Organisation Name:
IDAS
Organisation's Cause(s):
Children / Young People / Families
Local Community
Men
Older Adults
Women
Location of voluntary activity:
Central York
When are volunteers needed: Office hours
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Admin / Office Support
Advice / Information / Support
Role description:
IDAS Helpline (York) volunteers help with the running of the important Helpline service. The IDAS Helpline is a busy service, receiving 29,513 helpline calls last year! Volunteers provide crucial support, answering calls from the public and professionals who wish to know more about our services and from those who are seeking support.
Supporting volunteers will assist our skilled team of Domestic Abuse Practitioners with the smooth running of IDAS Helpline: triaging incoming calls; providing emotional support; assessing risk; referring to services as appropriate; sending follow-up information to internal and external stakeholders; and doing the subsequent administrative tasks and updating the case management system.
A Helpline Volunteer will be non-judgemental and demonstrate empathy, compassion and kindness. The role requires an individual who understands the importance of working in a trauma-informed way, will be computer-literate and have confidence and a professional manner when communicating, both verbally and in a written format. Existing knowledge of local services to signpost will be helpful but not essential.
The role offers the opportunity to volunteer with a specialist charity doing vital work to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. We offer thorough and on-going training to our volunteers and additional shadowing of Practitioners. We are looking for someone who can dedicate at least half a day per week during office hours.
Volunteer tasks:
- Supporting team answering Helpline calls and responding to voicemails. (This can include: offering emotional support; signposting to local and national specialist services; assessing risk; complete safety planning; liaising with professionals.)
- Follow IDAS safeguarding procedures including completing ongoing safeguarding referrals.
- Administrative tasks, including updating the case management system accurately.
- Communicate professionally in a verbal and written format.
- Send follow up information to internal and external stakeholders.
- Confidentiality and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) adherence.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
Volunteers will:
- Have a high standard of communication skills, compassion, respect and understanding.
- Demonstrate strong commitment to and understanding of confidentiality.
- Be confident in IT, administrative and organisational skills.
- Have an understanding of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence is desirable.
- Receive full training and support.
- Obtain a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance is essential (provided by IDAS).
- Be aged 18+
Will there be a DBS check? Yes
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Ongoing Volunteering
Skilled Volunteer
Wheelchair users
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
How to get involved:
If interested please fill in our online application form, stating you are interested in supporting the Helpline and your availability https://idas.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-application-form/ or see the web link below
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 31-10-2026