Hour or two?

Role title

  Home Library Service (HLS) Volunteer

Purpose of role

To choose and deliver items to customers in their own homes and support people to chat and share stories.

Main activities and tasks

1.  Choose OR collect books and other items for Home Library Service customers.

2.  Deliver books and other items to the housebound.

3. Provide companionship and conversation using the reading materials as a basis for discussion

3.  Assist with stock maintenance and re-shelving books.

4.  Report any concerns about Library at Home customers’ health, safety and wellbeing, to the Volunteer Manager/Supervisor.

6.   Maintain appropriate boundaries

5.  Ensure that the customer’s profile is kept up to date by informing library staff of any relevant changes to their requirements.

6.  Help with any consultation with this group of customers.

7.  Have an understanding of and ability to maintain confidentiality as appropriate.

8.  Promote relevant library events and activities with Home Library Service users

Qualities, skills and experience sought

1.  A reliable, confident and responsible individual, with enthusiasm and effective communication and interpersonal skills.

2.  Have a patient and approachable manner.

3.  Ability to empathise with older people and people with disabilities.

4.   Ability to build rapport through conversation

5. Should be physically fit, be able to climb stairs and carry bags to deliver books to customers’ homes.

6.  Have the ability to cope with the duties and responsibilities of the role and the associated environment, including an understanding of health and safety.

7.  Able to follow guidelines/instructions.

8.  Initiative and the ability to work without supervision.

9.  Willing to learn new knowledge and skills.

Location

Various locations in Oldham.

Time commitment

Ideally, visiting two customers at least once every 4 weeks. Although time commitments of this role are tailored to individual service user and provider requirements/availability. 

Training

and support

Volunteers will be inducted and trained prior to carrying out this role. They will also have a named supervisor who will provide ongoing support. Out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed to agreed limits on production of receipts.

Additional

Information

You must be 18 or over for this role.  As 12 books are delivered at a time, car users are most suitable.  A DBS check will be required.