IHASS Volunteer
IHASS digital skills volunteer will provide support and assistance to individuals who wish to learn or improve their skills using new technology
ROLE PROFILE
Role Title: IHASS Digital skills volunteer
Location: Deptford
About Thames Reach
Thames Reach is a homelessness charity based in London, specialising in helping people with complex and multiple needs, including those associated with poor mental health and substance misuse. We manage a range of services, including street outreach, frontline hostels, day services, specialist supported housing and employment and skills schemes. Last year we helped more than 10,000 people.
Purpose of the role
Intensive housing and support service (IHASS) provide floating support service in Lewisham. IHASS digital skills volunteer will provide support and assistance to individuals who wish to learn or improve their skills using new technology to bid on properties on council websites, pay bills online and be more confident on a computer.
What you will be doing
In this role, you will be supporting us with the following tasks:
– Provide basic digital support and assistance to clients so they can use smart phone, tablet, laptop, computer effectively to pay bills online
– Supporting clients to bid properties on council websites and access Universal Credit journals online
– Supporting vulnerable adults to become more digitally fluent using social Apps such as Skype, Facebook, Emails, WhatsApp’s
– Work as part of IHASS team and maintain regular communication with clients and colleagues
– Provide a professional and effective service to clients in line with Thames Reach policies
When would you be needed and where would you be based
We expect volunteers to commit for 1-2 days per week for at least six months on Thursdays and Fridays. Our volunteering hours are 10am – 4pm.
Once we have received your application, we will meet with you informally and give you more information on the tasks involved and time you will need to commit to the role.
What you can gain from this volunteering role
– Be able to use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
– Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
– Professional references after 3 months volunteering
– Mentoring and support from our Employment and Skills team
– Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression.
Training and support offered
– A role specific induction and trial shift so that you understand the role well
– Regular support and supervision from the team to discuss how your volunteering is going and what other opportunities and training may be available to you
– Online or face-to-face instructor led training and e-learning modules to prepare you for your voluntary role
– Access to a range of additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development
– Support from staff and peer support from fellow volunteers
– Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
What we are looking for
– A friendly personality, good interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and motivation
– Ability to listen and be empathetic to build rapport with clients
– Motivation to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people
– Good verbal and written communication skills
– Willingness to learn and develop within the role
– Motivation to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people
– Awareness and understanding of the need for professional boundaries and confidentiality
– To have the ability to follow Health and Safety regulations, Equal Opportunities and Diversity policy.
Minimum age: 18
Safer recruitment
Thames Reach undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. We take measures to make volunteering at Thames Reach a positive and safe experience.
Are references required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives).
Is there criminal record check required: Yes
How can I apply? Complete our online application form or contact us at volunteer@thamesreach.org.uk.
Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.