Appropriate Adult (AA) Volunteer
Act as an Appropriate Adult for people with mental health needs and/or learning disabilities and other vulnerabilities who are being detained in custody, ensuring fair treatment in accordance with PACE guidelines / legislation 1984.
What You'll Do:
Main Duties:
- Agree availability with Mind staff to be on the Appropriate Adult rota
- Respond to requests from the Police or Mind staff to attend as an Appropriate Adult by presenting to the front desk at the police station
- Be able to attend the station within a timely manner
- Be involved in a variety of different processes within custody
- Ensure that the person in custody is treated fairly by police officers, whilst being questioned in custody
- Complete appropriate paperwork
- Contact Mind staff to inform of your availability via Booking facility for the service each week and once agreed, ensure that you can be contacted at this time
- Following the agreed safety procedures
- Provide onward referral information where appropriate, to relevant Mind services to support detained persons.
General:
- Take part in training and development activities, as required
- Attend meetings as and when required
- Act in a professional manner always and work in a non-discriminatory manner, promoting equality of opportunity to all those accessing the service
- Work in accordance with Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind’s policies and Procedures
What We're Looking For:
Person Specification - Appropriate Adult Volunteer (D= desirable, E= essential)
Qualification
No specific qualification is required. However, volunteers will be expected to attend Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind’s Core Appropriate Adult training, observations within custody and attend a custody tour, before they can commence in the role. Mandatory e-learning is also required.
Work Experience
Experience of working with people who have:
mental health needs (D)
learning disabilities (D)
offending behaviour (D)
other vulnerability (D)
Knowledge
Knowledge of:
issues facing offenders/ex-offenders (D)
police custody/ criminal justice system (D)
mental health issues (D)
Skills
(all Essential)
Excellent communication skills
Listening skills
IT Skills
Ability to offer support and empathy
Plan workload and be flexible
Form filling ability
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
Attitude
(all Essential)
Commitment to Middlesbrough & Stockton Mind’s values
Commitment to meeting the needs of those we provide support to
Open and non-judgemental attitude
Enthusiastic approach towards helping the client group
To be self-aware
Able to ask for help when needed
Confident & Assertive
Other
Be 18+ and live in the local area. However, as per the statutory guidance, certain individuals are barred from acting in the role with organised services:
A police officer
An employee of the police
A contractor for the police
Anyone under the control of a chief officer.
We are also unable to accept applications from Independent Custody Visitors.
Summary
Volunteering
Mental Health
Middlesbrough
0 Weeks Minimum
0 Hours / Week
Skills you will develop:
Active listening
Written Communication
Communication
Empathy
Interpersonal / Confidence
Requirements:
CV / Resume
DBS check
In-Person Interview
Over 18
Training
These documents must be completed:
