Volunteering

Independent Visitor for Children in Care - East Wittering

For The Advocacy People

Register your Interest

What you would be doing: We are looking to recruit adult volunteer Independent Visitors to support and befriend young people who are under Local Authority care. Support for these young people can include visiting, advising and befriending them, giving them practical help where possible, and acting as a trusted friend in situations where the young person may have little or no contact with members of their own family.

• Visit, advise and befriend the young person on a minimum basis of one visit per month
• Arrange visits, activities and outings with the young person and share in quality one-to-one time with them ensuring their personal safety and welfare.
• Take time to assist with any problems, issues and concerns and empower the young person to problem solve for themselves
• Take an interest in and contribute to the young person’s general welfare, including promoting the young person’s social, emotional, educational and cultural needs
• Be open minded and flexible to the changing needs of the child
• Support the care plan that has been formulated for the young person and their carers.
• To complete a written report of your visit with the young person and send to the IV coordinator whilst adhering to data protection procedures.
• To be aware of and seek to promote any needs specifically related to the child or young person, and to challenge discrimination.
• To keep in touch with others who have a responsibility for the child or young person as necessary.
• To keep visits within the agreed budget and complete an expenses form retaining original receipts for reimbursement.
• To have fun and spend enjoyable times together!

Skills

Requirements: We would love to hear from adults of all ages and from all walks of life who relate well to young people and have a genuine interest in their well-being. No specific formal qualifications are required as full in-depth training with be provided along with out of pocket expenses.

We do ask:

• Be able to commit a minimum of two year to the role
• Be reliable and punctual in arrangements and meetings with young people, in unavoidable circumstances give as much notice to the young person and their carer as is possible.
• Be aware of significant dates in a child or young person's life and celebrate where appropriate.
• Inform the IV coordinator when you have a visit planned and send a short report on your visit and your expenses within 7 working days.
• Inform us as soon as possible if you have any concern about the welfare or safety of the child or young person you are visiting.
• Commitment to The Advocacy People’s Values
• Undertake a DBS check, provide reference and undertake training

About The Advocacy People

We help people struggling to be heard when decisions are being made about their health or social care.
We can help them understand their rights and to clearly express their views and opinions to those that need to know.

Details

• Yes - DBS check required
• Yes - Equality and Diversity Policy
• Yes - Expenses reimbursed
• Yes - Health and Safety Policy
• Yes - Is it fully accessible
  Young person led so depends on the needs of YP
• Yes - Ongoing support
• No - Suitable for physical or sensory impairment
• No - Suitable for Under 18's
• Yes - Training provided
• Yes - Volunteer induction
• Yes - Volunteer Policy
• Yes - Volunteers covered by insurance
• Yes - Written role description

Availability

As young people are usually at school, visits usually happen at the weekend or after school

More Opportunities from The Advocacy People

Similar Opportunities