Centrepoint: Volunteer Role Profile
Title: Reception volunteer
Team: Berwick Street
Location: Soho, Central London
Support and supervision from: Service staff
Time Commitment: One day per week
What does Centrepoint do?
Centrepoint’s services are a place that our homeless young people can call home. We do provide a safe place to live but also offer the caring relationships and sense of belonging that go with being 'at home'. We provide our young people with health support and teach them life skills. We help them to manage their money, offer educational and employment support and support them to contribute to the communities they are part of.
The young people we work with are between 16 and 25 years old and come from a wide variety of backgrounds and nations. When we first meet them, allare homeless or at serious risk of becoming homeless; many are on a downward spiral.
What will I be doing?
Berwick Street House is a 16 bed hostel based is Soho. The hostel supports young people with high support needs.
The role
The reception at Berwick Street is the first point of contact for members of the public, staff and the young people that live with us. As a reception volunteer, you will contribute to creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, direct any visitors, deal with phone enquiries and provide information and access for residents.
Key Responsibilities
· Assist with basic administrative tasks, including computer work
· Talk and listen to young people, when appropriate, maintaining professional boundaries in all interactions and alerting staff to any issues of concern about the young people
· Engage with young people and promote opportunities for their development and learning
· Work cooperatively with other volunteers and staff
· Observe and adhere to Centrepoint policies relevant to the team and be familiar with emergency procedures in case of fire, serious accident or violence.
Knowledge, skills and experience required
· Ability to communicate confidently and clearly with young people, other volunteers and staff
· Ability to remain calm when involved with challenging individuals and situations
· Understanding of the issues – practical and emotional – facing young people
· Understanding of the importance of teamwork and a strong commitment to being part of a team
· Able to use Microsoft Word and Excel
· A commitment to demonstrating Centrepoint’s values of being innovative, inspirational, professional and empowering.
What support will I be given?
· Structured introduction training to Centrepoint
· A full induction into your team
· Ongoing support from the Berwick Street staff team
· Additional support and guidance from the Volunteering Team
· Ongoing training and access to Centrepoint’s staff training programme.
What benefits can I expect?
· Valuable experience in a successful national charity
· The opportunity to build your confidence
· The chance to develop new and existing skills
· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends
· Travel and other reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Anything else I need to know?
· Successful applicants will be able to start immediately subject to reference and CRB checks and following completion of the volunteer training programme.
· You can contact the Volunteering Administrator on if you have any questions.