Good Neighbour Scheme Coordinator

• to contribute to the effective development and delivery of the Good Neighbour Scheme so that it improves the quality of life and reduces isolation of those using the service.
• to work with the Co-ordinators of our other services which offer a range of support to older people and their carers and ensure the scheme contributes to the overall aims of SCCCC.
• to establish links with new initiatives being set up by health and social services and investigate the potential for further joint projects to support older people.

• Work closely with other team members to take referrals from a range of referrers, including health and social care staff, friends and family members and the individual themselves, and allocate volunteers where appropriate.
• Follow up, check and review all referrals with volunteers, service users and service providers in a systematic way.
• Be available for enquiries from service users and their families and respond to any requests for information in a timely and professional manner.
• Ensure that each service user receives a home visit prior to allocation of a volunteer, in order to confirm personal details, undertake a risk assessment and better understand them and their needs.
• Provide support to service users waiting for a dedicated volunteer by offering support in person or over the telephone where appropriate
• Ensure that those service users with complex needs and who are not appropriate for a volunteer receive a monthly visit from a relevant staff member.
• Work with colleagues who co-ordinate SCCCCs other services and take referrals from health/social care professionals when they are unavailable.
• Provide ongoing support and supervision to volunteers on the Good Neighbour Scheme and ensure that the service is responsive to the needs of its volunteers.
• Provide support where required to maintain, promote and develop the Penpal/Happy post scheme.
• Ensure compliance with SCCCCs policies and procedures.
• Liaise with the fundraiser in order to maximise donations to the organisation.
• Liaise with staff in all the relevant hospital departments and community teams to ensure effective operation and uptake of the scheme and all other SCCCCs services.
• Publicise the scheme through all appropriate channels.
• Liaise with the Operational Lead to participate in volunteer training as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records of work undertaken and produce oral/written reports as required.

Essential

• 5 good GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths

Desirable

• Degree level qualification

Essential

• Minimum 2 years experience in a relevant post or organisation
• Experience working within community engagement and volunteering environment
• Experience of contributing to a team environment
• Evidence of recent relevant continuing professional development
• Understanding of the needs of older people and their families
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of individuals and organisations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both internally and externally to a wide variety of audiences and using a variety of methods suitable to different audiences.
• A proven ability to build robust relationships with key stakeholders to deliver excellent services, programmes or projects.
• Good telephone manner and the ability to deal sensitively with service users, family members and carers.
• Committed and highly self- motivated
• The ability to work in a self-directed manner, and as part of a team
• Computer literacy in dealing with standard MS office packages, including spreadsheets
• Proven organisational skills and administrative ability, capable of meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to adhere to an organisations policies, procedures and instructions
• Ability to problem solve competently
• Ability to relate well to volunteers.
• Able to act with integrity and take action if ethics, values or standards are compromised.
• Car driver/owner with daily access to a vehicle
• Willing to work outside office hours (both evenings and weekends) when necessary.

Desirable

• Understanding of the role of the Voluntary and Community Sector in the field of Health and Social Care.
• Knowledge of health and safety issues
• Qualification in Community Work and/or Health and Social Care