An opportunity promoted through JustPeople

PFFS Befriending Volunteers

Role Summary:

The role of a befriending volunteer is to provide emotional support to relatives of prisoners, through one to one support and/or telephone contact. The purpose of the relationship is to reduce social isolation, build up their confidence and self-esteem and empower them to take increasing control of their life. The befriender acts as a listening ear, providing emotional support in an empathetic, non-judgmental manner.

Key tasks, duties and responsibilities:

Volunteers will be required to:

-Provide emotional support to people with a relative in prison through meetings in the community or through telephone contact

-Act as a listening ear

-Help build confidence and self-esteem

-Research and provide information concerning the judicial, prison and state benefit systems, relevant to the befriendee (with help from the Befriending Service Manger)

-Research and signpost to other local agencies relevant to the befriendee’s needs

-Offer support in identifying and achieving goals and aspirations

-Act as an advocate for the befriendee with official bodies and support them in becoming a more effective self advocate

-Report to Befriending Service manager on the progress of the befriending relationship

-Fill out paperwork related to their volunteering

-Maintain professional boundaries

-Observe and adhere to Pact’s policies and procedures

-Clock in and out of befriending meetings with identified Safe Link

-Attend regular support meetings, supervisions and training as required

Skills Required

Applicants without the following skills or experience will still be considered as we provide training and support to help you work towards acquiring these skills.

  • Previous paid or voluntary work
  • Have an interest in the needs of prisoners families’
  • Experience of working in a community setting
  • Experience of working with families
  • Well developed communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team and independently
  • Ability to stay calm under pressure
  • Ability to deal calmly and sensitively with prisoners and families under stress
  • Ability to respect confidentiality
  • Non-judgmental attitude towards prisoners and their families
  • Professional but empathetic manner
  • Organised, reliable and able to use initiative
  • Respectful of the traditions of the Courts
  • Ability to work within boundaries and in accordance with the charities policies and procedures, such as; equal opportunities
  • Ability to fill out and return relevant paperwork as required
  • Good written skills to help families with form filling and letter writing
  • Good research skills
  • Responsive to change
  • Ability to attend training, support and development sessions
  • Ability to travel if required

Information:

Location: Greater London

Hours of work:Flexible

Time commitment A minimum commitment of 6 hours per month for a minimum period of 1 year

Training All training is provided

Expenses:Travel costs are reimbursed but are capped at the cost of an off peak travel card. Lunch will be reimbursed with the production of a receipt.

HH/June 2014