NIght Owl - Listening Volunteer

Are you a Night Owl or an Early Bird?

Samaritans is one of the few helplines and services that are open 24/7. But we struggle to answer all the calls we receive in the early hours of the morning. 

Statistics show that between 2 am and 6 am, people who call us are twice as likely to be suicidal. But many have to wait over 30 minutes to get through to a Samaritan.

We are planning to expand our cover at night and looking for volunteers who can do a shift from midnight - 6 am once a month.

We're looking for volunteers to:

• Provide confidential emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
• Provide such support by telephone, email, web chat and whatever other means of communication may be adopted by Samaritans.

Key responsibilities:

• To provide confidential emotional support as above
• To uphold Samaritans' Mission, Vision & Values & Policies & Procedures
• To complete regular volunteering duties, including overnight duties, as agreed
• To support fellow Samaritan volunteers during shared duties
• To debrief with duty Leader after each shift
• To liaise with duty Leader in respect of difficult or emergency situations or when in doubt
• To follow instructions given by duty Leader or Director
• To maintain caller log sheets and/or systems as required by the branch
• To undertake continuous development training

We're looking for volunteers with the following qualities:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
• To be able to actively listen without prejudice
• To be able to communicate clearly with callers and branch volunteers
• Ability to deal sensitively with all callers, including vulnerable people, those with mental health issues and children, as necessary
• Able to follow procedures and maintain systems
• Ability to recognise the need for support (in themselves and others) and to seek or provide support where necessary
• Awareness of own emotional triggers and can cope with own feelings
• Demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of Samaritans values
• Listening volunteers should be 18 or over upon completion of their training.

Timings:

We ask Night Owls to complete a minimum of one night shift per month.
12 midnight to 6am or 2am - 6am.
A car park is available or we can providea taxi if needed.

Location, Travel and Expenses:

• Based at the branch on Oxford Rd, Manchester
• All out-of-pocket expenses related to the role will be reimbursed in line with Branch Expenses Policy

Benefits:

• A chance for personal development
• Access to a thorough training programme
• Contribute and share existing skills
• Develop new listening and communication skills you can use in all aspects of your life
• Meet new people from all different kinds of backgrounds and cultures
• Give something back to your local community

Recruitment and Selection Process

• Completion of a Samaritans application form
• Attendance and successful selection at an interview
• The offer of a listening volunteer position is conditional on the completion of;
  • Background checks; including references and enhanced criminal records check
  • Completion of initial CORE training
  • Period of mentoring and Embedding
• Successful completion of a probationary period before becoming a full branch volunteer

If you think you have what it takes, please contact us to join us for our next information event. Can you help us be here when we're needed most?