Volunteer

Description

To apply for the position, we recommend that you download our dedicated Serve Now app, where all volunteer opportunities are listed.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.servenow.www&pcampaignid=web_share

 

ABOUT SERVE THE CITY

As a volunteer-led community initiative, the aim of Serve the City is simply to meet the practical needs of people in our community. We seek to bring support to those who need it through a variety of service projects. By painting a room; clearing an overgrown garden; putting up shelves; providing cultural and social activities for asylum seekers and refugees; or befriending programmes, we demonstrate care within the community. We are part of an international movement of Serve the City organisations in over 50 cities worldwide. 

Our core values actively guide our work: humility, compassion, respect, courage, love and hope. Organisationally, City and Project Leaders provide management, leadership development and volunteer coordination locally, for each project. Read more in our new strategic plan – Volunteers Serving Communities.

WHAT'S INVOLVED

Serve the City gets referrals from social workers, local authorities, concerned family members etc. on behalf of people who need practical/DIY help. This might include cleaning, painting/wall-papering, decluttering or gardening and are carried out by a team of volunteers, under the guidance of a DIY Project Leader, on SERVE Days. Afterwards, the volunteers and client will generally have a cup of tea together and chat, thus helping to break social isolation. DIY Project Leaders play a key role in ensuring SERVE Days are a success. 
 

VOLUNTEERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTS

• ‘On-the-job’ training with a more-experienced Project Leader
• Health and Safety awareness
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteer Management training (Day to-day management of volunteers)
• Insurance cover
• Named supervisor

 

BENEFITS YOU WILL RECEIVE AS A VOLUNTEER

•    Initial and ongoing training (leadership module in development)
•    Opportunity to develop your leadership abilities
•    A chance to socialise and have fun with like-minded people
•    A reference after successful completion of volunteering
•    Satisfaction of knowing you are key to the delivery of successful SERVE projects on behalf of the marginalised in our community. 
•    Insights into Irish culture (if you’re not from Ireland).
 

Is training provided?: Yes

Please note that Garda Vetting is required for this position which will be processed with you after you apply.

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

•    Liaise with the DIY Administrator about the work request.
•    Collect the materials to undertake the project; organise transportation of materials to the site. Equipment and supplies are at a lock-up facility in Ballymount Dublin (https://spacestorage.ie). Update the asset inventory in storage.
•    Familiarise yourself with the health and safety procedures and ensure the welfare of the team.
•    On the SERVE day, meet, greet and provide a short induction to the volunteers, including a health and safety briefing. Allocate tasks and provide support where necessary.
•    Liaise with the DIY Coordinator where necessary. On SERVE Days where more than one project is taking place the DIY Coordinator is available to provide backup support.
•    Undertake a short debrief with the volunteers at the end of the SERVE Day.
•    Return any materials or equipment where necessary to STC’s lock-up facility.
•    Send a follow-up email to the DIY Administrator with the following information: short description of work undertaken and status of project; any client feedback; number and names of the volunteers who participated; any volunteer feedback and a photograph of work undertaken (where consent has been given).
•    Attend peer-to-peer Project Leader meetings as required.

Skills required for this role:

•    Experience of having volunteered on at least one SERVE Day (this can be arranged).
•    Good interpersonal skills – ability to interact with a diversity of volunteers, vulnerable people, peers.
•    Practical DIY experience.
•    Ability to lead and multitask.
•    Intermediate level of English.
•    Commitment to the ethos of volunteering and community initiatives.
•    Transportation to get to and from the project.

Details of time commitment needed for role:
We ask that Project Leaders commit to leading 8 to 10 SERVE Days per year. SERVE Days take place on Saturdays, typically from 10am to 2pm. Preparation in the weeks before a SERVE Day may take several hours (e.g. assessment, equipment transportation etc.) Location SERVE Days take place all over Dublin. They are determined by the project referrals. Equipment is stored at STC’s offices in the lock up facility in Ballymount.

Minimum time commitment per week:
4 hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role:
• Informal interview • Garda Vetting [GV Act Schedule 2, Part 2, (3)] • Signed Volunteer Agreement/Code of conduct