Overview
We are seeking compassionate and friendly individuals to join our team as a Buddy, providing essential social interaction and support to disabled service users. In this flexible, freelance role, you will engage with service users both in-person, over the phone, and online, fostering meaningful connections and contributing to their overall well-being.
We are a disabled-led organisation and are particularly interested in disabled applicants for this role. However, applications from all backgrounds are welcome.
Key Responsibilities
- Social interaction: Provide regular companionship and emotional support to service users through conversations, activities, and social engagement.
- Communication: Connect with service users via phone calls, online platforms (e.g., video calls), and in-person visits, ensuring a positive, empathetic, and patient approach.
- Person-centred support: Tailor your interactions to meet the specific needs, interests, and preferences of each service user, promoting a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Encouragement of independence: Assist service users in maintaining their independence, offering encouragement and assistance with light activities (if required) in line with their capabilities.
- Monitor wellbeing: Be attentive to any changes in the physical or emotional well-being of service users, reporting any concerns to the appropriate team members.
- Record keeping: Maintain brief records of your interactions with service users, noting any significant observations or concerns.
- Collaboration: Work alongside families, caregivers, and other support staff to provide holistic and person-centred care.
Requirements
- Empathy and compassion: A genuine interest in supporting individuals with disabilities, along with a friendly, patient, and understanding demeanour.
- Good communication skills: Strong verbal communication skills, both in person and through virtual means, with an ability to build trust and rapport.
- Reliability and flexibility: The ability to offer flexible availability based on the needs of the service users.
- Competency using technology: Comfortable using phone systems, video conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams, Google), and messaging apps (e.g. WhatsApp) to interact with service users.
- Experience: Previous experience in a caregiving, social work, or support role is preferred but not required.
- Background checks: This role will require an enhanced DBS check to ensure the safety of service users.
- Willingness to engage with training and skill development: This role will require you to undertake training on supporting people with their mental health and effective safeguarding.
Contract Type and Hours
- Freelance contract: Flexible working hours with no set minimum hours, ideal for individuals looking for part-time or occasional work. You can accept and decline any offer of work. As a freelancer, you will be responsible for managing your own tax and national insurance payments.
- You will be paid £12 per hour for all hours worked, including both in-person and remote interactions. Any out-of-pocket expenses incurred for in-person interactions will be reimbursed.
Benefits
- Flexibility: You will work with the same client over 8 sessions, but will schedule the sessions around your (and your client’s) availability.
- Rewarding Role: Make a positive difference in the lives of disabled individuals by offering vital social support.
- Training: Ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills in providing effective social support.
If you have a passion for helping others and want to be part of a team that truly makes a difference, we would love to hear from you!
To apply
Please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role via email to: David Bourroughs, [email protected]
This is an ongoing vacancy and there is no closing date. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and interviews arranged online at a mutually agreeable date and time. We will notify you via email of the outcome of your application.
