Volunteer -Community Support Worker

Emconet Advice Centre

Volunteer -Community Support Worker

Role Description

Title:VolunteerCommunity DevelopmentWorker

Department:Emerging Communities Network Advice Centre

Hours: Minimum commitment of 6 hours per week

Line Manager: Elena Jeanes

Duties updated: April 2017

Overall Object of the Post:

To provide floating community support to Eastern European communities specifically around employability skills, welfare benefits, mental health and domestic violence on an individual basis, using a person centred approach that focuses on helping them to integrate in the UK. Community support includes engaging, redressing inequalities, empowering individuals to take action on issues affecting their lives, including health, education, unemployment and the environment, by developing positive skills and attitudes.

To provide support to EMCONET team and to help ensure the smooth running of EMCONET activities, as well as allowing EMCONET volunteers and staff members to provide effective service to clients.

Specific Duties:

Volunteer–Community Development Worker

To support a client with all aspects of living in the UK, providing support as identified in their individual Support Plan, monitoring and reviewing the support package
To interact and participate with clients in the development of the life skills, social skills and supporting clients to reach their potential for independence
To provide information to a client ensuring that s/he understands a process of communication with public services via interpreting /translation
To provide information about services held at Emconet Support and Resources centre
To advocate and liaise on behalf of the clients with Jobcentre Plus, NHS and local authorities etc.
To give advice, support and information in respect of mental ill health and domestic violence issues, managing finances, personal safety and security, Welfare rights, including housing and other benefits and support them in legal matters.
To identify links with other projects and community services and to provide information about further training and / or voluntary community activity
To maintain the confidentiality of all client’s records, and information relating to the clients and staff in accordance with Charity’ Confidentiality Policy
Completing paperwork and carrying out associated administrational tasks.
To participate in training, support and supervision sessions when required.
To undertake any other delegated duties as may be required from time to time, which are commensurate with the nature and grading of therole.
Updating the database, completing the Initial Assessment screens, review and monitoring of personal performance.
To contribute to fundraising and social presence development, bringing ideas, suggestions and applications to the attention of the Managing Director, being proactive in ensuring that this and other Emconet’ initiatives remain financially viable.
ContactingwithManaging Director in regards of organising workshops for raising employability skills, improving confidence and mental health issues and toparticipate as and when required
To work effectively as part of the EMCONET staff team and be flexible and responsive to changing customer needs and EMCONET requirements.

Person Specification

We require the Volunteer –Community DevelopmentWorkerto possess the followingpersonal characteristics:

Essential

A commitment to a service, which provides support to vulnerable individuals
Open-minded approach to individuals, avoiding judgement or stereotyping.
Empathy, understanding and compassionate attitude to vulnerable people
Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to write legible notes and records
Attention to detail in handling various documents and files.
An understanding and interest in issues relating to migration and employment.
A desire and willingness to work within a community setting
Experience working as part of a team
Good time management

Desirable:

Experience working with migrants and refugees
An understanding and interest in issues relating to migration and employment.
Experience of working in the voluntary sector
Mental health and Domestic violence awareness
Knowledge of welfare rights
Knowledge of Eastern European language, preferable Russian, Polish, or Slovakian

Volunteering hours: 1 to 3 days per week

Duration:minimum commitment of 6 months with the possibility of an extension or renewal (this position could be suitable for a work placement or internship)

How to apply:Interested applicants need to send in their CV and a letter explaining why they are the right volunteer for this position.

Send to: or post to:

Emerging Communities Network,

Thimblemill Library

Smethwick

B67 5RJ

If shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an informal interview.