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Closing Date: N/A

Role Description

Main purpose: To help to run group activities that respond to the interests of ACS clients. To help plan and organise the activities and to monitor and adapt the activities on an ongoing basis. To help provide opportunities for older people to pursue interests and activities that will enrich their lives.

Responsible to: Support Worker and Support Planner

Responsible for:
1. Establishing and maintaining a relationship with group members
2. Exploring interests with group members to inform new activities
3. Helping to facilitate group activities

Main tasks:
• To provide support within a group environment.
• To work as part of a team and liaise closely with staff and other volunteers.
• To assist with the preparation of the group prior to members arriving.
• To support members to participate in activities.
• To assist with serving lunch and refreshments when applicable
• To assist with tidying the venue after members have gone.
• Escort members to/from and around various outings with other colleagues from the team.
• Feedback any concerns relating to members to Age Concern Sheffield staff.
• Any other tasks as may arise from time to time subject to discussion with the Support Worker/Support Planner.
• Take part in volunteer drop-ins.
• Comply with all Age Concern Sheffield policies that relate to volunteers.

Location:
Volunteers may be asked to attend groups at any location around the city. Travel expenses will be paid to volunteers.

Previous experience:
No specific previous experience or qualifications are required in order to become an ACS Volunteer Group Support Worker however you will need to be:
• willing and able to undertake training;
• committed to the objectives of Age Concern Sheffield i.e. improving the lives of all vulnerable older people in Sheffield and in particular helping people to maintain or regain their independence;
• able to cope with differences of opinion;
• able to comply with ACS policies e.g. on confidentiality;
• able to motivate and encourage participation amongst others;
• reliable and committed to volunteering;
• flexible and co-operative in working as a member of a team.

Training:
All Volunteer Group Support Workers will receive the following training as a minimum:
• Age Concern Sheffield Volunteer induction
• Shadowing at the venues
• Specific training identified to enable this service to appropriately meet Members needs
• Adult Protection Training.

Person specification:
• Good communication skills
• Empowering
• Patience and tact
• Reliability
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• Ability to attend quarterly supervision sessions
• An understanding and respect for client confidentiality
• An understanding of the needs of older people
• Non-judgmental, patient and sensitive about current or potential service users;


Hours of work: Flexible – minimum requirement ½ day at a time. To be agreed with each applicant.

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