Volunteer Role Description

Role Title: Help-line Operator

Colchester Gay Switchboard aims to serve the whole lesbian and gay community as well as the whole community affected by HIV & AIDS

The Task
To answer telephone calls from people wishing to discuss issues surrounding their sexuality and people affected by HIV & AIDS.
Operators provide a listening ear, emotional support, general and local information, safer sex and sexual health information.

Time Commitment
A minimum of two evenings per month 7-10pm Monday to Friday

Training
Trainee Operator: The trainee operator will receive a two day (weekend) induction training, which will cover a n introduction to CGS, issues on communication and confidentiality.
It also gives the volunteer the opportunity to decide if volunteering for CGS is right for them and vice versa.
This will be followed by a period of no less than six weeks on the job training and mock calls before taking test calls. This determines whether the volunteer proceeds to taking calls (becoming a probationary operator).

Probationary Operator
After successfully passing through test calls the probationary operator is able to take calls providing they are on duty with an approved operator.
The probationary operator is given a form, which they ask the approved operator to complete each time they are on duty. This reviews their performance and gives the management committee and staff the evidence required to decide whether the y become an approved operator.

Approved Operator
Once approved, operators are given the responsibility of holding keys to the building along with the alarm codes. Approved operators are able to carry out one to ones.

All volunteers are also expected to attend regular training evenings on specific subjects to increase their information base.

Support & Supervision
All volunteers are assigned a mentor. The role of the mentor is to act as a support and coach to the volunteer.

All volunteers receive a review after the first six months. This is an opportunity to discuss training needs, support and whether CGS  has met your expectations. It is also an opportunity for us to decide of you are right for CGS. Volunteers the receive reviews on a yearly basis.

 

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Role Title: Social Group Host

Colchester Gay Switchboard aims to serve the whole lesbian and gay community as well as the whole community affected by HIV & AIDS

The Task

• To welcome new and regular users to the social group.

• To help integrate new and regular users into the social group.

• To prepare refreshments for all users of the group.

Time Commitment

• Two shifts per month (times and venues vary depending on location).

Training
The Social Group Host will receive a two day (weekend) induction training, which will cover an introduction to CGS, issues on communication and confidentiality.
It also give the volunteer the opportunity to decide if volunteering for CGS is right for then and vice versa.
This will be followed by a period of no less than six weeks on the job training where you will always be on duty with another trained Social Group Host.
All volunteers are also expected to attend regular training evenings on specific subjects to help increase their information base.

Support & Supervision
All volunteers are assigned a mentor. The role of the mentor is to act as a support and coach to the volunteer.
All volunteers receive a review after the first six months. This is an opportunity to discuss training needs, support and whether CGS has met your expectations. It is also an opportunity for us to decide if you are right for CGS.
Volunteers then receive reviews on a yearly basis.

 

Benefits

• Help others

• Socialise and make new friends

• Develop skills

• Opportunity to gain a greater understanding of a voluntary organisation.

Skills & Qualities needed

• Good interpersonal/social skills

• Good listening skills

• Basic understanding of confidentiality