Romanian and Polish speaking East European Peer Navigators required!

What?

The East European Peer Navigator Project is a partnership between Lift and the East European Advice Centre which has been formed to help East European nationals who are at risk of becoming rough sleepers, to prevent homelessness, or where they are already homeless, to help them build a life away from the streets. The project works closely with The Upper Room, The Passage and West London Churches Homeless Concern and Peer Navigators are now working with a range of homeless services across West London.

Lift is seeking people to participate in a training programme to become volunteer Peer Navigators. The Peer Navigators will support East European individuals who are at risk of homelessness or newly arrived on streets. They will give advice and signposting to ensure effective assistance around users’ needs to prevent homelessness.

 

Why get involved?

  • Develop support work skills and gain experience in mentoring
  • Receive comprehensive Peer Mentoring/Support Work training
  • Access free training from homelessness agencies
  • Help vulnerable people to access vital services and avert homelessness
  • Improve communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills
  • Play a key role in an exciting and innovative project
  • Access opportunities to work placements with established homelessness service providers
  • Gain valuable experience and insight into support work and the homelessness sector
  • Gain a reference from Lift for your involvement

 

You should have the following:

  • Speak at least one of the following East European languages – Romanian or Polish
  • You must be able to travel to services in at least one of the following West London boroughs: Brent, Harrow, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea
  • A commitment to provide support to people in need
  • Knowledge of motivating and/or supporting disadvantaged people
  • Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills
  • The ability to work well independently and as part of a team
  • An interest in the homelessness sector, issues faced by East European migrants and general social inclusion

When?

Training takes place over 7 days in September 2014. The training will be spread over several weeks to accommodate those who are studying or working part-time. You will be reimbursed for your travel and lunch expenses.

What is expected of you?
- Lift will be investing in Peer Navigators by providing them with a quality training and support programme – a 3-month minimum commitment to the project is required
- Comply with Lift’s volunteer policy and undergo a DBS check
- Identify and support clients with their needs
- Record information on client’s support and outcomes achieved
- Establish good working relationships with support and community agencies, churches, voluntary organisations etc. sharing information and good practice
- Promote the East European Peer Navigator project amongst agencies and clients
- Attend all training and debrief dates and actively get involved in developing the navigator approach and service delivery

 

How to apply
- Complete an application form
- Send it to: [email protected] by 18/08/14
- Come for an informal interview

For more information on the programme, please contact:

Sam Curtis - Project Coordinator

Tel: 0208 965 2561
Mob: 07956056474
Email: [email protected]

To download the recruitment flyer:

Peer Navigators August Recruitment Flyer

 

To download an application form:

EEPN Application Form