Circles of Support & Accountability (CoSA) Volunteer
Location Base: Various around Wales
This is an interesting role for those who want to support their communities or wanting to work within criminal justice. The tag line for the service is ‘no more victims’. By engaging an offender, they start taking accountability leading to less chance of reoffending.
Role Purpose:
To provide support and accountability weekly sessions to sexual offenders to reduce the risk of reoffending and prevent sexual abuse. We have between 4-6 volunteers for every offender. They arrive half an hour before and then leave half an hour after the offender to give them time to discuss the days session.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Support
Support Core Members to reintegrate into the community
Reduce isolation and loneliness by providing a structured support network
To be part of a consistent chain of support alongside professional agencies
To provide a structured framework for emotional and practical support
Adopt a respectful approach and maintain appropriate relationships and behaviours
Monitor
To monitor behaviours and liaise with the Project Coordinator
To work in partnership to maximize public protection
To be able to recognize and manage manipulative behaviour and collusion, accessing appropriate support if necessary
To ensure Core Member is engaged in appropriate activity
Maintain
To assist the Core Member in developing support networks.
To assist the Core Member in identifying personal goals and help them to keep on track
To achieve a balance between support and accountability
To work individually and as part of a team
To maintain confidentiality whilst bearing in mind the importance of safeguarding
To maintain appropriate personal and professional boundaries at all times
Accountability
To keep Core Member accountable to treatment objectives
To constructively challenge the Core Member should they display warning signs of entering into high risk behaviours or reoffending
To be part of the regular communication system between the circle of professional agencies charged with the risk management of the Core Member
General:
Excellent communication skills
The ability to show empathy, but not sympathy
To have knowledge of, or support for, the principles of restorative justice
Analytical thinking and problem solving skills
Non-judgmental approach and an understanding there are a number of pathways into offending behaviour
The ability to work constructively, cooperatively and respectfully within a team but also use own initiative.
Professional:
To participate in the Adferiad mandatory training for CoSA
To participate in Adferiad core training
To attend regular supervisions
To operate within and observe Adferiad policies and procedures
Time commitment: Time commitment is various and flexible and negotiable with the organisation.
Expenses reimbursed: Travel expenses are reimbursed.
Training provided: Full training is provided.
Selection procedure: Informal discussion, application form completion, 2 references and a disclosure and barring check– Adult enhanced and barred check (cost met by organisation).
If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact us using the form below.