Company Description HAVERING ASIAN SOCIAL AND WELFARE ASSOCIATION is a community-focused fundraising organization dedicated to supporting the social and welfare needs of Asian communities in the Havering area. The association works closely with local residents, partners, and donors to develop initiatives that promote inclusion, wellbeing, and social cohesion. Through various projects and events, the organization aims to enhance access to support services and create opportunities for community engagement. Potential team members join a small, committed group of colleagues who value collaboration, respect, and cultural awareness.
Role Description
Havering Asian Social and Welfare Association (HASWA)
Registered Charity No. 1104919
Job Description
Post Title: Community Befriending Advisor
Salary: £26,000.00 per annum (including Outer London Weighting) + 6% pension.
Hours of work: 35 hours per week (excluding meal breaks)
Terms: 3 year fixed term subject to completion of probation period
Responsible To: Project Coordinator
Purpose of the Post:
Provide advice and support in respect of a wide range of issues which will enable individuals to make better informed decisions regarding their living circumstances and to improve their quality of life in general. To develop and implement various models of for the delivery of a befriending service (based upon need), these including: -
Face to Face
Distance befriending
Group befriending
Peer befriending
Befriending or mentoring
To develop a variety of networks/relationships with other voluntary and public sector organisations which will promote the befriending and advocacy work of HASWA
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Take referrals to the service from clients and ensure clients are treated fairly and with dignity.
Possess good communication skills to enable you to establish working relationships with
clients and statutory/voluntary services
Help older people feel less lonely by providing companionship and conversation.
Have a good local knowledge of the Havering area and the services/organisations available
Empower clients to speak for themselves, or speak on their behalf where necessary
When necessary, accompany clients to meetings, or attend meetings on their behalf
Make appropriate referrals to other agencies, if required, according to clients’ needs/wishes
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of adult welfare benefits and statutory developments, which may affect your clients
Liaise with other agencies as required, including health and social care professionals and the local authority
Manage a caseload and keep accurate, confidential records within the organisation’s working practices and data protection policies and procedures
Compile reports as required
Support and supervise advocate volunteers.
Organise and attend outreach meetings to raise awareness of the service, to groups within the community
To undertake other duties appropriate to the job as required.
Skills:
Good administration and IT skills
Good verbal, listening and written communication skills with all age groups.
Self-starter, able to work independently and in a team.
Ability to speak any Indian language as second language.
Professional learning and development:
The advocate is required to undertake learning and development including:
Keeping up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures
Attending internal and external training
Obtaining and maintaining accreditation for specialist practice
For further information and to request an application pack, please telephone HASWA office on 01708 522789, or email office@haswa.org.uk
