Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteers have always played an invaluable role in the work of PA and by volunteering you will become an important part of the team supporting a diverse group.

There are a variety of opportunities for volunteers including Drop-in Support Worker, Support Worker and Trustee/Director.

Trustee/Director

Responsibilities include:
Trustee/Directors are ultimately responsible for the management, administration and finances of the organisation. Therefore individuals with specific skills, ie legal, financial or managerial are of great value. However, life skills, work experience and a desire to ensure that the services we deliver meet the needs of those we support are equally valuable.

Clients, or others who are infected or affected by HIV, can play a huge part in the development and delivery of services by becoming a Trustee/Director.

Hours:
The Board generally meet once a month and recognise that individual Trustee/Directors are able to commit different amounts of time depending upon their own circumstances.

Drop-in Support Volunteer

Responsibilities include:
  • Welcoming clients
  • Preparing drinks and other refreshments/snacks/meals
  • Befriending clients
  • Administering therapy appointments
  • Receiving phone calls/taking messages/providing HIV and sexual health information
  • Assisting with ad-hoc requirements, ie prepare red ribbons, make up condom packs, mail the newsletter
  • Clearing and tidying up
Optional duties include:
  • Transporting clients to and from drop-in/appointments
  • Preparing lunch/supper
  • Buddying
Additional duties which may be required:
  • Opening and preparing the centre prior to the drop-in session commencing
  • Closing and securing the centre at the end of the session
Hours available:
Aldershot
  • Monday 6.55 – 10.05pm
  • Wednesday 10.00am – 2.00pm
  • Wednesday 2.00pm – 5pm
  • Friday 10.00am – 1.00pm
  • Friday 1.00 – 4.00pm
Portsmouth
  • Alternate Tuesdays 4.00 – 7.05pm

Client Support Volunteer

Responsibilities may include one or more of the following:
  • Preparing lunch/supper
  • Transporting clients to drop-in sessions/appointments
  • Administrative support
  • Book-keeping
  • Event management
  • Fundraising
  • Marketing/PR
  • DIY
  • Domestic assistance
Hours:
  • To suit

The Application Process

All candidates will be required to complete the following process before engaging in voluntary work with Positive Action:
  • application form to be completed by candidate
  • references to be undertaken by PA
  • interview to be undertaken
  • successful candidates will be invited to participate in induction training
  • observational assessment will be made throughout the training
  • an assignment will need to be completed based upon training
  • final interview will be undertaken to talk through whether and how the trainee may occupy a volunteer role, talk about next steps and any additional training needs or other concerns
Because we work with vulnerable people, we will require a Criminal Records Bureau check.

PA’s Expectations of Volunteers

To ensure that volunteers to get the most out of the opportunity whilst recognising their responsibility to PA, volunteers are required to:
  • be clear about time they have available
  • fulfil work which has been committed to
  • undertake training and maintain knowledge of HIV
  • Comply with all confidentiality policies
  • Comply with the Health and Safety policies
  • Observe the Handbook of Policies and Practice

Supervision and Support

New volunteers will be introduced to the experienced volunteers and will be receive access to regular supervision with the Client Services Manager.

Training

Further to completion of comprehensive induction training, volunteers are expected to participate in the twice-yearly training workshops.

Training provides an opportunity to meet other volunteers, to update on basic HIV knowledge and to develop skills and knowledge on other issues affecting those living with HIV.

Training is normally held on Saturdays in Spring and Autumn.

Expenses

Travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance to the Expenses Policy.

Notice

One month’s notice to withdraw voluntary support is requested.

Insurance

Volunteers are covered by our Employers and Public Liability insurance but will be required to make their own arrangements for adequate insurance if providing transportation or delivering therapies to clients.