About Mercy Law Resource Centre
Mercy Law Resource Centre was established in 2009 with a principal focus of providing legal advice and representation to individuals who are homeless or who are at risk of becoming homeless. MLRC has five key services:
1. Free legal advice clinics in hostels for people who are homeless and in centres that are easily accessible for people facing homelessness.
2. Legal representation
3. Legal support and training to organisations working in the field of homelessness.
4. Policy work to advocate changes to the laws, policies and attitudes that are particularly harsh for people facing homelessness, people on the margins of society.
5. Befriending service for clients who are particularly vulnerable.
What's Involved
Responsibilities of our Volunteer Co-ordinator:
1. Liaise with solicitors within our law centre and assess their clients’ needs.
2. Promote the role of volunteer Befrienders (internally and externally) through recruitment and publicity strategies and campaigns.
3. Liaise with the Managing Solicitor to interview and recruit Befrienders and ensure they are appropriately matched and trained for a position.
4. Organise and provide inductions and training for Befrienders.
5. Monitor, support, motivate and accredit Befrienders and their work.
6. Offer advice and information to Befrienders through face-to-face, telephone and email contact and organise regular group befriender meetings.
7. Celebrate volunteer Befriending by nominating Befrienders for awards and consider organising celebration events.
8. Network and promote the role of volunteer Befriender in order to attract new volunteer Befrienders.
9. Keep up to date with legislation and policy related to volunteering and make any necessary modifications to accommodate changes.
10. Monitor and evaluate activities and write provide a short report for funders and trustees and for inclusion in the annual report.
11. Maintain databases and undertake any other administrative duties.
What's required for this position
Excellent communication and listening skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with a diverse range of people.
Experience of managing or coordinating projects and volunteers (paid or unpaid).
The ability to deal with information in a confidential manner and respond with sensitivity.
Good organisational skills, administrative and IT skills, and an ability to maintain records and produce clear written and oral reports.
A flexible and non-judgemental approach to people and work.
Ability to observe boundaries with clients.
An understanding of independent law centres, a commitment to social justice and empathy with service users are also important.
- Community Development/ Social work
- Education/ Training
- General Admin/ Office Support
- Personable Skills
Level of English required for this role:
Fluent English
Times and commitment required for this role
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
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| Morning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | |
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| Afternoon | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | |
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Minimum time commitment: 1 year
Hours required: 6hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
25 Cork Street, Dublin 8
Screening details for this role:
- Garda Vetting
- References
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Supervision
- Initial induction and training
- Reimbursement of expenses
- Ongoing training opportunities
Age restrictions:
Over 25
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No
