Durham County Council are offering lateral flow tests for Covid-19 to students in local schools and colleges and need your help. We are looking for volunteers to be at the forefront of the local fight against the virus – you could be part of it!
We are seeking to extend our bank of Covid-19 Testing Support Volunteers to also cover schools and colleges You will help to ensure that students are supported in accessing their test. This is an exciting opportunity to play your part in protecting the community and saving lives.
The main aim of the role will be to ensure students are where they are supposed to be and are ready for their test, as well as providing reassurance throughout the process. The 4 main areas of the role are:
- Managing student queues ensuring a safe and organised entry to the testing area.
- Support with greeting, registering students and preparing them for their tests, including access to kits and directions to swab testing booths.
- Overseeing with staff support the process of students self-swabbing
- Recording the process and results.
Volunteers would be required to complete the testing process including putting the swab into the test tube with the appropriate amount of solution (6 drops). Then 2 drops are added to the LFD test unit & the result is confirmed after 30 minutes.
There will be a Team Leader in charge on each shift for advice and support.
It is important to stress at this point that after a successful application process volunteers will be added to a volunteer bank and it is envisaged that they will be notified as and when shifts become available at their local school.
Due to the nature of this role you will be required to hold a transferrable DBS check or be willing to undertake one.
No previous experience is required but we are looking for volunteers with the following skills:
• Being versatile to changing demands in testing centres
• Good communication skills.
• Be able to volunteer flexible hours according to shift patterns and potentially be available at short notice to cover gaps in shifts.
• Commitment to the volunteer role and to following the strict guideline and procedures required as well as keeping up to date with Covid guidance in general.
• Good interpersonal skills and caring nature.
• Empathetic and supportive with those being testing, demonstrating confidence in the testing process.
• Flexibility to change tasks as and when required.
• Must be able to physically stand for several hours with good mobility.
• Willingness to work outside.
• You must not be classified, or live with anyone classified, as belonging to any of the COVID-19 high risk groups (more detail can be found on the government website).
• Volunteers must be between the age of 16-79 years old
Volunteers will also need to have the ability to communicate in a calm and professional manner, take instructions from staff members closely following risk assessment and health and safety directives and the responsibility not to attend sessions if you are feeling unwell or develop symptoms of Covid which must be reported.
Volunteers must be between the age of 16-79 years old and be prepared to undergo their own regular testing for Covid.
Volunteers will be notified when shifts become available at their local school.
Full travel expenses will be offered including bus fares, mileage allowance and to cover refreshments. Expenses forms are provided.
Volunteers are expected to successfully complete an online e-learning course and attend an induction session. Further ongoing support will be provided at the testing centres.
Experience of working as part of a team in a risk assessed environment supporting young people to access LFD Covid testing.
Opportunity to develop new skills and gain new experiences.
The chance to be part of the fight against Covid-19.
Volunteers would be required to complete the testing process also.
Full PPE will be provided during each session.
Facilities are on site to ensure that hygiene procedures are followed.
Support and inductions from Volunteer Co-ordinator prior to taking up your role.
There will be a designated Team Leader for you to report to who will provide onsite management and guidance
Volunteers must be between the age of 16-79 years old
Recognition of Quality Volunteer Experience
