Young Person Support Volunteer

Off The Record is an independent charity based in the Havant Borough area and has been supporting young people and their families in South East Hampshire since 1977.

Young people are at the heart of what we do, and we aim to support the emotional health and wellbeing of our community's young people through one-to-one counselling, support and group support for 11-25 year olds and their families.

We would like to hear from you if you are interested in volunteering with our organisation at our main office base at 138 Purbrook Way, Leigh Park. We currently need people to support our counselling service by answering the phone, providing information, call and have a friendly chat and offer signposting advice if needed to our clients awaiting services. There are also opportunities to help out at our group work and young carers services.

What we offer – our commitment to you:

• A Laser accredited Be A Volunteer online training held over two 3 hour sessions.
• A certificate of attendance at the BAV.
• An induction and shadowing period with experienced staff or volunteers
• Training in our admin and IT systems
• An opportunity to volunteer with young people at our offices in Leigh Park
• Monthly support meetings and social events
• Further training opportunities as and when funding allows

What we expect – your commitment to us:

• A copy of your CV explaining all gaps in employment to comply with our safer recruitment processes
• A cover letter explaining your reasons for wanting to volunteer for OTR
• Two most recent employed / academic references (DBS checks will be completed as a condition of the role)
• 100% attendance on the Be A Volunteer training
• A commitment to a weekly group or rota slot and attendance at monthly support meetings (2.5 hours a week plus one hour per month supervision is the minimum commitment)

We are looking for interested and successful candidates to start by June with a 2-half day training day, followed by shadowing and training on our systems and procedures.

Schedule: Monday to Friday late afternoons and evenings.

Skills

• Enjoy Being With Young People
• Positive Attitude Towards Others & Non-Judgmental
• Loyal and Committed To Volunteering
• Trustworthy and Honest
• Good Timekeeping
• Kind and Empathetic
• Supportive
• Friendly and Professional ambassadors for all OTR services
• Local services knowledge (willingness to learn about best signposting options)
• Good Interpersonal Skills
• Ability to Put People at Ease
• Ability to Think Quickly
• Good At Multi-Tasking
• Positive when undertaking simple, repetitive tasks, photocopying, preparing craft activities, preparing intro packs……
• Creative (enjoy craft work if supporting young carers and young people in groups)
• Good Team Member – support staff and other volunteers to ensure the team completes the day’s tasks