BuDS Befriender (BuDDy)

Specific Responsibilities: 

1. Take part in training and induction as a BuDS volunteer and befriender (a BuDDy) 
2. Take part in training to use the CharityLog client software system 
3. Be part of the BuDDies team and take part in fortnightly process groups and briefings. 
4. Establish and maintain contact with people assigned to you to befriend, using appropriate contact methods including phone and videocall 
5. Keep accurate records of all your contacts on the CharityLog database 
6. Report back to the team and your manager on any issues which arise 
7. Immediately use the escalation procedure if any urgent or sensitive matter arises during your contact with people you are befriending.  
8. At all times maintain confidentiality and not discuss anything about clients outside the befriending team.  
9. Undergo Safeguarding and GDPR training with BuDs and further training when needed. 
10. Commit to volunteering with us for a minimum of 12 months and agree to our volunteer terms and conditions 
11. Maintain bi-weekly supervision  

We are looking for people who have excellent listening skills but who also like a good chat. If you think you can strike up a friendship easily over the phone, this volunteer role is for you. You’ll need to show your telephone friend respect, patience, empathy, and understanding. 

Training 

You will receive full training and support to help you improve your confidence and understanding for this role. You will be required to complete mandatory training before you begin your role. This will cover areas such as boundaries, confidentiality and safeguarding. 

Person Specification 

1. Working knowledge of using MS Teams but full training will be given if needed 
2. Ability to build therapeutic relationships and support others  
3. Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with a wide variety of people including disabled people with impairments of all types 
4. Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep private information to themselves.  
5. Understanding and appreciation of the Social Model of disability
6. Able to commit to a minimum of 6 months volunteering 
7. Have good listening and communication skills 
8. Can provide non-judgemental support and encouragement to people in difficult situations 
9. Honest, reliable committed and flexible to meet clients needs 

BuDS is an equal opportunity organisation and disabled people are particularly encouraged to apply for this role.  

BuDS is committed to safeguarding all those with whom it works. This post will involve unsupervised work with potentially vulnerable adults and children, and/or their records, and so this post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check on appointment. This will be arranged and paid for by BuDS