Child and Family Support Volunteer: Pregnancy to - Medway, United Kingdom - Family Action Medway

Description

Child and Family Support Volunteer

Job details

Job type
Part-time

Volunteer


Full Job Description

Purpose of the role:

This service is for families where a parent is struggling with their emotional health and wellbeing, or those been diagnosed with low to moderate perinatal depression or anxiety, or whose circumstances put them at risk of developing a perinatal illness.

Your support will help new parents to feel less isolated and more able to build connections in their community.

Predominantly, you will offer support to mums and/or dads whilst they are attending targeted group sessions with or without their child.

You may also offer this support through home visits or telephone calls.

During group sessions will you support Family Action staff in setting up, running, and clearing up after groups, including leading activities and working 1:1 with parents and their child/ren.

This will include welcoming families attending groups, helping them settle into the session and supporting them on their early visits especially, for example by meeting them outside and making introductions once they arrive.

You will then help them engage in activities with their child to encourage bounding and attachment.


Responsibilities:

To volunteer for Medway's Pregnancy to Three Service, all volunteers must complete a comprehensive training programme. Each training session lasts for between 1 to 3 hours.

Once training is complete volunteers are expected to;

• Attend 11 supervision every 68 weeks and a wellbeing session once per month
• Undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS)
• To uphold Family Action values
• To maintain confidentiality
• To keep records of sessions, phone calls and any visits made to your families as directed
• To ensure you have an understanding of, and comply with Family Action's procedures for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults
• To comply with Family Action's Diversity and Equality Policy and our Ethical Policy in every aspect of your work and positively promote the principles of these policies amongst colleagues, service users, volunteers and other members of the community
• To comply with Family Action's Health and Safety Policy, Data Protection Policy and to protect your own and others' health, safety and welfare.

Personal Qualities/Skills Required:

Either;

• Someone who has experienced pregnancy and childbirth, and is able to empathise with the needs of the families during the perinatal period and early years of a child's life.

or;

• Someone who has an understanding of mental distress, the emotional effects of pregnancy and birth and the demands of parenthood, and who is able to empathise with the needs of families during the perinatal period and early years of a child's life.
• Nonjudgmental and accepting of difference
• Friendly and reliable
• Has knowledge of local services
• Demonstrates good listening skills

Time commitment:

Volunteers need to be able to commit to the Pregnancy to Three Support Service for 1 year.

Volunteers need to support their families at blocks of weekly group sessions, with a minimum commitment of 3 hours per week (which includes the time needed to provide a written record of the session).

This role will predominantly require face to face direct work, however there may be a need to offer remote support over the phone, text or video calling using (ie Zoom/WhatsApp).

Whilst you will never be expected to be alone or carry out regulated activity with children, there will be direct contact with children and 'vulnerable' adults during the course of your work.

What's in it for you?

• Becoming a part of the Family Action team
• The opportunity to be part of a proven and effective service supporting families during the perinatal period, providing a rewarding volunteering experience
• Regular training and development opportunities
• Support with personal development plans during monthly 1:1 supervisions
• Opportunity to improve future employment prospects
• A contribution to travel costs can be agreed

Job Types:
Part-time, Volunteer

Part-time hours: 3 per week


Ability to commute/relocate:

• Reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location:
Medway, Kent


Job Type:
Volunteer


Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Free or subsidised travel

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Medway: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location:
One location


Reference ID:
MedwayP23.Child&FamVol