Befriending Coordinator

 Befriending Coordinator for Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership (WTRRP)

Job Summary:  A befriending coordinator role is available WTRRP. Befriending is one of the longest running services at the charity and it has recently been reviewed so that volunteers and clients are receiving the best and most supportive experience possible. A coordinator is required to ensure the smooth running of the service and that the new Befriending vision and policy is carried out.

Principal Responsibilities:

●        Be a point of contact to all Befrienders.

●        Help with the organising and allocating of befrienders with befriendees, with the support of Casework Coordinator, in a timely manner.

●        Encourage befrienders to empower clients and create a self-sufficient service.

●        Communicate with befrienders and Casework Coordinators to determine whether the befriending relationship is suitable or needs to end.

●        Raise any safeguarding issues immediately with the Safeguarding Lead and/or a member of the Committee.

●        Develop a good, trusting and listening relationship with befrienders and remain in regular contact with them to ensure they feel supported in their time volunteering.

●        Forward on any volunteers to the Emotional Support Counsellor, if needed.

●        Liaise with others involved in the partnership such as Drop-In Volunteers, Casework Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator and Committee members.

●        Be fully aware of, comply with, and promote, safe systems of work to protect the health, wellbeing and safety of all volunteers and clients whilst befriending.

●        Work constructively as a team member to make a positive contribution with all volunteers from the Partnership.

●        Attend bimonthly volunteer, coordinator meetings and casework meetings if required. All based in Watford and/or via Zoom.

●        Facilitate frequent befriender meetings to create a supportive culture.

Requirements of the Role:

●        7-10 hours a week with some attendance on Tuesdays 11.30-1.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Watford.

●        Empathetic, patient and well organised.

●        Act as an ambassador for WTRRP and uphold its vision.

Skills:

●        An ability to communicate effectively in writing, over the telephone, face to face and in an appropriate manner with volunteers and clients.

●        Ability to work respectfully and modify behaviour in relation to volunteer’s and client’s different needs.

Desirable experience: 

●        Previous befriending experience.

●        Previous volunteering experience.

●        Experience of people management or of a people-facing role.

If you are interested in becoming a Befriending Coordinator and would like an application form please contact us.

If you want to have a chat about this role, please let us know and someone from the Partnership will contact you.