Volunteer Coordinator (Part Time)

ABOUT CHOICE IN HACKNEY

Choice in Hackney is a Disabled People User Led Organisation, run by disabled people, for disabled people.

We support disabled people from all communities to obtain the services they need to live independently, with dignity and to make choices about their own lifestyles.

Choice in Hackney was founded in 1992. It originally consisted of two part-time advocates and a Co-ordinator. Now, the organisation has grown to include a robust advocacy project staffed by three part time advocates; a hate crime advocacy project; a training department delivering Advocacy and Employment training as well as job coaching; and a volunteering project delivering befriending, gardening and active lifestyle services.

Today, Choice in Hackney is one of the largest Disabled People’s Organisations in Hackney. We assist over 200 disabled people a year to access services, challenge injustice, improve their employability prospects, live actively and participate in society.

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Recruit, induct, train, place and supervise volunteers across CHOICE IN HACKNEY’s volunteering programmes.
• Coordinate volunteer gardeners and volunteer befrienders supporting disabled people living in the community.
• Recruit, supervise and support volunteer administrative assistants (including disabled people), providing meaningful volunteering opportunities for those wanting to develop their confidence, skills and employment prospects.
• Recruit and provide line management support (in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer and the Fundraising Sub-Group), to a Volunteer Fundraiser and assist them in developing community fundraising initiatives.
• Ensure volunteers receive appropriate induction, training, supervision and recognition in line with CHOICE IN HACKNEY policies and best practice.
• Promote volunteering opportunities and develop the organisation’s volunteer programme.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advertise and manage the recruitment process for a diverse team of volunteers and service users into the programme.
• Assess the needs of service users for appropriate match, through outreach or over the telephone.
• Recruit volunteers from diverse backgrounds to support CHOICE IN HACKNEY’s services and projects, through community organisations, colleges, universities, volunteer centres, social media and other appropriate channels.
• Supervise volunteer befrienders, gardeners and administrators.
• Carry out appropriate recruitment procedures, including responding promptly to volunteer enquiries, providing information about volunteering opportunities and interviewing prospective volunteers to assess their suitability for available roles.
• Undertake induction processes including training, Disclosure & Barring Service checks and references. This includes ensuring volunteers understand and adhere to CHOICE IN HACKNEY’s policies and procedures, including safeguarding, confidentiality, General Data Protection Regulations, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Health & Safety and Professional Boundaries.
• Maintain a database of all volunteers and service users so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding placements.
• Match volunteers with appropriate service users, so that both volunteers and service users maximise the value of the placement according to their needs, skills, interests, experience and availability.
• Initiate, review and update individual care plans of service users, so as to provide a quality person-centred service, tailored to the individual’s need(s).
• Maintain an active pool of volunteers to meet the needs of CHOICE IN HACKNEY’s services including regular check-ins and supervision.
• Produce and maintain volunteer handbooks, guidance notes and induction materials.
• Support volunteers to develop their confidence, knowledge and skills.
• Identify and address any issues affecting volunteer performance or wellbeing.
• Recognise and celebrate volunteer achievements and contributions, as well as manage volunteer retention.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records and documentation.
• Ensure good working relationships are established and maintained, between volunteers and service users; resolving any issues arising in the placement and making any necessary adjustments.
• Monitor and review placement plans between the volunteer, the service user and CHOICE IN HACKNEY to ensure that all parties’ needs are met in an appropriate manner.
• Recruit a Volunteer Fundraiser to support CHOICE IN HACKNEY’s fundraising activities.
• Collect volunteer and service user feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of the volunteer programme, including producing reports on volunteer activities, outcomes and achievements for managers and funders.
• Work with managers to identify new volunteering opportunities and develop the organisation’s volunteer programme.
• Work as an active member of the CHOICE team, contributing to organisational objectives and continuous improvement.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as directed by the Chief Executive Officer.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Essential requirements

• Experience recruiting volunteers or staff.
• Experience supervising or managing volunteers.
• Experience supporting disabled people who may be at risk.
• Experience organising projects or services.
• Experience administration and record keeping.
• Experience partnership working.

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

• Excellent communication skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to motivate volunteers.
• Ability to support volunteers in recognising/maintaining boundaries and to resolve conflicts between volunteers and service users.
• Ability to build positive working relationships.
• Ability to manage competing priorities.
• Good report writing skills.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office and databases.
• Ability to maintain accurate confidential records.
• Understanding of safeguarding.
• Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

Commitments

• Commitment to, and understanding of, the Social Model of Disability.
• Commitment to, and understanding of Equal Opportunities.
• Enthusiastic and positive attitude to work and commitment to the ethos of CHOICE IN HACKNEY.

Other

• Willingness to attend some evening and weekend meetings.
• Willingness to carry out outreach including home visits as and when necessary.

Desirable Requirements

• Volunteer management within the voluntary sector (desirable).
• Managing community projects (desirable).
• Supporting disabled volunteers (desirable).
• Fundraising or supporting fundraising initiatives (desirable).
• Volunteer management systems (desirable).
• Community engagement (desirable).

Salary: £35,235 per annum for 35-hours per week Pro rata £10,067 per annum for 10-hours per week.

Contract: Fixed term 1 year with the possibility of an extension subject to additional funding.