Volunteering Vacancies

Volunteers will be working within our North East Pathway which specialises in working in communities where poverty and long-term unemployment have resulted in generations of social exclusion and high levels of homelessness.  Our supported accommodation consists of shared homes where support staff provide a safe environment for young people to stay in and develop skills for independent living.  We also provide support to young people in their own properties to help them maintain their tenancy.

All our young people are supported in accessing training, employment, education and opportunities to volunteer.

To offer support to young people to build their independent living skills, develop their confidence, and to provide support in day-to-day activities if required.  The role is varied and could involve various activities such as attending appointments with young people, helping them learn a new skill or simply going for a walk along the beach with them.  If you have any particular passion or skills that you would like to share, we will welcome your expertise.

Main Tasks:

• To support young people to identify their goals and aspirations
• Help support young people to develop their independent living skills
• Help young people with documentation e.g. form filling
• Accompany young people to appointments
• Support to plan and attend activities
• Share your expertise and put your existing skills and experience to beneficial use
• Regular liaison with staff to record and discuss your volunteering experience
• Provide feedback, updates and handovers on activity and share insights
• To attend Induction and support sessions
• To adhere to the terms of Depaul UK’s policies

This list is by no means exhaustive and is dependent upon our young people’s needs and requirements. There is no ‘one size fits all’ and we are sure you will have lots of fun meeting some fantastic young people whilst supporting our charity.

• Excellent communication skills and a friendly approach are essential and you must be reliable and committed to the work and values of Depaul UK. You must be respectful, empathetic, and patient.
• You must be able to travel independently within the North Tyneside area.
• Experience with MS Office is desirable as is previous experience working with young people although not essential.

Once you have applied to be a volunteer, you may need an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and reference checks. We will then invite you to an interview.

All volunteers with receive an induction and an induction to specific roles and projects. Volunteers will be given access to learning and development opportunities in line with their role.

Activities and interactions with our young people would take place between Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and we would expect you to be able to commit to at least one morning or afternoon per week, depending upon your availability.

If you have not been an active in your volunteering for 3 months, we will contact you to see if you wish to continue and if you have not been active for 6 months your volunteering role will be ended.  You could then re-apply for any volunteering at Depaul again going through the full volunteer recruitment process.

• Travel expenses to and from the project, travel between projects, and all genuine out-of-pocket expenses, are reimbursed.
• While volunteering at the project, volunteers have full liability insurance cover.
• There are appreciation events to recognise the important contribution that volunteers make
• Personal & professional development through training, support and ongoing evaluation
• Depaul can provide a reference after 6 months active continuous volunteering
• Contribute to a project that really does make a difference to the lives of young people.

• To attend Induction and support sessions
• To adhere to the terms of Depaul UK’s policies
• Welcome guests to the drop in
• Assist Health and Safety assessment and follow protocols
• Support clients to identify and take steps towards goal achievement
• Use a variety of software platforms for data entry
• Support staff to arrange and deliver 1-1 appointments
• May be some requirement to assist with carrying out test logs and safety inspections-full training will be given.

Highly confident in communication skills, experience with MS Office 365 applications, a passion to help others, ambition to learn new skills, commitment to the work of Depaul UK.

Support and supervision

The volunteer will be line managed by Frank Groves in the first instance and the Project Manager Suizie Burn, in the second instance. Ongoing support throughout from the Volunteering Team.

All volunteers with receive a volunteer induction and an induction to specific roles and projects. Volunteers will be given access to learning and development opportunities in line with their role.

Minimum of 6 hours per week on a Wednesday between 9am and 5pm, additional volunteering hours between Monday and Friday 9am and 5pm is desirable.  A commitment to a minimum of 6 months volunteering in this role.

If you have not been an active in your volunteering for 3 months, we will contact you to see if you wish to continue and if you have not been active for 6 months your volunteering role will be ended.  You could then re-apply for any volunteering at Depaul again going through the full volunteer recruitment process.

Minimum of 6 hours per week on a Wednesday between 9am and 5pm, additional volunteering hours between Monday and Friday 9am and 5pm is desirable.  A commitment to a minimum of 6 months volunteering in this role.

If you have not been an active in your volunteering for 3 months, we will contact you to see if you wish to continue and if you have not been active for 6 months your volunteering role will be ended.  You could then re-apply for any volunteering at Depaul again going through the full volunteer recruitment process.

• A fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience supporting others.
• Travel expenses to and from the project, travel between projects, and all genuine out-of-pocket expenses, are reimbursed.
• While volunteering at the project, volunteers have full liability insurance cover.
• There are appreciation events to recognise the important contribution that volunteers make.
• Personal & professional development through training, support and ongoing evaluation.
• Depaul can provide a reference after 6 months active continuous volunteering
• Contribute to a project that really does make a difference to the lives of people.

THE DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE – DISCLOSURE

Depaul UK aims to promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. Depaul UK welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Criminal records will be taken into account for requirement purposes only when the conviction is relevant.

As Depaul UK meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013) by SI 2013 1198’.  All applicants who are offered volunteering may be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure & Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed

• Understanding the circumstances of people we support and how this role contributes to their success.
• Helping people to understand their goals, options, and possible next steps
• Offering guidance, support, encouragement, and a safe space for people to discuss their personal and development needs and how to progress to meet them.
• Jointly agreeing tasks and actions to undertake between 1-to-1 meetings.
• Providing active support as necessary, such as reviewing documentation, responding to email, signposting where to find useful resources, networking connections; etc.
• In conjunction with your mentee, producing mentor updates, sharing progress, and identifying any significant challenges where additional Depaul UK support is needed.
• Sharing relevant learning, materials and useful resources that may benefit Depaul clients and our work.
• If desired, contributing to other areas of Depaul UK’s work and community as opportunities arise.

• Building trust with young people from a range of backgrounds – mentoring skills, great communicator, positive, encouraging, able to give and receive constructive corrective feedback and reinforce learning and progress.
• Being a role model with experience or a growth and progress story that young people can relate to.
• Experience of job searches, application process, interview experiences

Support and supervision

The mentor will be line managed by a member of the Steps to Success team, and supported also by Depaul UK’s Volunteer team.

Induction and training

All mentors with receive an induction to Depaul UK and an induction to specific to your mentor role

Commitment

Flexible. A minimum of 1 hour per month. This could be evenings/daytime/weekends to suit both mentor and mentee.

If you have not been an active in your mentoring role for 3 months we will contact you to see if you wish to continue and if you have not been active for 6 months your role will be ended.  You could then re-apply for any volunteering at Depaul again going through the full volunteer recruitment process.

• Travel expenses to and from the project, travel between projects, and all genuine out-of-pocket expenses, are reimbursed.
• While volunteering at the project, volunteers have full liability insurance cover.
• There are appreciation events to recognise the important contribution that volunteers make
• Personal & professional development through training, support and ongoing evaluation
• Depaul can provide a reference after 6 months active continuous volunteering
• Contribute to a project that really does make a difference to the lives of young people.

THE DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE – DISCLOSURE

Depaul UK aims to promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. Depaul UK welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Criminal records will be taken into account for requirement purposes only when the conviction is relevant.

As Depaul UK meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013) by SI 2013 1198’.  All applicants who are offered volunteering may be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure & Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed

1. Project planning – work alongside Depaul UK staff to survey, scope out and identify painting and decorating projects that align with the maintenance needs and priorities of our accommodation facilities. Support with the development of project plans, including timelines, material, storage and costings lists and safety protocols.

2. Skills training – provide guidance and support to corporate volunteers, including briefing them on painting and decorating techniques, safety procedures and project expectations. Ensure that volunteers have the necessary tools and resources to carry out their tasks effectively.

3. Supervision and support – Oversee volunteers during the painting and decorating activities, offering assistance and guidance as needed. Ensure that projects are completed to a high standard and in accordance with Depaul UK’s quality standards.

4. Contribution and adherence – to attend all inductions and support sessions as necessary and to adhere to the term of Depaul UK’s policies. To contribute positively to the continuous development of the project/team and to observe clear professional boundaries with the young people living in Depaul UK supported accommodation services.

• Qualified or proven time served painter and decorator with significant experience in the field
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to plan effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations, manual handling, working at height and COSHH certified, with a commitment to ensuring a safe working environment for volunteers
• Flexibility and adaptability to work with different corporate groups and accommodate varying schedules and preferences.

All volunteers with receive a Volunteer induction and an induction to specific roles and projects. Volunteers will be given access to learning and development opportunities in line with their role.

• Commitment for this role is fully flexible for the volunteer, we are very grateful for what can be offered. This volunteer will work with the fundraising team to decide the best way of planning volunteering sessions. e.g volunteer to give availability every month or to give certain days when can be contacted to organise an agreed volunteering session. Please state on the application form what days and times you are able to offer and what your flexibility is. The hours are not guaranteed every week as the hours depend on what tasks are needed as they arise.
• We ask that this volunteer has the skills and knowledge to complete jobs safely, is able to share this skill and knowledge with clients and other volunteers.
• If you have not been active in your volunteering for 3 months we will contact you to see if you wish to continue and if you have not been active for 6 months your volunteering role will be ended. You could then re-apply for any volunteering at Depaul again going through the full volunteer recruitment process.

Time Commitment

Flexible, based on the availability of corporate volunteering groups and the needs of Depaul UK’s accommodation services. Volunteer days may range from a few hours to a few days depending on the scope of the project, this will be agreed and planned for together.

• Opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of the young people we support
• Utilise your skills and expertise to support on meaningful volunteer projects and inspire others to give back to the community
• Travel expenses to and from the project, travel between projects, and all genuine out-of-pocket expenses, are reimbursed.
• While volunteering at the project, volunteers have full liability insurance cover.
• There are appreciation events to recognise the important contribution that volunteers make
• Forums every 12 weeks to get peer support from other volunteers and gain extra learning
• Flexibility in the role
• Personal & professional development through training, support and ongoing evaluation. Including potential opportunities offered to volunteers which may include core training for staff such as safeguarding etc. (these trainings can be added to your CV).
• Depaul UK can provide a reference after 6 months active continuous volunteering

THE DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE – DISCLOSURE

Depaul UK aims to promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. Depaul UK welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Criminal records will be taken into account for requirement purposes only when the conviction is relevant

• Support with assessment meetings
• Support with explaining rights and responsibilities including mental and physical wellbeing and benefits.
• Support with discussing all aspects of housing related matters, including tenancy agreements
• Support with discussing service user’s independent skills.
• Advocating for young people at appointments and meetings with professionals.
• Encouraging community engagement by participating in activities that promote community cohesion and involvement.
• Availability to support sessions – this may be via phone or online but in person would be preferred.
• To adhere to the terms of Depaul UK’s policies
• Attend essential trainings and any additional trainings, as and when needed.

• We are particularly interested to hear from applicants that speak the following languages: Amharic, Tigrinya Oromo, Arabic, Farsi, Dari, and Pashto.
• Experience with Microsoft 365
• Record Keeping skills
• Flexibility
• Communication skills
• Ability to build professional relationships
• A commitment to the work of Depaul UK and ability to follow its policies and procedures.

The volunteer will be line managed by Beki Hyde, in the first instance and the Volunteer & Mentoring Coordinator, Amy Jobling, in the second instance.

Induction and training:

All volunteers with receive a Volunteer induction and an induction to specific roles and projects. Volunteers will be given access to learning and development opportunities in line with their role.

The Oldham Young People’s Service provides support 24/7 365 days a year. Appointments will mostly be within standard hours of 9- 5 Monday to Friday but flexibility outside of these hours may be required. Some examples of the required time are: Assessments 1.5hrs, Support session 2hrs.

If you have not been an active in your volunteering for 3 months we will contact you to see if you wish to continue and if you have not been active for 6 months your volunteering role will be ended.  You could then re-apply for any volunteering at Depaul again going through the full  volunteer recruitment process.

• Travel expenses to and from the project, travel between projects, and all genuine out-of-pocket expenses, are reimbursed.
• While volunteering at the project, volunteers have full liability insurance cover.
• There are appreciation events to recognise the important contribution that volunteers make.
• Personal & professional development through training, support and ongoing evaluation
• Depaul can provide a reference after 6 months active continuous volunteering
• Contribute to a project that really does make a difference to the lives of young people.

THE DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE – DISCLOSURE

Depaul UK aims to promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. Depaul UK welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Criminal records will be taken into account for requirement purposes only when the conviction is relevant.

• To attend Induction and support sessions
• To adhere to the terms of Depaul UK’s policies
• Follow Depaul UK Brand Guidelines and Nightstop UK Guidelines with any external and internal communications.
• Create content for social media, including Facebook and local media.
• Assist in the creation of digital, video, audio and print content for social media channels.
• Assist co-ordinator with other promotional activities, including recruitment and promotional events, community promotion and networking events, and local campaigns.

Communication skills, experience with MS Office, previous experience working using social media or marketing products and a commitment to the work of Depaul UK.

All volunteers with receive a Volunteer induction and an induction to specific roles and projects. Volunteers will be given access to learning and development opportunities in line with their role.

There is a minimum commitment of 3 hours per week for this role, however, we can be flexible around holidays and other commitments.

If you have not been an active in your volunteering for 3 months we will contact you to see if you wish to continue and if you have not been active for 6 months your volunteering role will be ended. You could then re-apply for any volunteering at Depaul again going through the full volunteer recruitment process

• Travel expenses to and from the project, travel between projects, and all genuine out-of-pocket expenses, are reimbursed.
• While volunteering at the project, volunteers have full liability insurance cover.
• There are appreciation events to recognise the important contribution that volunteers makes
• Personal & professional development through training, support and ongoing evaluation
• Depaul can provide a reference after 6 months active continuous volunteering
• Contribute to a project that really does make a difference to the lives of young people.

• Project planning – work alongside Depaul UK staff to identify gardening projects that align with the needs and priorities of our accommodation facilities. Support with the development of project plans, including timelines, material and costings lists and safety protocols.
• Skills training – provide guidance and support to corporate volunteers, including briefing them on gardening techniques, safety procedures and project expectations. Ensure that volunteers have the necessary tools and resources to carry out their tasks effectively.
• Supervision and support – Oversee volunteers during the gardening activities, offering assistance and guidance as needed. Ensure that projects are completed to a high standard and in accordance with Depaul UK’s quality standards.
• Contribution and adherence – to attend all inductions and support sessions as necessary and to adhere to the term of Depaul UK’s policies. To contribute positively to the continuous development of the project/team and to observe clear professional boundaries with the young people living in Depaul UK supported accommodation services.

• Qualified or proven time served as a gardener with significant experience in the field
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to plan effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations, manual handling, working at height and COSHH certified, with a commitment to ensuring a safe working environment for volunteers
• Flexibility and adaptability to work with different corporate groups and accommodate varying schedules and preferences.

• Commitment for this role is fully flexible for the volunteer, we are very grateful for what can be offered. This volunteer will work with the fundraising team to decide the best way of planning volunteering sessions. e.g volunteer to give availability every month or to give certain days when can be contacted to organise an agreed volunteering session. Please state on the application form what days and times you are able to offer and what your flexibility is. The hours are not guaranteed every week as the hours depend on what tasks are needed as they arise.
• We ask that this volunteer has the skills and knowledge to complete jobs safely, is able to share this skill and knowledge with clients and other volunteers.
• If you have not been active in your volunteering for 3 months we will contact you to see if you wish to continue and if you have not been active for 6 months your volunteering role will be ended. You could then re-apply for any volunteering at Depaul again going through the full volunteer recruitment process.

• Opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of the young people we support
• Utilise your skills and expertise to support on meaningful volunteer projects and inspire others to give back to the community
• Travel expenses to and from the project, travel between projects, and all genuine out-of-pocket expenses, are reimbursed.
• While volunteering at the project, volunteers have full liability insurance cover.
• There are appreciation events to recognise the important contribution that volunteers make
• Forums every 12 weeks to get peer support from other volunteers and gain extra learning
• Flexibility in the role
• Personal & professional development through training, support and ongoing evaluation. Including potential opportunities offered to volunteers which may include core training for staff such as safeguarding etc. (these trainings can be added to your CV).
• Depaul UK can provide a reference after 6 months active continuous volunteering

All applicants who are offered volunteering may be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure & Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.