Volunteer Support Worker

BCCS Assist, an independent Charity, was set up in 2009 to provide a multi-faith (all faith and none) Chaplaincy service to all court users at the Bradford Magistrates’ Court and Bradford Combined Courts Centre. Many defendants are unrepresented and are persistent, petty offenders with many problems. Our team will offer a listening ear, help with paperwork and accompany clients into court. Where appropriate, we will challenge offending behaviour with a problem solving approach, signposting to local support agencies as appropriate. Issues tackled include – alcohol & substance abuse, bereavement, debt management, domestic abuse, homelessness, mental health issues. Often more than one are interlinked.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

To “draw alongside” clients and to support them during their time at court whether as members of the regular court community or attending in relation to a particular case.

To offer companionship and a ‘listening ear’ for that moment on a one to one basis.

To promote the work of BCCS to all potential clients by making it known that there is a DTc or DTW available, if needed.

To help clients to identify and clarify issues of concern, referring these, with client’s agreement to the DTC or DTW or appropriate support agencies through the BCCS Assist Team.

To help clients find their way around the court system, indicating the location of the information desk and boards, location of Quiet / Prayer Room, washing facilities etc.

To maintain client confidentiality and under no circumstances must any information be shared / discussed with any other person without the direct consent of the client. This includes religious organisations such as Churches and Mosques. 

To work as part of a wider team and be willing to participate in related court activities including training, consultation and promotion of BCCS.

To act as an “Ambassador” for BCCS within their own sphere of influence.

Skills

Do you have a passion for helping those less fortunate than yourself? Are you:- • A good listener? • Able to keep a confidence? • Caring? • Friendly? • Non-judgemental? • Patient? • Reliable? • Sensitive & supportive? • Sympathetic? • Trustworthy? Do you have time on your hands – are you able to commit up to one morning or afternoon each week?

Essential

 21 years old or over

 Able to maintain confidentiality

 Sufficiently healthy to undertake the role on a regular basis

 Ability to work as part of a multi-faith team

 Willing to undertake training to develop a thorough understanding of the Court system

 Good Listening and Communication skills

 Good Interpersonal skills

Desirable

 Experience of working in a support setting

 Experience and understanding of the Court system

 Counselling skills

 Organisational skills