COMPANION (BEFRIENDER)
Location: Braintree, Essex and Surrounding Areas
Contract Type: Zero Hours / Flexible Working
Essensia Solutions is currently recruiting on behalf of a growing companionship and wellbeing service based in Essex.
We are seeking compassionate, engaging and reliable individuals to join our client's team as Companions (Befrienders). This rewarding role focuses on providing meaningful companionship and social support to individuals living in their own homes, care homes or within the wider community.
This position offers an opportunity to make a genuine difference to people's lives by helping reduce loneliness, encourage social engagement and promote overall wellbeing.
About the Role
As a Companion (Befriender), you will build trusted relationships with clients through regular visits, meaningful conversation and social interaction. You will provide emotional support, encourage independence and help clients remain active and connected to their communities.
This is primarily a companionship-focused role and does not involve personal care or the administration of medication.
Key Responsibilities
- Build positive and trusting relationships with clients through regular visits and meaningful conversation.
- Provide companionship, emotional support and social interaction.
- Support clients in maintaining hobbies, interests and social activities.
- Accompany clients to appointments, community activities and social outings where required.
- Encourage independence while respecting individual preferences and boundaries.
- Promote wellbeing through engagement, conversation and companionship.
- Maintain accurate visit records and reports using company systems.
- Communicate effectively with clients, family members, care home staff and management where appropriate.
- Report concerns, incidents, safeguarding matters or changes in client wellbeing promptly.
- Follow company policies, procedures and health and safety requirements at all times.
What We Are Looking For
We are interested in candidates who are:
- Caring, compassionate and patient
- Friendly, approachable and professional
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Excellent communicators and active listeners
- Comfortable working independently
- Passionate about improving the lives of others
- Respectful of confidentiality and professional boundaries
Experience
The following experience would be advantageous but is not essential:
- Companionship services
- Care home or home care environments
- Customer service
- Community support
- Hospitality
- Volunteering
- Health and social care
- Working with older adults or vulnerable individuals
Requirements
- Right to work in the UK
- Enhanced DBS Check (or willingness to obtain one)
- Two satisfactory references
- Good spoken and written English
- Basic IT skills for completing records and reports
- Ability to travel within the local area
- Access to a smartphone
What We Offer
- Flexible working opportunities
- Competitive hourly rates
- Ongoing training and development
- Supportive management and guidance
- Opportunity to grow with an expanding organisation
- Meaningful and rewarding work
- The chance to make a genuine difference in someone's life
To apply, please submit your CV. Successful applicants will be contacted by Essensia Solutions Ltd to discuss the next stage of the recruitment process.
Essensia Solutions Ltd is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Pay: From £14.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Paid training
Application question(s):
- Are you willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS check?
- Do you have experience supporting older adults or vulnerable individuals?
- Are you available to work weekends if required?
- Are you comfortable working independently in clients' homes and the community?
- Please briefly explain why you are interested in becoming a Companion (Befriender).
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
