Job Description

About the Role

Sense is recruiting a Virtual Buddying Project Assistant, this is a full time fixed term, hybrid role based between home and either our offices in Selly Oak, Birmingham, due to end on March 31st 2026.


The successful candidate will support the Virtual Buddying Project Coordinator in delivering a high quality, person centred virtual befriending service for children, young people and adults with disabilities. You will support buddies and volunteers to develop friendships, by creating and providing ongoing support for matches. As well as carry out a range of administrative tasks using a range of systems and software to maintain accurate project data.

The main duties and responsibilities include:

Carry out administrative tasks to maintain accurate and up to date records for all buddies and volunteers and to fulfil tasks required for project delivery, using various IT and digital systems including word processing, spreadsheets, databases and online software. To action a fast and effective matching system to create successful partnerships between volunteers and buddies. To make initial contact with buddies, introducing them to the project and finding out how we can best support their needs. Support the effective and timely delivery of a best practice recruitment process for volunteers, including interviewing and training. Independently deliver a quarterly Q&A session for volunteers. Assist volunteers to gain confidence and develop skills by modelling good practice and motivating them to achieve the best for people they are supporting. To provide ongoing guidance and support as needed for matched volunteers, including accessing activities and opportunities according to their preferences, in a safe way that balances risk and opportunity and ensures equality, diversity and inclusion are an integral part of the project's offer. To support the Virtual Buddying Project Coordinator to monitor and evaluate the project through different formats and processes, including digital record-keeping and collecting feedback.

To succeed in this role, you will have:

Demonstrable experience of supporting people with disabilities, including experience of working with people with non-formal communication methods. Highly skilled in the use of IT, including the use of word processing packages, spreadsheets, databases and other online software Good written communication skills when working with families, internal teams, and external organisations. Highly skilled in the use of video calling software packages including Zoom, Teams etc with the confidence to support participants and volunteers to use these platforms effectively. Experience of keeping accurate and up to date records of all service-related activity and ensuring effective day-to-day administration of a project or service. Able to respond sensitively and appropriately to disabled people their families/carers and provide signposting and listening support when necessary. Demonstrable commitment to equal opportunities and diversity. Willingness to complete any training required by the role. To be able to travel as needed to meet the needs of the role. Team meetings are held in London or Birmingham on average once every two months.

For a full job description and person specification, please see the link on the left hand side of the page.

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Sense are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.


Working at Sense can be incredibly rewarding; we offer the opportunity to work in a large, diverse and successful charity where people can develop their skills, knowledge and careers in a supportive and flexible environment. In addition, we have excellent training and development, the opportunity for you to join our Group Personal Pension scheme and a generous annual leave entitlement.

To apply

Please use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your application to shortlist candidates for interview; in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly. We would recommend that you read the job description and person specification before applying.


Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.


No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.


If you require any further assistance, please contact the Recruitment Team on 0121 393 4529 or recruitment@sense.org.uk.


Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role.


For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. For more information please visit: https://www.sense.org.uk/jobs/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-recruitment/