Age UK Sunderland (AUKS)

Job Description

Post:
Responsible to:
Location:

Gift of Friendship Befriender - Keeping in Touch Service
Front Door Manager
Various – Based at the Bradbury Centre Sunderland

Job Purpose

To deliver a quality befriending service to vulnerable older people, reducing the
negative impact of loneliness and isolation. Implementing activities to support
the client’s wellbeing.

Job Description

To be a Befriender to Older People within the boundaries of Sunderland and
undertake all reasonable activities identified (e.g. telephone and visiting client’s
homes to provide support).

Engage with the Client and converse on a variety of topics

To support the Clients emotional wellbeing.

Liaise and co-operate with carers and share information as required

Report immediately changes in clients’ health, abilities or circumstances to the
line manager.

Identify potential extra support needs

Signpost to relevant support services

Provide  information  on  Age  UK  Sunderland  activities  and  services  where
appropriate to meet older people’s needs outside of the role

Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all aspects of the work undertaken

Abide  by  and  implement  all  policies  and  procedures  of  Age  UK  Sunderland,
including being aware of and responsible corporately and as an individual for
Health & Safety policy

To comply with all principles of GDPR and data protection

To input data on the organisation’s information gathering system (Charity Log)

Undertake all reasonable tasks, in keeping with the level of responsibility of the
post, as requested by the Line Manager/CEO.

1

Act as a Safeguarding Adults Alerter

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS

A befriender will not be asked to meet any personal care needs.

2

Age UK Sunderland

Person Specification

Post:
Responsible to:
Location:

Gift of Friendship Befriender - Keeping in Touch Service
Front Door Manager
Various – Based at the Bradbury Centre, Sunderland.

Essential Criteria

Have  an  understanding  of  the  needs  of  Older  People  and  impact  of  social
isolation and loneliness

Be able to communicate clearly and effectively

Be able to work to an agreed timetable of visits

Have ability to keep basic records

Ability to work alone with the minimum of supervision and abide by AUKS lone
working policies and procedures

A caring, sympathetic, sensitive manner and a non-judgemental approach.

Reliable/dependable/flexible

Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding of older people’s needs

Understanding of confidentiality

Demonstrate a positive and enthusiastic approach

Willingness to help raise self -esteem/confidence through a positive
befriending relationship.

NVQ Level 3 in health & social care or equivalent experience of working with
vulnerable people required

Possess a full, clean driving licence and have access to a car for work.

3