Responsible to: Delivery and Development Officer
Minimum time Commitment: One group per month, usually 7pm – 9pm
Location: Locations throughout Scotland and online
PVG Check: Required for this role
Main Purpose
To co-facilitate a self-help group for people living with bipolar on a monthly basis. This will include welcoming people, encouraging and guiding discussion, as well as dealing sensitively with issues or conflict that may arise within the group meeting. One facilitator is also responsible for collating and reporting group statistics after each meeting, whilst the other facilitator takes the lead for booking guest speakers.
Key Responsibilities
- Attend Group Facilitator Training organised by Bipolar Scotland
- To co-facilitate a self-help group at the agreed time each month
- To act as first point of contact for individuals who wish to join a group (as required), ensuring they receive a warm welcome
- To send the Zoom meeting link to group participants prior to each session (online groups only)
- To welcome and book guest speakers
- To note attendance and submit a short statistical form online after each meeting
- To inform the Delivery and Development Officer of any adverse incidents or concerns following a group session
- To attend regular support and supervision sessions with the Delivery and Development Officer and other volunteers
- To adhere to all Bipolar Scotland’s policy and procedures
- To maintain the highest level of confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times
- To inform your co-facilitator and Bipolar Scotland at the earliest opportunity if you are unable to co-facilitate a session for any reason, and where possible identify a replacement
Person Specification
- Excellent listening and communication skills
- Reliable, compassionate, non-judgmental, and comfortable building relationships and working with others in a way that promotes empowerment and inspires hope
- Firm personal commitment to confidentiality, boundaries and safeguarding vulnerable adults
- Core values of equality, empathy, honesty and respect
- Previous experience of facilitating groups would be an advantage, although not necessary as training will be provided
- An understanding of the role of the facilitator in a ‘self-help’ context
- An understanding of, or a willingness to understand, the needs and issues of those living with bipolar disorder