Keep in Touch Service Volunteers

Due to coronavirus and the support we have needed to offer, we are being more proactive with our carers and seeing real benefits. We need to recruit new Keep in Touch volunteers to help us with this role. The role is based at home and we would ask you to ring 5-10 carers each week. The carers are not expecting our calls and you will get a list with new names each week. 

Where will you be carrying out this role?

You will carry out this role from your own home. Carers in Hertfordshire will provide you with a mobile phone and headset to make calls to carers. You need to have access to a private space to carry out this role.

How much time will I be expected to give?

This a Hertfordshire based role. The average time spent each week if calling 10 carers is approximately 2 to 3 hours. Most calls will be short, approximately 15 minutes, but some may last 30 minutes. Then you will be asked to write up a brief summary of the conversations. You should be able to give at least 3 hours a week. Calls are made between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday during office hours (avoiding lunch).

What will I be doing?

You will receive a list of new carers to call each week of either 5 or 10 carers.

Ring the carers on the list and ask “how are you” – the carers will not be expecting calls. The purpose of the call is to check on the wellbeing of the carer.

Record notes including any carers’ needs on a form and return to Carers in Hertfordshire

You will not be expected to make follow up calls. This is not a befriending service.

What skills, experience and attributes do I need?

Essential

An understanding/interest in the experience of caring or have been an unpaid family/friend carer.

Good communication skills and ability to motivate yourself.

Able to get on well with other people and friendly telephone manner. Ability to be non-judgemental.

Good organisation skills and ability to prioritise and plan your time. Ability to capture and record information accurately and succinctly.

Emotional resilience.

General computer skills will be needed to attend Zoom meetings and to use Google email and docs.

Who will I be volunteering with?

You’ll be carrying out the role from home but you will have the support of the staff sending you the lists, a daily Duty Manager to contact with urgent questions, regular support and training sessions on Zoom to drop into to discuss emotional or practical issues. Face to face meetings 2 to 3 times a year to meet with other volunteers and some training.

What can I expect from Carers in Hertfordshire?

Rewarding experience, helping carers.

Daily support from staff in Carers in Hertfordshire.

Induction Training to help you get to know the work of the charity and the role.

Regular training will be provided to develop your skills.