Friendship Coordinator

Job Introduction

TITLE: Friendship Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Communities Team Leader

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Supervising Befriending Volunteers

LOCATION: Hybrid – home based (must live in the Tendring district) and the community with travel across Essex

SALARY: £24,528.00 FTE / £16,352.00 pro rata

HOURS: 25 hours a week (Wednesday is a non-negotiable working day)

ROLE PURPOSE: To support the delivery of befriending services to reduce loneliness and social isolation of vulnerable adults in Essex.

Service and Delivery

Provide the initial contact with isolated adults who require the support of a volunteer befriender. Assess their requirements, risk assess for suitability of matching with a volunteer.
Match volunteers with clients according to shared interests, location and availability.
Monitor ongoing befriending relationships.
Help volunteers to develop positive and supportive relationships with clients, within appropriate and clear boundaries.
Coordinate project delivery on a day-to-day basis within area of responsibility
Develop knowledge of activities and provision across a geographical area (Tendring)
Develop positive and effective working relationships with groups and providers across a geographical area (Tendring)
Support the development of new groups and activities
Support the recruitment and induction of befriending volunteers
Support the development of new methods of engaging with people to help reduce social isolation and loneliness e.g. use of technology
Keep accurate notes and data on Salesforce database; acting in accordance with the Data Protection Act (2018)
Support access of volunteers to training and group support sessions; offer individual support to volunteers as and when required.
Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including EWS Partners and statutory and voluntary sector agencies
Promote Age Well East by attending meetings, forums and community events and delivering workshops and talks
To carry out any other reasonable tasks as requested by the Operations Manager

Monitoring & Evaluation

Support the development and use of outcome measurement tools
Identify and collate evidence of the outcomes of service delivery (case studies)
Ensure all monitoring is completed on time

General Responsibilities

Adhere to organisational policies, particularly those on safeguarding, confidentiality, lone working, and equality.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant procedures.
Engage positively with team colleagues and contribute to a collaborative working culture.
Take ownership of personal learning and development.
Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by management.

Essential Criteria

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships and engage effectively with others.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Proficient IT skills, including confident use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
High level of accuracy with excellent record-keeping skills and strong attention to detail.
Experience in developing and maintaining effective partnerships and networks.
Able to work collaboratively as part of a team while also being confident working independently.
Empathetic and supportive approach towards volunteers, clients, and colleagues.
Proactive, solutions-focused, and able to demonstrate a positive “can-do” attitude.
Good understanding of confidentiality requirements and GDPR principles.
Willingness to undertake relevant training and ongoing development.
Flexible approach to supporting other projects and activities across Age Well East.
Able to adjust working hours when necessary to meet the needs of the service.
Full driving licence and daily access to a vehicle.

Desirable Criteria

Health, social care or relevant third sector experience of supporting people.
Experience of leading and/or facilitating community projects and events.
Working with and managing volunteers.
Delivering volunteer induction and training.
Experience of befriending i.e., as a volunteer or in a work setting.

Experience of managing safeguarding issues under supervision of a senior team.

Terms and Conditions

Annual Leave: 24 days per year (pro rata), plus bank holidays (pro rata), a birthday day off, and closure between Christmas and New Year.
Pension: Group Stakeholder pension scheme (subject to eligibility).
DBS: This role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Diversity & Inclusion: Age Well East values diversity and promotes equality in all aspects of employment. All staff are expected to act in accordance with the organisation’s Equality and Diversity Policy.

The closing date for applications is (15/11/25). However, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, we recommend that you submit your application as early as possible.

Candidates must be able to evidence their right to work in the UK.

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