Cambridgeshire Deaf Association
Volunteer Coordinator (Age-Related Hearing Loss Befriending Project)
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About Us
Cambridgeshire Deaf Association is a leading charity dedicated to supporting individuals with hearing loss and promoting Deaf culture. We are committed to empowering Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to lead independent lives and actively participate in society. Our aim is to expand our reach and support more people across Cambridgeshire.
The Hearing Help Befriending Project will extend our support to older adults with hearing loss in Cambridgeshire by providing social engagement opportunities, wellness activities, and essential support to tackle social isolation and cognitive decline.
Role Overview
Many older people gradually lose confidence as their hearing deteriorates. Conversations become harder, social activities stop, and over time many people become isolated. This project exists to change that by connecting people with volunteers who can help rebuild confidence, reduce loneliness and encourage people to reconnect with their communities.
We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic Befriending Coordinator to join our Hearing Help team. The ideal candidate will be organised, empathetic, and passionate about making a difference in the Hard of Hearing community. They will be responsible for coordinating and managing our volunteer befrienders to support people with hearing loss across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
This exciting project supports clients to improve feelings of wellbeing, reduce isolation and access to information, ensuring clients receive the support they need. This role will oversee the coordination of drop-in sessions, social events, and wellness activities, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all participants.
Key Responsibilities
Volunteer Recruitment & Management
- Recruit and train volunteers to support the project.
- Deliver volunteering hours targets.
- Meeting with clients to establish what they need from the volunteer service, undertaking an assessment and making a plan of support required; such as arranging regular check-ins or providing resources for specific needs.
- Matching clients with appropriate volunteers.
- Delivering and outsourcing volunteer training.
- Supervising volunteers and providing regular support and guidance, including conducting performance reviews and offering development opportunities where appropriate.
- Provide ongoing support, supervision, and guidance to volunteers.
- Work alongside the BSL Befriending Coordinator to ensure continuity of service. Whilst you will not coordinate the BSL befriending scheme, you’ll provide day-to-day cover for enquiries from volunteers and clients when the coordinator is unavailable.
- Work closely with the Hearing Help team, hearing aid maintenance volunteers and community staff to identify people who may benefit from the befriending service and ensure smooth onward referrals.
- Network with other local organisations and bodies to grow the project including attending community events, and building links and partnerships with other local organisations.
- Monitor project performance against agreed outcomes and targets, taking action where required to increase volunteer numbers, client referrals and engagement.
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Event & Activity Coordination
- Plan, organise, and deliver regular events, including:
- Drop-in sessions covering healthy eating, gentle exercise, and self-help strategies.
- Social events (coffee mornings, green space walks, etc.).
- Ensure all events are fully accessible, incorporating:
- Portable loop systems, speech-to-text technology, large-print materials.
- Trained volunteers to assist attendees.
- Encourage family members and carers to participate in activities.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Promote hearing health and hearing aid support in partnership with NHS and audiology departments.
- Work with cultural partners and other organisations.
- Gather feedback from participants and report on the impact of the project.
- Working with colleagues in the team about onward referrals between services, for example Case Work, Advocacy and hearing aid maintenance drop-in sessions.
Project Monitoring & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of volunteer participation and service user engagement.
- Track and evaluate mental well-being, mobility, and social engagement outcomes.
- Contribute to funding reports and applications to secure long-term sustainability.
- Completion of CDA paperwork including, Initial Assessments, working together agreements, Form of Authority, Risk assessment, Reviewing work, and feedback forms.
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We’re looking for someone who:
- Genuinely enjoys meeting people.
- Builds relationships easily.
- Is proactive rather than waiting for work to come to them.
- Is organised.
- Enjoys solving problems.
- Believes older people deserve to stay connected with their communities.
- Is comfortable working independently.
Essentials
- Proven experience in volunteer management, coordination or engagement, preferably within a charitable or non-profit organisation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an empathetic approach.
- Understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Awareness of Deaf culture and willingness to learn and engage with the Deaf community.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
- Valid UK Driving License.
- Ability to reliably commute to various locations.
- 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C equivalent) or above, inc. English and Maths.
- Knowledge of social media tools and platforms.
- BSL Level 2 or willingness to learn.
About Cambridgeshire Deaf Association
At Cambridgeshire Deaf Association, you’ll be joining an organisation that’s ambitious, supportive and always looking for better ways to serve our communities. We encourage new ideas, invest in our staff and give people the opportunity to develop their careers.
You’ll be working alongside experienced colleagues who are passionate about making a genuine difference every day.
Diversity & Inclusion
Cambridgeshire Deaf Association is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected. We embrace the unique contributions of our staff, volunteers, and the communities we serve, regardless of disability, background, or identity. Our goal is to create a supportive and empowering space that promotes equality, understanding, and collaboration. We are dedicated to providing accessible services and opportunities that reflect the diversity of our communities and encourage the participation of all individuals.
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