Rapid Response Volunteer
The Rapid Response Team works across London 365 days a year, responding to Street Link referrals. Our team of outreach workers and volunteers find and engage rough sleepers, supporting them off the streets and into accommodation.
Role Title: Rapid Response Volunteer
Location: Across London
Purpose of the role
The Rapid Response Team works across London 365 days a year, responding to Street Link referrals. Our team of outreach workers and volunteers find and engage rough sleepers, supporting them off the streets and into accommodation.
What you will be doing
In this role, you will be supporting us with the following tasks:
– Accompany an experienced outreach worker and together respond to referrals, searching for people rough sleeping on the streets and provide practical help in responding to their individual needs
– Refer clients to relevant internal services and external agencies where needed
– Engage with and build rapport with rough sleepers on the streets
– Making or receiving phone calls on shift
– Assist with taking notes during the shift
– Where appropriate, accompany rough sleepers into temporary accommodation
– Provide a professional and effective service to clients in line with Thames Reach policies and values
When would you be needed and where would you be based
We expect volunteers to commit for at least six months with the requirement of a one night shift per month. There are two kinds of outreach shifts, a standard, and a walking shift. Typically an outreach worker will meet you at or near your home between 9pm and 10pm and you will be dropped home by 3 am at the latest.
With a standard shift, the outreach worker will have a car, and you will drive from location to location to engage with clients.
The outreach worker will ask you to meet them somewhere mutually convenient to start the shift. For a walking shift, the outreach worker will not have a car, and will contact you on the day to arrange a meeting in the area of the shift. You will have to make your way to the location to start the walking shift yourself. You will be walking and taking public transport from client to client and will cover a much smaller area. Once the shift finishes the outreach worker can arrange a taxi home for you.
Once we have received your application, we will meet with you informally and give you more information on the location 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 out 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 Rapid Response 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
– Good verbal and written communication skills
– Willingness to learn and develop within the role
– Motivation to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people
– The physical ability to work on the streets (there can be a lot of walking involved)
– 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
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.