Volunteering with UNITE

Volunteer Mediator Assistants in Gateshead

UNITE have vacancies for residents of Gateshead to train as Volunteer Mediator Assistants (VMAs). These volunteer vacancies are funded by Supporting People of Gateshead.

You can download an application form or call 0191 454 7700 or 01642 311633 ext 357 and ask for Lynn.

Successful applicants will be invited for an interview. It is compulsory that if successful at interview you will need to attend two training days - 22nd and 29th September, 9.30am – 4.00pm. VMAs who successfully complete this training will work shadow experienced mediators and attend an induction day on 27th October, 9.30am – 1.30pm. UNITE, as a standard procedure, has a probationary period for all volunteers and staff.
UNITE is looking for people with excellent communication skills and the ability to work daytime and evenings.

UNITE considers its volunteers to be a valuable asset and therefore invests a great deal in training and supporting them. In return, we ask a great deal from our volunteers and so, if you wish to apply, we would like you to carefully consider the commitment you are making to UNITE. It is likely that you will be spending around 4 hours per week on case-related work, plus travel time to and from sessions. Throughout your time with UNITE, the expectation is that, as you close one case, you will be allocated another one straight away, unless you inform us that you will not be available, e.g. because of holidays (although please note that UNITE does not usually allow probationers to take a sabbatical). VMAs have the support of an experienced mediator working with them. As part of your commitment to UNITE, you will be required to attend Top-up and Support Group sessions throughout the year.

We owe a great deal to the professionalism of our volunteers and the quality of the service that they deliver. Their contribution plays a significant part in enabling us to successfully re-negotiate Service Level Agreements with our funders year on year.