Friendship Coordinator

Role Description

You will be working in the Communities team delivering our Befriending project. This project is focused on reducing loneliness and isolation across Essex through volunteer befriending and friendship clubs.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

Provide the initial contact with isolated adults who require the support of a volunteer befriender. Assess their requirements and suitability of matching with a volunteer.

Support the recruitment, induction and retainment of befriending volunteers.

Match volunteers with clients according to shared interests, location, and availability and monitor ongoing befriending relationships.

Develop knowledge of activities and provision across a geographical area (West Essex quadrant and Brentwood) and develop positive and effective working relationships with these groups and providers.

Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including Essex Wellbeing Service partners and statutory and voluntary sector agencies.

Promote Age Well East by attending meetings, forums and community events and delivering workshops and talks.

Essential

What we are looking for

Strong people skills

Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook

Excellent communication skills

Excellent record keeping skills and attention to detail

Experience and ability to build strong partnerships and networks

Ability to work as part of a team

Ability to be empathetic and supportive to clients and volunteers

Solutions-driven and can-do attitude

An understanding of confidentiality and GDPR

Able to be flexible with hours if/when required to meet the needs of the service

Driving licence with business insurance cover

Desirable

Health, social care or relevant third sector experience of supporting people

Experience of leading and/or facilitating community projects and events

Working with and managing volunteers

Delivering volunteer induction and training

Experience of befriending i.e., as a volunteer or in a work setting

Experience of managing safeguarding issues under supervision of a senior team

Experience using Salesforce CRM database