| Service | Family Time |
| Key Contact | Children and Family Services |
| Commitment | A minimum of one half-day per fortnight (Saturday) Flexible |
| Training | Induction training and online safeguarding course |
| DBS | Required (Processed by Fresh Futures) |
| References | 2x character references are required |
| Location | Brian Jackson House, Huddersfield |
Role Purpose
To contribute to supporting children and their parents/guardians/relatives in child-centred and safe contact arrangements following the breakdown of family relationships.
Hours
Family Time runs every Saturday in Huddersfield. Volunteers can choose to volunteer during the morning (9am – 1pm), the afternoon (1pm – 5pm), or for the whole day (9am – 5pm). Volunteers can also choose if they would like to volunteer weekly or fortnightly.
Tasks
- Greet parents and child/ren attending the centre with a warm, friendly, and welcoming attitude.
- Engage with child/ren if staff need to speak to their parent or guardian about adult matters.
- Support the lead contact worker in observing higher-level Supervised and Assisted contact sessions.
- Conduct lower level Supported and Handover contact sessions independently, following review of experience and confidence in the role.
- Follow relevant policies and procedures, i.e. safeguarding and confidentiality and data protection policies.
- Prepare contact rooms with appropriate toys and equipment prior to sessions.
Welcomed Experience and Qualities
It is imperative that volunteers have good interpersonal skills and a passional for supporting children and families. A knowledge of child development is desirable. We welcome volunteers with experience working with children/families, especially those who understand the issues that surround children of separated parents. Experience of applying knowledge of child development and child protection in work with children is also welcome. All Family Time Volunteer Support Workers must be willing to respect confidentiality and volunteer within the guidelines outlined in our Volunteer Expectations.
Support for Volunteers
- An induction and full training are provided.
- Access to online and in-person safeguarding training.
- Regular support from our team via phone calls and emails.
- Travel expenses are reimbursed.
- Invites to social events throughout the year.
Volunteer Expectations
As a Family Time Volunteer Support Worker, we expect you:
- To carry out your volunteering responsibilities to the best of your ability, letting us know if you need any help.
- To attend an induction and complete online safeguarding training.
- To commit to volunteering for 3 months or longer.
- To be reliable and punctual; if unable to attend, contact us with as much notice as possible.
- To respect confidentiality and maintain impartiality.
- To understand the importance of safeguarding policies and procedures and know the relevant people to report any concerns to.
- To adhere to Fresh Futures’ zero discriminatory policy
- To treat people with respect, being fair, honest, and considerate.
- To respect our policies and procedures as shared with you at Induction and in the Volunteer Handbook.
- To reply to our communications with good time or let us know if you will be unable to answer calls/emails for a significant period of time.
- To accept responsibility for your actions
- To observe all health and safety measures put in place for your safety and the safety of others.
- Not to smoke, drink alcohol or use illegal drugs while volunteering or prior to volunteering.
In return you can expect us:
- To provide you with a supportive and rewarding volunteering experience
- To deliver volunteer induction and training to enable you to carry out your role.
- To let you know if we are making any changes and involve you as much as possible in decisions which effect you.
- To support you as much as possible in your volunteering goals such as progressing to employment.
- To recognise and thank you for your valuable contribution to the organisation.