Next Link Summer Holiday Activities Volunteer Role Description
Role: Female Summer Holiday Activities Volunteer
Location: Based in either Next Link’s office in Central Bristol or office in Bath.
Activities around Bristol and Bath.
Responsible to: Andrea Russe (Children’s Team Coordinator) and Chloe Janssen-
Lester (Volunteer Coordinator)
Time commitment and duration:

Volunteers should be able to offer a minimum of 1 day (usually 9.30 – 4.30) a week during the holiday period of 20 th July to 21 st August. The opportunity is available Monday to Friday.

Shift dates will be agreed and provided in advance.

Volunteers MUST be able to commit to attending the following dates for interviews, training and role induction:
Interviews: Either Tuesday 30 th June or Thursday 2 nd July 2015
Training: Either Tuesday 14 th July or Thursday 16 th July 2015
Volunteers will begin their role on an agreed weekday during the week commencing 20 th July 2015
N.B If candidates are unable to attend all of these dates, but are very keen to volunteer with us, please contact Chloe using the details below.
Overview of the role:
Next Link provides a range of domestic abuse support services to women and children in Bristol and Bath & North East Somerset. During the summer holidays we deliver a variety of activities and trips for the children, young people and families living in our Safe Houses and working with our resettlement team. We are looking for a team of volunteers to support these children and young people, alongside our
Children
’s Team, to take part in a range of activities and trips.
In the past these have included activities such as horse riding, trips to Weston-Super-Mare, and family barbeques.
Responsibilities:

To attend activities and trips as agreed and provide a warm, safe and fun environment for children and their families.
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To report to the trip leader and follow their direction.
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To promote the safety and wellbeing of children in the groups.

To make clear arrangements with the Chi ldren’s Team Coordinator and respond to correspondence and communications promptly.

 To act in a way that promotes children’s and young people’s emotional wellbeing.

To behave in a way that is respectful to children, young people and their families.

To report any safeguarding or child protection concerns immediately to group leader/Children’s Team Coordinator.
 To abide by Next Link’s policies and procedures as outlined in the induction and training, especially surrounding confidentiality.
Person Specification:

Missing Link is a female-only employer and as such will only offer voluntary positions to female applicants.

This role is only available to applicants over the age of 18.

If you have used any of Next
Link’s Service’s (this includes Missing Link and
Safe Link) you should not have used the service for at least one year.

An understanding of, and passion to positively impact, the lives of women and children affected by domestic abuse.

Experience of, or proven skills to be able to, engage children and young people in a fun, positive and caring way.
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Ability to communicate clearly and work with a wide range of staff, volunteer, parents and children.
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You must be friendly, approachable, reliable and able to build positive relationships with children and young people.
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An ability to hold and respect confidences and behave in a respectful and appropriate manner while dealing with sensitive situations. This includes understanding the importance of holding professional boundaries.

An ability to work in accordance with, and understand the significance of, our policies and standards, in particular surrounding confidentiality, safeguarding, equal opportunities, anti-discriminatory practice and health and safety.
Benefits of role:

A sense of making a real difference to the lives of children and young people affected by domestic abuse.

The chance to both use, and develop, a range of skills and competencies related to working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The opportunity to receive transferrable training, especially relating to working with vulnerable families.
Training:
Extensive training will be provided and is compulsory. The training will cover everything needed to take on the role. Please do not hesitate to contact the
Volunteer Coordinator using the details below if you have any questions surrounding this, or anything else.

Recruitment process:

Please use this role description, and particularly the person specification to fill out the application form.

If successful in being short-listed you will be invited to attend an informal interview.

If successful at interview you will need to provide references and complete an enhanced DBS check.

You will participate in all training sessions.

Once you have completed all training and your suitability to volunteer has been verified you will be inducted into the role and the team you will be supporting.
Details:
If you have any questions surrounding the organisation, voluntary roles, or application process, please contact Chloe Janssen-Lester (Volunteer Coordinator) either via email: Chloe.Janssen-Lester@nextlinkhousing.co.uk
or call 0117 925
0680.