About Parentline
The main object for which Parentline is established is the advancement of community welfare by providing free, confidential and non-judgmental guidance and support to the parenting community, including, but not limited to parents, guardians, teachers and social workers, and to advance the education of the parenting community.
What's Involved
Parents can phone Parentline with all sorts of parenting problems. You will be supporting and guiding parents who are stressed and/or want to explore a parenting issue. There’s no typical call; from new born babies to teenagers, all ages offer different challenges.
All Parentline facilitators receive training in counselling and listening skills before going on the lines and then receive further upskilling in the topics they encounter on the lines via monthly training meetings. You will be in a helpline with two other people who will mentor and support you.
Parentline is now seeking helpline volunteers.
Full training and support will be provided.
Parentline offers support, guidance and information to parents on all aspects of being a parent, in confidence and without judgement.
Helpline Facilitator role:
• To provide telephone support for parents under stress
• To report for shifts as agreed
• To attend training meetings on a regular basis
• To provide information on parenting and family issues
• To refer parents to appropriate services available for their assistance
• To respect the confidentiality of callers
• To comply with the policies and procedures as set out in the Volunteer Policy.
Time Commitment:
Parentline needs volunteer helpline facilitators to man the helpline. We ask volunteers to work for three hours each week. You will always work with a colleague. The helpline is open Monday - Thursday from 10 a.m. - 9p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. covering 18 shifts. We will find a time and day to suit you.
Location:
PLEASE NOTE TRAINING & HELPLINE ARE DUBLIN BASED.
Training:
Training begins in September 2023.
Applications:
Closing date for applications is 8th September 2023.
What's required for this position
This role would ideally suit someone over the age of 35 because you are dealing with parents.
You do not need to have had previous experience, or expertise, in counselling.
All that’s required is an open mind; an ability to listen and a desire to help people. The main skill is to be a good listener.
To have an interest and understanding of people.
To respect the callers confidentiality and never judge. We will offer training in listening and counselling skills.
- Personable Skills
- Phone Support/ Information Giver
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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| Evening | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | | |
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Minimum time commitment: 2 years
Hours required: 3hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
Carmichael Centre, North Brunswick St. Dublin 7
Screening details for this role:
- Informal Interviews
- References
- Application Form
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Supervision
- Initial induction and training
- Insurance cover
- Ongoing training opportunities
Volunteers with the following challenges will be supported in this role
Age restrictions:
Over 25
Benefits you will receive as a volunteer
Some of our volunteers are with us more than 20 years. They make friends, learn new skills, learn about parenting. Much of the training involves the issues parents encounter e.g. drugs, post natal depression.......
Getting there
Luas to Smithfield. Bus 83 to Church St Short walk from quays / city centre.
Map location
