JEWISH CARE

Jewish Care Explore, Digital Support volunteer,

Woodford Forest United Synagogue, Redbridge

If you are passionate about promoting independence, through the power of technology, and want to make a difference in people’s lives, this is a wonderful way to share it through volunteering

Role Summary:

Jewish Care Explore is a warm and welcoming place where we assist older people and disabled people to use technology in their daily life. We have a smartphones, computers and iPad/Android tablets as well as a range of specialist accessories and apps for people with disabilities. A paid member of staff runs courses and workshops on everything from PC and tablet basics to learning how to use email, Facebook and Zoom. Our volunteers run a drop-in service for those who want to play around with technology or get some ad hoc support. They also provide advice and tips to help improve skills or build on existing knowledge. 

Time Commitment: 

Alternating days for 1 hour a week:

• 1 day per fortnight on Tuesdays, 10.30 -11.30
• 1 day per fortnight on Thursdays, 10.30 – 11-30

Redbridge Woodford Forest United Synagogue Pop Up Explore Clinics

How this role makes a difference
Access to technology can truly change someone’s life. It can enable them to communicate with their friends and family when they may not otherwise be able to or access services they may be cut off from. Technology can also help by offering mental stimulation or simply provide entertainment and a new skill. Explore supports our members in learning at their pace to enjoy all the benefits of a digital world.

What you will be doing in this role:

• Support members when they come in to use the centre. Support the team in maintaining the equipment available in the centre. Report any issues to a member of the staff if anything needs attention.
• Keeping your skills and knowledge up to date by participating in relevant training offered by Jewish Care and/or external agencies.

Skills & experience you require:

• You don't need to be a geek, boffin or computer expert, as we will provide training. You just need to be a user of technology with a desire to help others learn, patience, empathy and a non-judgemental attitude.

Induction, Learning & Development:
Training is given so volunteers can carry out their roles to the highest professional standards, develop new skills, build confidence, make new friends and take on new and increasingly responsible tasks. 

Jewish Care will provide the following training essential for this role:

• Provide you with access to a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies and Procedures.
• Provide Induction Training. To get to know the organisation.
• Provide on-the-job induction.
• Regular supervision.

Benefits of Volunteering with Jewish Care:

Without our volunteers, we simply couldn’t function.  We absolutely depend on you.  Whatever your age, disability, whether you are working, unemployed or retired, there are opportunities to help at Jewish Care.

As well as helping others you’ll get the chance to develop skills, build confidence and make new friends.

• Enhance the lives of older people, making a real difference to the Jewish Community we support.
• Be part of a great team and make new friends.
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills.
• Access to a comprehensive training programme designed for the social care environment.
• Gain valuable experience and enhance your CV
  
  

Our aim is to enable people to enjoy a first-class experience as volunteers, making the most of their skills to make an impact on the communities that Jewish Care serve.

Why get involved with Jewish Care?
The work of Jewish Care and the services we provide to our community are vital.  We touch the lives of 10,000 people each week, with everything we do being underpinned by our Jewish values and ethics.  We provide services to:

• Older people
• People with Mental Health needs
• Holocaust Survivors
• People who are living with Dementia
• People with physical and sensory disabilities
• People who care for others

We can only do this thanks to our amazing professional staff of 1,400 and the 3,000 dedicated volunteers who help make our work possible.

Next Steps to becoming a volunteer at Jewish Care:

Step 1:
Please complete an expression of interest form for this role, which will automatically create a profile on our volunteer management system.  After you have applied, we will be in touch to discuss this role in more detail.
Step 2:
Following a successful conversation, with a member of the Volunteers Team or Hiring Manager you will be invited for an interview (and asked to bring identification with you).
Step 3:
Following a successful interview, you will be offered the volunteering role and asked to add further information into your volunteer profile, providing two references and completing a DBS (previously CRB) application form online.  Additional paperwork may need to be completed for some roles e.g. volunteer driver.
Step 4: 
You will be invited to attend mandatory Volunteer Induction Training. Training is to enable volunteers to carry out roles to the highest professional standards, develop skills, build confidence and meet other new volunteers
Step 5:  Mazel-tov/Congratulations!
Once we have received and recorded a suitable DBS, satisfactory references and training has been completed, you are officially part of the Jewish Care Volunteer network!

This is a voluntary position that supports the work or our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff.  This role does not form any part of any contract of employment.

If you have any questions at all about volunteering with Jewish Care,  please contact volunteer@jcare.org or telephone 020 8922 2405.