Job Advert: Befriending Assistant at Ecas
20th November 2024
Befriending Networks member Ecas are looking for a Befriending Assistant who will work with other organisations to recruit both volunteers and those who need the service.
Background to the service
Ecas is an Edinburgh charity, established over 100 years ago. It is a company limited by guarantee, governed by a Board of Directors and various committees and managed on a day-to-day basis by the Chief Executive. The charity works to improve the quality of life of physically disabled people in the Edinburgh and Lothians area: promoting equality, choice and participation through our activities, befriending service and grants.
The Befriending Service commenced in October 2007 and has a well-established number of ‘matches’. The service has a different approach to the more traditional schemes and started in response to the increasing number of people with physical disabilities becoming isolated and lonely. Isolated people with a physical disability may be in their own homes, in assisted housing, in accommodation provided by a housing association or even in residential homes. Many lack the social intercourse they need; some would welcome the company of a volunteer who is not themselves disabled, others may seek the friendship and guidance of someone who is also disabled.
Ecas has approached the befriending service in two connected ways:
- by recruiting, training and vetting volunteers to meet befriendees in person
- by facilitating visits between isolated physically disabled people who are already friends or family and who would otherwise find it difficult to meet.
The scheme involves liaison with the Council, NHS and other charities. This has the added benefit of strengthening the links between the many charities working with those with disabilities.
About the job
Job title: Befriending Assistant
Responsible to: Befriending Manager
The Befriending Assistant will, in support of the Befriending Manager, work with other organisations to recruit both volunteers and those who need the service. To provide a manageable geographic area the service operates only in Edinburgh, but with the flexibility to involve volunteers and clients from outwith that area in exceptional circumstances.
Principle duties
- To assist the Befriending Manager in developing the Befriending Service for people with physical disabilities who live in Edinburgh.
- To recruit volunteers and assist with the provision of training and ongoing support for each volunteer.
- To help identify people with physical disabilities who could benefit from the service and provide ongoing support to them once they are involved.
- To assist the Befriending Manager with all aspects of developing and evaluating the service including reviewing policies, carrying out risk assessments and writing reports.
- Work alongside the Social Media and Website Coordinator to create content and promote befriending opportunities on social media and Ecas website, including activity around Befriending Week, Volunteer’s Week and similar relevant events.
- Support the Befriending manager in archiving volunteer and client files in accordance with Ecas’ Data Protection Policy.
Detailed duties
- To work closely with the Befriending Manager to recruit, train and support volunteers. This will involve liaising with organisations such as Volunteer Centre Edinburgh, EVOC, SCVO, CVS, the local councils and similar agencies.
- To assist with the co-ordination and delivery of events which provide ongoing training and support to volunteers and/or clients, including volunteer days.
- To work with organisations that will be able to identify suitable clients. These will include housing organisations, carers’ organisations (VOCAL, EYCP), the Councils’ social work and families’ departments, NHS, residential homes and similar agencies.
- To carry out regular support and review sessions with volunteers and clients on a 1:1 basis.
- To carry out risk assessments for clients’ homes and outings.
- To liaise with the Befriending Manager on the ‘matching’ process and other detailed issues that may need careful consideration.
- To liaise with the Ecas Administrator with regard to specific administration for the service, including disclosure checks and transport arrangements.
- To attend any relevant staff training that Ecas recommends is necessary.
- To publicise Ecas services, including classes, wherever appropriate.
- To maintain effective administration records and filing relating to the service.
- To be primarily self-servicing including word processing letters and reports, and assisting with administrative tasks such as developing training packs and client information folders.
- As a member of a small office team assist in other reasonable tasks as required.
- To comply with Ecas staff policies.
For more information, please contact Sam Collins on sam@ecas.scot or 07825 305376.