and alcohol issues. We support clients to reach their personal drug and alcohol goals and advise around keeping themselves safer. We are able to offer practical help where appropriate and support access into other services.
We have dedicated support for parents/carer’s and offer one to one appointments as well as family meetings.
We also offer support to young carer’s who are effected by a substance using parent.
We offer targeted group work to young people who are using or at risk of using substances.
We offer training to professionals who work with young people in screening and assessment of substance misuse.
About the opportunity
Volunteers will have the opportunity to gain experience working in the field of substance misuse.
Volunteers with have access to regular supervision and support.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to undergo a variety of training including substance misuse awareness, screening and assessment of substance use and where appropriate safeguarding training.
Where appropriate Volunteers will have the opportunity to shadow and support practitioners in their case work.
Volunteer Role Description
The type of work the volunteer role would entail includes the following:
Volunteers will be asked to promote, develop and support in facilitating service user involvement initiatives.
Volunteers may be asked to work on the front line and support in the implication of reception cover and duty rota’s cover.
Volunteers may support practitioners in assessing for substance misuse issues and aiding the delivery of treatment interventions on an individual basis. This could include; home visits, office appointments, outreach visits, supporting clients to access other agencies and advocacy and mentoring.
The volunteer role could be asked to support the facilitator and assist in the delivery of group work to targeted young people using or at risk of using substances.
The volunteer role could be asked to assist with a view to taking a lead, on events such as stalls at corporate events/ health fairs/ colleges.
Volunteers will be asked to support practitioners in promoting the Branching Out service through networking opportunities and identify ways of ensuring ongoing communication with the local community.
Volunteers will be required to support practitioners in prioritising the safeguarding of service users.
Volunteer Person Specification
Essential:
One year’s experience paid/unpaid of working with vulnerable people
Willingness to gain knowledge around substance misuse and safeguarding /child protection
The ability to work in a professional manner
To be a reliable member of the team
The ability to work in a small team and on own initiative
Good communication skills
The ability to engage with a wide range of individuals
The ability to prioritise tasks and manage time efficiently
Commitment to the promotion of Lifeline services / Desirable skills:
Administrative/IT skills
Knowledge of the local community
Willingness to attend conferences, workshops and seminars
Good organisational skills
Full UK driving license

Lifeline Branching Out are looking for a volunteer who can demonstrate the following skills/ abilities/ attributes, please evidence these as part of your application form.