Library Home Delivery Service volunteer for Hove & The Deans (East Brighton)
Brighton and Hove City Council
Purpose of role
Our Library Home Delivery Service volunteers help people who are unable to get to a library because of disability, serious illness, or caring responsibilities, by bringing books and audio books to people in their own homes. Our volunteers visit some of the city’s most isolated residents on a regular basis and can also signpost people to additional support if needed.
* Please note, that home visits are replaced with doorstep book deliveries, as required by government guidelines, during the Covid 19 pandemic *
Main tasks
To select and reserve library materials for the customer, talking account of his/her reading preferences
To pass on requests for specialist books or information to library staff
To deliver library materials to customers on a regular basis, at times previously agreed between yourself and the customer(s)
To return loaned items to one of our libraries and ensure items have been removed from the customer’s library account
To inform library staff if the customer wants to engage with other support services/organisations, so that we can provide details and support him/her to make contact
To keep a record of your visits and pass this information on to the library service for statistical purposes as required
To comply with health and safety legislation
To maintain the standards of the council’s Equalities policy
Skills
A friendly and patient manner
Reliability
Empathy
An interest in people, books and reading
Experience of dealing with older or disabled people, either in a personal or professional environment, is desirable for this role
A current driving license (optional)
*PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS ROLE WE REQUIRE YOU TO PROVIDE ONE REFERENCE AND UNDERGO A DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE (DBS) CHECK. PLEASE ENSURE YOU INCLUDE THE NAME, PHONE NUMBER, POSTAL AND EMAIL ADDRESS OF YOUR REFEREE WHEN APPLYING FOR THIS ROLE*
Benefits
You will gain experience of working with older or disabled people on a one to one basis in a home environment.
You will increase your knowledge of libraries and the services they offer, and support your local library.
You will increase your knowledge of and involvement in your local community, and have the satisfaction of knowing that you have improved the quality of life of more vulnerable members of the community.
You will meet other volunteers, both from within the library service and partner organisations, who share a desire to help the residents of Brighton & Hove.
Volunteering is known to have a positive impact on both physical and mental health.
You will be entitled to a reference from the Library Manager after six months.
The manager can only comment on aspects relevant to your volunteering role.
Practical Considerations
As volunteers will come into regular contact with vulnerable adults, they will also be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
It is not essential to be able to drive for this role, many of our volunteers use public transport, walk or cycle. When a personal vehicle is used, proof of valid driver’s license, appropriate insurance, and MOT will be required.
You must be able and willing to co-operate and adhere to Health and Safety Policy, practices and instructions.
Once trained and matched with a client, you will be accompanied on your first home visit by a member of library staff, in order to support both yourself and the client. Further training may be identified as you and the role develop to ensure you are supported to develop new skills and enhance your volunteering experience.
All volunteer roles within the library service support the existing work of paid
staff and do not replace the work of paid staff. Support will be given to ensure
that boundaries are maintained by staff and to ensure there is no replacement
or substitution of staff by volunteers.
When do I need to be available?
Details | Availability to visit the customer(s) once or twice per month. Times and dates of visits to be or arranged between the volunteer and customer(s) |
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Morning | Afternoon | Evening | |
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Wednesday | |||
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Saturday | |||
Sunday |
Where does this role take place?
Jubilee Library
Jubilee Street
Brighton
BN1 1GE
- Activities
- Administration and Office
- Advice and Information
- Computers, IT and Websites
- General Helping
- Supporting People and Befriending
- Details
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Age/Gender Restrictions
Volunteers must be 18+ -
Disabled Access
This will depend on the accessibility of the customer's home - Equal Opportunities Policy
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Expenses
Bus fares - Health and Safety
- Induction
- Insurance Cover for Volunteers
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Restrictions
*PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS ROLE WE REQUIRE YOU TO PROVIDE ONE REFERENCE AND UNDERGO A DBS CHECK. PLEASE ENSURE YOU PROVIDE ONE REFERENCE WITH YOUR APPLICATION* - Suitable for a group of volunteers
- Support on Offer
- Training