Tea Bar Volunteer

Role Purpose:

• To work in conjunction with the Invisible Walls team, prison staff, volunteers and service users to provide refreshments during prison social visits.
• To help make the visiting experience positive for all involved.

Specific Duties:

• To be responsible, together with your shift partner and Visits Orderly, for the opening, running and closing of the tea bar in the Visits Hall.
• To make hot drinks, sell and serve light refreshments to visitors in the Visits Hall
• To support with general housekeeping duties as required, visiting tables, collecting rubbish, etc., in order to support the smooth running of visits.
• To maintain clean environments, ensuring space is clean and fit for purpose while abiding to health and safety regulations.
• To engage with visitors in a friendly and welcoming manner to provide a high standard of customer service at all times.
• To act as a positive role model, modelling good interactions and positive relationships.
• To work in conjunction with the Volunteer Coordinator and prison staff with regards to reporting any issues or concerns arising.
• To undertake training and attend meetings as required in order to fulfil the role.

Hours per Week:

Social visits on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays - please arrive for 1.30pm and finish by 4pm. Saturdays and Sundays - please arrive for 1.15pm and finish by 4pm.

Commitment:

We ask for at least one shift every two weeks for 6 months, however additional shifts welcome if availability allows.

Skills

Essential skills required:

• Good communication skills and a strong command of the English language.
• Non-judgmental and empathetic approach to people.
• Reliability and commitment to providing a high quality service.
• Confidence working with members of the public.
• Commitment to safeguard children.
• An ability to work well as part of a team.
• Able to make a nice cuppa!
• An ability to work well as part of a team but also on own initiative where required.

Desirable skills required:

• An awareness of the procedures associated with prison visits and the impact they may have on visitors.
• An understanding of the importance of a positive prison visit experience for all involved and how this can strengthen family ties and reduce reoffending.
• Health and safety awareness.
• An awareness of the importance of prison security procedures.