Home Library Services - Nelson Library

Lancashire Volunteer Partnership; Blackpool; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community service organization in Blackpool is seeking volunteers to assist with the Home Library Service by delivering books and providing companionship to customers unable to visit the library. This role requires driving, a DBS check, and offers opportunities for training and personal development.

Benefits

Training and support

Induction programme

Opportunity to include on CV

Reimbursement of travel expenses

Qualifications

• Must have been a resident in the UK for the past 3 years.
• Willingness to undergo a DBS check and training.
• Ability to drive and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Regularly collects and delivers books to home library service customers.
• Chats with vulnerable people to help combat loneliness.
• Reports any concerns to library staff.

Skills

Good communication and interpersonal skills

Respect for equality and diversity

Ability to use own initiative

Genuine interest in books and reading

Ability to use basic ICT systems

Job description

Overview

We require volunteers to help the Library deliver books to Home Library Service customers.

Please note: Volunteers must be able to drive and have access to a vehicle. Please note that a good geographical knowledge of the area is essential for this role.

Visits will take place: We’re fairly flexible in when things can be delivered, so there isn’t a specific day but late morning would be preferable. Days and times will be arranged with the library upon application.

The Home Library Service is provided to library customers who are unable to visit their local library because of poor health (including physical and mental health), disability, caring responsibilities or mobility problems. Being a Home Library Service volunteer is much more than just collecting and delivering books it is around spending a little time with each person, a friendly face and a chat can make a real difference helping them to feel cared for and valued by their community.

What the role offers you:

• Volunteering would give you the opportunity to share your love of reading and meeting new people in the local community
• an induction programme & designated member of staff as a contact for assistance and feedback
• Training and support
• An opportunity you can include on your CV
• Reimbursement of out of pocket travel expenses

This volunteering role is subject to a DBS check. To qualify you must have been a resident in the UK for the past 3 years.

• Applicants must be willing to go through an induction process with relevant background checks and an enhanced DBS check (This will be done free of charge)
• Once you have applied online one of our Volunteer Officers will be in contact to arrange your DBS

• Regularly collecting pre-packed books from the library and delivering to home library service customers.
• Chatting to vulnerable people and helping to combat loneliness
• Reporting any concerns to library staff or Lancashire Volunteer Partnership as appropriate
• To regularly support the individual by socialising. The role is unique to every individual’s needs and circumstances
• To provide regular feedback on the progress of the individual or report any concerns.
• To log your volunteering hours monthly and submit expenses (where applicable) on-line.
• To complete minimum level training e.g. safeguarding and commit to further training relevant to the role.

Please speak to a member of library staff about this opportunity for more information before applying.

Required Qualities:

• Respect for equality and diversity
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to use own initiative
• Be able to deal with difficult situations in a professional manner
• Genuine interest in books and reading
• Ability to use basic ICT systems

Training:

Training will be provided in the form of peer support, distance learning or trainer led.

Volunteers may be asked to regularly refresh training where required.

Nelson Library, Market Square, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 7PU

Apply for this role

If you are interested in this opportunity please contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator for a chat, or click apply now.

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