In many areas of the UK and overseas, SSAFA has Serving Community Teams which offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Some people can find themselves facing illness, bereavement or unexpected financial problems. Day-to-day activities can become difficult without a little help. As the coordinator of a small team of Community Volunteers, you will receive requests from those in need of practical or emotional support within the local serving community such as a lift to a medical appointment or by being a listening ear. Using your people and communication skills, you will ensure the appropriate, trained Community Volunteer is assigned to each request for support. You may also provide practical or emotional support to families and individuals yourself.

• Accepting requests for support, matching Community Volunteers with beneficiaries and overseeing the progress of the support provided.
• Being available to respond to requests as and when they are received.
• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at their home or in a suitable place depending on their needs, providing practical and emotional support.
• Welcoming new Community Volunteers to the team. Contributing to their inductions, ensuring they are aware of local processes, and have access to the mandatory training and vetting required for the role.
• Keeping in touch with your Community Volunteers, providing support, and understanding their availability, skills and strengths.
• Following SSAFA’s procedures for supporting beneficiaries and ensuring that Community Volunteers are aware of SSAFA policies such as expenses and lone working.
• Liaising with the Serving Community Support Team and sharing best practice.
• Being an ambassador for SSAFA, ensuring welfare providers are aware of the support that SSAFA can provide.

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality.
• Having a respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries is essential.
• Ability to travel to meet volunteers and clients (out of pocket travel expenses will be reimbursed in line with SSAFA policy).
• IT skills to be able to communicate online and access eLearning courses.
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
• We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA is committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

• Give back to the Armed Forces community.
• Support people in your local serving community using your skills, knowledge and life experience.
• Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Receive support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our volunteer vetting guidance for more information.