Daytime Information Workers' Role Description

We are currently in the position of recruiting Information Workers, so if you are interested and would like more details about the role, contact Arwen Tapping the Information Service Manager on 01223 314763 or by e-mail on arwen@centre33.org.uk

Job title:
Information Worker - Volunteer. Daytime.
Responsible to:
Information Service Manager.
Hours of work:
Induction course comprising of 9 training sessions (times to be arranged).
4 hours per week (1 regular 'slot') minimum - preferably 8 hours p/w (2 'slots').
1 evening per month (Information Workers Meeting.)
1 Saturday morning every 2 months (approx.)
2 'Link days' (agency meetings) a year.
Occasional other meetings/training.

Overall, Centre 33 would hope for a minimum of l year to 18 month's commitment after training.

Tasks

As an Information Worker you will be required:

1. To make all clients feel welcome and to give them the space to help them to articulate their needs.
2. To follow the systems and procedures as outlined in the Information Workers' Manual.
3. To help people find the information they require, responding in person, on the telephone or via email.
4. To log enquiries on the statistical enquiry sheets, and enter statistics onto the database.
5. To take responsibility for updating the information system, including developing a chosen subject area.
6. To make appointments for counselling.
7. To take responsibility for upkeep and general appearance of the information room.

Responsibilities

1. To attend agreed 'slots' regularly and to turn up at least 10 minutes beforehand to prepare for opening/handover.
2. To attend the Information Workers meetings.
3. To undergo a six week probationary period, attend regular supervisions and an annual appraisal.
4. To appreciate and observe the boundaries between the role of the Information Workers and the Counsellors.
5. To give support to and seek support from other volunteers on your slot team: there should be a short meeting after the slot to discuss the day's work.
6. To respect the client's right to confidentiality. Centre 33 operates 'agency confidentiality', which means that if necessary you may share information you have recieved in confidence with other workers within the organisation.
7. To respect Centre 33's policy of client self-referral, ie to only accept appointments for counselling, advocacy etc from the client.

Skills and Experience

Effective Information Workers are likely to be: non-judgmental, good listeners, reliable, able to work as part of a team but also to show initiative in improving the information service we offer to young people. There are elements of administrative work in this role but with an 'open-door' service, there are also elements of crisis intervention.

Any experience of information handling, interpersonal work or youth work would be useful but not essential. All information workers will be required to attend training sessions at Centre 33 before working with clients.