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Job description

Barnardo’s is committed to providing ‘Better Outcomes for More Children’. Our children’s services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children’s services and help make a real difference. The Northern Ireland Refugee Support Service helps families to overcome their experience of war, to support them as they navigate unfamiliar systems and help them to build a safe future for themselves and their children in Northern Ireland. Volunteers will support refugee families residing in temporary accommodation. Families can feel isolated and vulnerable in an unfamiliar area. As a volunteer you will support families to become familiar with their new area and access local activities. You will promote opportunities for families to utilise safe play spaces and to gain knowledge of Belfast. Activities are likely to include visits to parks, museum attractions and an introduction to public transport. Awareness of refugee issues and understanding of other cultures would be beneficial.
Barnardo's protects, supports and nurtures the UK's most vulnerable children. Barnardo's helps bring out the best in children – no matter who they are or what they have been through. Our volunteers help make this happen.

• Tasks: Encouraging positive relationships and communication between parents and their children.
  
  Sharing knowledge and experience about parenting and offering positive solutions to difficult circumstances.
  
  Establishing trusting relationships with parents facing difficulties managing their roles/lives.
  
  Providing a listening ear and emotional support to parents in problematic situations.
  
  Providing information, advice and support to individual families, to enable them to achieve the desired outcomes within their support plan.
  
  Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.
  
  Participating fully in training and supervision.
  
  Volunteering within Barnardo's Basis and Values.

• Skills: Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.
  
  Approachable and welcoming.
  
  The ability to communicate and engage with children, young people and families.
  
  Being non-judgmental and positive in their attitude to working with individuals from different backgrounds.
  
  Having some knowledge and understanding of supporting parents and carers, and the issues faced by disadvantaged families.
  
  Having personal experience with running a home and/or maintaining family routines.
  
  The ability empathise with children, young people and families, who may be facing difficult times in their lives.

• Benefits: Full induction and training.
  
  Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role.
  
  Regular supervision and support.
  
  Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance.
  
  Access to the Barnardo’s internal vacancy listing.
  
  Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children’s charity.