Care Leavers Support Volunteer

 

Care leavers Support Volunteer

 

 Join Barking and Dagenham Children Care and Support and become a Volunteer for Care Leavers 16- 25 years

 

 The purpose of this role:

To provide a quick response service carrying out tailored support to young people who are currently in care or care experienced, particularly in areas where additional help is needed. This role focuses on empowering young individuals by offering practical assistance, encouraging independence, and building their confidence.

 

Some of the duties and responsibilities will include:

  • Able to provide support at short notice when required
  • Support with placement moves – including transporting young people to and from placement viewings and assisting with moving their belongings. This may involve supporting them with travelling in a taxi or removal vans, or using your own vehicle when moving smaller items
  • Assisting with assembling flat-pack furniture when young people move into new accommodation
  • Helping young people complete application forms, such as housing benefit applications, Beam referrals, or Universal Credit enquiries
  • Supporting attendance at appointments with services, either in person or virtually (e.g., via Microsoft Teams)
  • Accompanying young people to interviews or appointments related to employment, education, or training – including college enrolments and induction sessions
  • Supporting participation in events organised by Corporate Parenting or the Virtual School, such as theatre trips, workshops, or annual celebrations.
  • Providing updates to the social worker or leaving care advisor via email after contact with a young person, outlining the support provided
  • Raising any concerns related to risk or safeguarding with the social worker or leaving care advisor as soon as possible.

 

Who will you be supporting?

  • 16- to 25-year-old individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, such as care leavers, those currently in care. The role involves working with diverse groups who may face unique challenges, ensuring that support is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and responsive to their individual needs and circumstances.

Requirements:

  • Be over 21 years of age
  • Flexible and able to volunteer on weekends if required
  • DBS checked (this will be carried out by LBBD)
  • Has driving licences and use of car – not required but preferred
  • Confident in using email, Microsoft packages

Additionally, we need volunteers who are:

  • Patient and have listening skills
  • Have a friendly & enthusiastic approach
  • Be non-judgemental and empathetic
  • Be reliable & committed
  • Be responsible for always safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people/adults
  • Have respect for different ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds

 

Benefits of the role:

  • You will have the opportunity to learn and develop various skills.
  • In house training with this role will be provided
  • You will have access to mandatory training via council’s i-learning portal.
  • Engage with young people/adults especially those leaving care.
  • Learn skills that can support your career in social care

 

Travel expenses:

Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Please click here to apply.