Volunteer

Description

Visitation Support and Befriending is a supported one-to-one relationship between a volunteer and an older person who has been linked in with ALONE. The ALONE Support and Befriending service provides companionship and practical support to older people who would like extra social contact through a weekly volunteer visit. The Support and Befriending service is designed to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, provide assistance to solve everyday problems and enable older people to feel secure at home.

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 one to one companionship to an older person by visiting them at least once a week
• Providing basic practical support for the older person where necessary, such as helping with assessing information, making a phone call, noting appointments, etc. (Volunteers are not substitutes for home-help, home-care  or care assistants,  and must not take on these roles)
• Supporting the older person, you are visiting to attend local activities and integrate with their community by encouraging them to join local groups and initiatives for older people
• Login your visits & support requests on the BFriend App
• Contacting ALONE if there are concerns for the older person’s health, safety, or welfare
• Advocating for the older person where necessary. This might mean making a phone call on their behalf or helping them fill in a form
• Attending training and following the ALONE guidelines throughout your time with ALONE
• Participating in ALONE volunteer surveys and potentially assisting with ALONE with delivery/completion of surveys to Older People
• Participating in check-in calls with Volunteer Support Officers to discuss any issues or address any challenges you may be facing in your role

Skills required for this role:

• A genuine interest in the welfare of Older People
• To be patient, reliable and have good listening and communication skills
• To have a caring, understanding and friendly attitude
• To be flexible around visiting times or locations of visits
• To be non-judgemental and respect the confidentiality of the older person and of all records that you come into contact with
• To be able to follow directions and agreed guidelines/protocols and work as part of a team.
• Good level of spoken English

Minimum time commitment per week:
1 hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role:
https://alone.tfaforms.net/f/ALONE-Volunteer-Expression-of-Interest-2021