Volunteer Young Carers Groupworker

South West Carers Centre, Govan

Quarriers South West Carers Centre provides support to carers and young carers – those who care for friends and family members. Support is provided via both individual and group support. Services provided are information and advice, emotional support, short breaks, income maximisation, training, advocacy and campaigning/lobbying.

Purpose of the Role:

  • To provide time out and fun for young carers
  • To reduce isolation experienced by young carers
  • To provide support and encouragement to young carers during activities and groups
  • To provide guidance to young carers and act as a positive role model
  • To assist young carers to identify goals and plans for the future and how to achieve them

Main Tasks:

  • To be involved in planning group work activities
  • To liaise with other agencies to provide support to young carers
  • To transport young carers to and from the activities
  • To participate in activities, events and outings with young carers
  • To be involved in recording and evaluating activities

Required Skills, Qualities & Experience:

  • Good interpersonal skills; ability to get on well with people and deal with challenging behaviour
  • Good communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Empathy with the issues that young carers face
  • Knowledge of services that can support young people although this can be provided with
  • guidance from staff at the Carers’ Centre
  • Good sense of humour
  • Previous experience of working with young people, particularly in groups, would be preferable but not essential.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team

The opportunity will take place one evening per week and/or daytime during school holiday periods
Groups and activities will take place in various locations with the Govan and Craigton area although planning and development work will take place within the Carers’ Centre.

Commitment is required on a weekly basis; 4-5 hours per week. This will comprise of planning and preparation for activities as well as the time needed for transport to and from the activity and the activity itself. Some additional commitment may be required for young carers’ events.
A long term commitment, 6 months to 1 year, is needed as the young carers benefit from consistency and ongoing support.

Training will be provided in relation to services offered by Carers Centre and local agencies.
Access to some Quarriers training; Introduction to Quarriers, engagement and assessment and child protection
The volunteer will work closely with the Young Carers’ Coordinator

Volunteer will be required to make their own way to the Carers’ Centre or another venue where the activity will be taking place. Own transport is not essential but the post will include evening work so public transport may be limited at those times.

Due to the group of people and the nature of the role we are looking for someone at least 18 years old.

Expenses will be provided to cover the costs of travel

Selection Procedure:

Applications will be returned to Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteers will then meet with the Project Manager and Young Carers’ Worker for discussion regarding the post and suitability of candidate
Disclosure Scotland check required
References requested
Probationary period of 12 weeks will apply
Driving license would be desirable but not essential as would willingness to drive people carrier vehicle
MIDAS certificate would be a bonus.

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