Telephone Befriender Volunteer

Volunteer with Extern

​Join us and use your skills to make a real difference

Extern transforms lives as the leading social justice charity across the island of Ireland. We believe another chance can change a life. Each year we speak up for and support more than 25,000 adults, children, young people and families.

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Volunteers can help us to enable our clients to overcome challenges, empower positive change and transform their lives. By contributing your time and skills, together we can help offer even more life-changing supports to the most vulnerable in our communities. Further details on volunteering with Extern can be found here https://www.extern.org/volunteer-with-us

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Extern’s Criminal Justice Floating Support Service works with individuals who have a history of medium to high risk offending behaviour and who are now living in the community. The programme supports individuals to make the transition from prison to the community, by assisting them to obtain suitable accommodation, maintain their tenancies and to reintegrate into the community. The service also supports individuals to maintain positive mental health, counter social isolation, and most importantly avoid further offending.

Telephone Befriender Volunteers are a valuable support to the staff team; once high level intervention is no longer required, as part of a stepdown service, Telephone Befrienders provide valuable social contact to individuals who may be isolated, and support them by providing a listening ear, encouragement, and support to achieve their goals.

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ROLE: Telephone Befriender Volunteer

LOCATION: Northern Ireland Wide (Fully Remote- Home Based) *Must be based in Northern Ireland*

DUTIES:   A full volunteer role description is available to view and download as a PDF, by clicking on the below. Please ensure you have reviewed the details prior to applying.

Telephone Befriender Volunteer- Role Descriptor.pdf

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NEXT STEPS:  After applying, we will review your application, assess your suitability for the role and if an opportunity match is identified we will arrange an informal interview with one of our managers. Our Volunteer Coordinator will guide you through each step of the way, including the relevant vetting checks including Access NI check, reference checks and training. Given the timelines for vetting and training, it is expected that successfully matched volunteers would commence in their roles in January 2025.

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TRAINING:  All volunteers are required to complete Extern’s core volunteer training prior to taking up the role. This comprehensive training package equips volunteers with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively and safely carry out their role. Training will be a combination of interactive modules for you to watch/complete in your own time, and live interactive sessions delivered via video call. Please note volunteers must be available (via video call) to attend one sessions on Safeguarding, and one session on Risk Assessment/Code of Conduct.

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BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive training delivered by our award winning Practice Development Unit
• Reimbursement of travel costs and meal allowance (where applicable)
• All required equipment is provided
• Develop your skills, experience and confidence
• Meet new people and engage with your local community
   

Closing date for completed applications: Wednesday 9th October at 11am

Should you have any queries regarding this volunteer role please contact jenny.hanna@extern.org

Extern Privacy Notice -Applicants-PeopleHR.pdf