Volunteer Role Description:

The focus of this role is to assist and support Day Centre Project Worker staff involved in street outreach work for the purposes of engaging with people who are rough sleeping in Galway City and signposting and supporting them to link with relevant services in the community.

Responsible to: Project Worker/Designated Person

Minimum Commitment: 6 months

Main tasks:

• Accompany and support Day Centre Project worker staff on street outreach – this will ordinarily be between the hours of 6.30am and 8am and 7.30pm and 10pm.  At no time will the volunteers in this role be volunteering alone. At all times they will be accompanied by a Project worker
• Engage with people who are rough sleeping and communicate to them information on where and how to access supports in Galway City
• Provide food and refreshments to those sleeping rough in the city
• Distribute items such clothing items including gloves and hats etc as required
• Keep a record of the numbers and locations of rough sleepers and generate records as required under the guidance of the Day Centre Project Workers
• Keep yourself safe at all times in the course of street outreach activities
• Respect the wishes of people rough sleeping in terms of their engagement or otherwise with the street outreach work you are involved in

Person specification

Core competencies/skills required

• Verbal communication skills – ability to communicate effectively and to develop, foster and maintain positive relations with clients, colleagues and other agencies
• Listening skills
• Interpersonal and team work skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Ability to respond in a professional manner to challenging and stressful situations
• Planning and organisational skills – ability to be organised in approach to work, to follow through with tasks
• A commitment to principles of diversity and inclusion

Education / Experience

• Ideally s area of social care qualifications in the area of  community work or a similar or comparable area, but not essential
• Have worked with socially marginalised and disadvantaged in the past, but not essential
• First Aid trained preferable

Qualities

• Reliable and resilient – has to be willing to turn up in all weather conditions and to persevere with the work irrespective of whether or not rough sleepers are located and whether or not they are willing to engage
• Friendly, enthusiastic manner
• Ability to demonstrate respect and empathy to clients

Special Requirements – beneficial but not necessary to apply for this role

• Qualified driver with own car, full driving licence & insurance. The use of your car will be at your own expense. This contribution is greatly appreciated
• There will be some  lifting in this role (food & refreshments)

Advise your insurance company of your volunteer work. A template letter for your insurance company will be provided

Level of English required: must be a fluent speaker of English, other languages would also be of considerable benefit

Induction and Training:

The volunteer will receive induction training prior to starting the role. Further training will be provided if  deemed appropriate for the role

Support and Supervision:

Volunteer will be supervised by the Project Worker/Designated Person.