HOURS: We ask volunteers to offer a minimum of one shift (4 hours) per week between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

DURATION: Volunteers will ideally commit to supporting us for at least six months following the training.

LOCATION: Embassy House, Queen’s Avenue, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1SA

Location: Embassy House, Queen’s Avenue, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1SA

Responsible to: Volunteer and Events Coordinator

Purpose

To provide support to the Missing Link Reception Team by answering incoming phone calls and emails, and completing administrative tasks. You will act as a professional and approachable first point of contact for clients, staff, external professionals and members of the public. Volunteers in these roles will enhance the services that Missing Link provides by ensuring that all calls and emails are answered in a timely manner. This allows our service-users to access the support they need more quickly.

Tasks

• Providing a professional and welcoming first point of contact for face-to face, phone and email enquiries.
• Primarily the role will involve responding to phone calls by either dealing with the enquiry, or signposting to another team member.
• Other responsibilities of the role will be based on the exact needs of the Reception Team and may include:
  • General office duties (including photocopying and filing)
  • Database input
  • Letter/email writing
  • Processing information
  • Carrying out other relevant tasks as required

Person specification

• You will have a professional and friendly telephone manner.
• You will be empathetic with good active listening skills.
• You will have excellent computer skills, including using the internet and Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• You will have good organisation skills, including diary and time management.
• You will have the ability to work as part of a team and independently, using initiative.
• You will have the ability to work with, and listen to, a wide range of people
• You will be reliable and punctual.
• You will be willing to adhere to strict confidentiality and safeguarding procedures.

If you are unsure about applying because you don’t meet all the criteria, please get in touch with the Volunteer and Events Coordinator on [email protected] for an informal chat about the role and your experience.

Benefits of role

• A sense of making a real difference to the lives of people who need support around mental health, domestic abuse and sexual abuse.
• You will be part of a team of talented and interesting people at Missing Link.
• You will use, develop and gain a range of skills and competencies including communication, team-work and administration.
• You will receive ongoing training and support to ensure you are confident and happy in your role, including induction, on-going support and potential opportunities for development.
• Re-imbursement for travel expenses.
• The ability to apply for internally advertised job roles.
• Access to internal training.
• Opportunities to attend social events with other volunteers.

Training and support

You will receive an induction which will provide information about the organisation and the services we provide, as well as the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional boundaries. You will also receive role-specific training.

During your volunteering you will always be supervised by a member of staff, and support is available at all times. You will also receive regular supervisions with the Volunteer and Events Coordinator.

Time and duration

• We ask volunteers to offer a minimum of one shift (4 hours) per week between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
• Volunteers will ideally commit to supporting us for at least six months following the training.

Details 

Please note we will require all volunteers to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check – this will not incur a cost for the volunteer.

We also require all staff and volunteers to sign a confidentiality agreement to ensure client privacy and safety.

If you have any questions surrounding the organisation, voluntary roles or application process, please contact the Volunteer and Events Coordinator by emailing [email protected] or phoning 0117 925 1811.