Peer Support Line role description

Job description

Job title: Peer Support Line Volunteer

Job purpose: We recognise that practitioners will from time to time feel overwhelmed or stressed, and often this burden can be alleviated just by sharing it with someone who understands not only the pressures of the job but the issues that might arise from it.

The Peer Support Line will provide a listening and support service to all members of the optical profession. We are looking for volunteers who are able to offer their time to this worthy cause.

By volunteering you will be taking an active role in strengthening the profession by helping build and shape a support network that will positively contribute to the wellbeing of your peers.

Volunteers will take calls from people within the profession looking to discuss problems or concerns they may have. As a volunteer you will be trained and guided to support them without giving advice.

Skills and qualifications

The AOP is looking for members to volunteer for two days a month. You will need to be understanding, patient, empathetic, non-judgmental and good at listening.

You will need to be an AOP member (for the duration of your time as a volunteer) and one of the following

• A qualified, retired or career break optometrist
• A qualified, retired or career break dispensing optician

Training and support

• One-day induction training into the various aspects of call handling. This has been scheduled for Wednesday 25 March, at the AOP's offices at 2 Woodbridge Street, London, EC1R 0DG
  
  
• An annual training and development plan that will support you in the following areas:
  • Call handling - how to support without giving advice
  • Active listening skills
  • Recognising a high risk call and when to refer
  • The importance of confidentiality and anonymity
  • Volunteer interactions and relationships

• Training manual to keep and refer to
  
  
• A clear referral pathway if a caller needs additional support either directly through the AOP or an external resource
  
  
• A call answering service to both notify you of a practitioner requesting a call and facilitate shift handover calls between volunteers
  
  
• Regular support, communications and service feedback from the AOP

Time commitment

Two days* each month (8.00am - 8.00pm), varying from Monday to Sunday.
This is an unpaid voluntary role but travel, training and call costs will be covered

* you will be able to specify your availability each quarter and have your two monthly shifts allocated around this. 

benefits

• Making a difference to someone who needs your support
• A good learning and development opportunity
• Being part of a welcoming and supportive volunteer community
• Volunteering on days that suit you
• Volunteering from the comfort of your own home
• Strengthening your profession by helping build a support network for your peers

To apply

If you are interested in applying please download the application form and email it, along with a copy of your current CV, to [email protected] by Friday 14 February.

Training will take place at the AOP London office on Wednesday 25 March.