Volunteer Street Outreach (Homeless Service)
What's involved?
- Accompany and support Day Centre Project worker staff on street outreach. At no time will the volunteers in this role be volunteering alone. At all times they will be accompanied by a Project worker.
- Engage with people who are rough sleeping and communicate to them information on where and how to access supports in Galway City.
- Provide food and refreshments to those sleeping rough in the city.
- Distribute items such clothing items including gloves and hats etc as required.
- Keep a record of the numbers and locations of rough sleepers and generate records as required under the guidance of the Day Centre Project Workers.
- Keep yourself safe at all times in the course of street outreach activities.
- Respect the wishes of people rough sleeping, in terms of their engagement or otherwise, with the street outreach work you are involved in.
Time slots available: Mornings 6.30am-8am. Evenings 7.30pm-10.30pm (minimum one shift).
Current requirement : Monday morning 6.30am-8am
Commitment: 1 shift per week.
Level of English required: Fluent. Other languages would also be of considerable benefit.
Service Description Teach Corrib Day Centre works with individuals who are experiencing homelessness in Galway City and County, including the provision of information and referral to accommodation and mainstream services and assistance is securing long-term accommodation. Food and access to washing and laundry facilities are available. One of the target groups of the service are people who are rough sleeping and as part of the response to this need some street outreach takes place a number of mornings each week with the aim of engaging with and sign posting people who are rough sleeping to where and how they can access services and supports.
Personal Specification
- A reliable, punctual and trustworthy team player with a warm friendly manner.
- A good communicator who can listen and respond sensitively to people.
- Non-judgmental and accepting attitude.
- A commitment to principles of diversity and inclusion
- Conflict resolution skills
- Ability to respond in a professional manner to challenging and stressful situations
Will there be induction and training?
You will receive an induction and introduction to the role before you start. You will be offered training required for the role. COPE Galway will provide ongoing support and supervision while you are volunteering.
What we would like from you
Willingness to work within the values and policies of COPE Galway.
Carry out your role in professionally and maintain a respectful and courteous manner.
Maintain confidentiality in respect of all matters which come to your knowledge while volunteering.
Recruitment Process
Successful applicants will be offered the volunteer role subject to the following.
- Receipt of 2 Reference Checks.
- Completion of Children's First Training.
- Complete of COPE Galway Declaration of suitability to volunteer with vulnerable people.
Volunteers commencing with COPE Galway are subject to a trial period.
Our Vision, Our Mission, Our People
Our Vision is a community where every person is valued, cared for, and supported at every stage of life. Our Mission is to make a difference by empowering people, creating change and strengthening communities. COPE Galway is committed to becoming a Trauma Informed Organisation through an implementation plan that includes training for all staff and volunteers across all roles and departments. Our People are supported by regular support and guidance, and access to our Employee/Volunteer Assistance Programme.