Volunteer

Description

What is Telephone Support and Befriending?

ALONE’s Telephone Support and Befriending is a free friendly, support and information telephone service for older people. It provides personal daily or weekly contact to ensure that recipients are safe and well in their home.

Volunteers provide companionship, support, and information on local activities and relevant initiatives. All volunteers are trained and receive support from ALONE staff. Where additional needs arise that require a more hands-on approach, a request for support can be made to ALONE’s support coordination services. The service operates Monday – Friday between 10am-4pm and the calls are made at a pre-arranged time.

Volunteering with an Older Person might present challenges at times, ALONE staff will always be there to support you in dealing with difficult situations.

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:

• Providing support and information to the older person where necessary
• Being mindful of the general wellbeing of the older people and provide a positive experience during the call.
• Supporting the older person to integrate in their community – such as encouraging them to join local groups and initiatives for older people.
• Reporting to ALONE if there are concerns for the older person’s health, safety, or welfare.
• Working as a member of a team with staff and other volunteers and participate effectively in team meetings when required.
• Attending training and following the ALONE guidelines throughout your time with ALONE.
• Participating in check-in calls with ALONE staff in order to discuss any issues or address any challenges you may be facing in your role.
• Participating in ALONE volunteer surveys and assist older people in ALONE service surveys, when possible.

Skills required for this role:

• A genuine interest in the welfare of older people
• The ability to use phone apps.
• Fluent spoken and written English
• The ability to follow directions and agreed guidelines/protocols and work as part of a team.
• A caring, understanding, and friendly attitude
• To be patient, reliable and have good listening and communication skills.
• To be non-judgemental and respect the confidentiality of the older person and of all records that you come into contact with

It is essential that the volunteer has a mobile phone with a plan which allows free calls and access to a space where calls can be made in a confidential and private manner.

 

What is involved?

It is essential that Telephone Support & Befriending volunteers commit to a minimum of one 1-hour shift per week (Monday – Friday 10 am – 4 pm) for a minimum of 6 months.

Details of time commitment needed for role:
One regular 1 or 2 hour shift per week (Between Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm) for a minimum of 6 months.

Minimum time commitment per week:
1 hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role:
Expression of interest form Self paced online information session Garda vetting Informal telephone interview Webapp Training (self paced module)