St Margaret’s is looking for people to join the team who will bring their skills, talent and enthusiasm to the heart of our organisation as we respond to the changing needs of our community.
This is a voluntary, home-based role.
About you
If you have experience in
- Providing good verbal and listening skills to be able to respond appropriately, suspending one’s own judgment
- Knowing your ability without feeling a need to ‘fix’ the situation
- The ability to remain calm in stressful situations and to deal sensitively with people with an awareness and respect for the individual
- to be emotionally resilient and grounded in one’s own life to deal with the demands of the role
- to be able to reflect on the role and develop self-awareness
- to be able to maintain personal boundaries and confidentiality
- to ensure good self-care and have a willingness to seek support and supervision if you are struggling in any way with the role
and can share in our vision and enthusiasm to make a difference, we would like to talk to you about this role and the work of St Margaret’s
What we offer
- The opportunity to make a real difference
- Twice yearly training and development sessions
- Regular team supervision and support
- Travel expenses available for certain training
- Regular update opportunities including newsletters and events
Time commitment
- The commitment of a Supportive Care Volunteer varies according to need, maximum 3 hours per week plus writing up time
- You are required to complete induction and attend training and team supervision
Brief description of role
- Providing one-to-one telephone support to patients, and their close family members.
- Actively listen and empathically help explore their thoughts and feelings around the emotional, physical and practical issues surrounding a palliative diagnosis
- Introduce discussions around planning ahead ie help to consider what is important to them and identifying their wishes
- Remaining constantly mindful that within this relationship the role is to provide support and not counselling
- Working within boundaries to ensure safety of yourself and those you support
- Provide a summary of each call using the agreed e-mail format
- Alerting the Support and Community Engagement Co-ordinator should the support be moving beyond the remit of the volunteer role and/or any difficulties experienced during a call
- Maintaining confidentiality in accordance with St Margaret’s confidentiality policy
- Actively participating in team meetings, training and supervision. It is expected that volunteers will attend at least three quarters of these meetings to maintain sufficient support and to carry out this role safely. Exceptional circumstances will, of course, be considered.
We are looking for someone with the following:
- Listening skills
- Empathy
- Understanding of confidentiality and boundaries.
- Adaptability
- Competent IT user
- Willingness to learn use of hospice IT package
How to apply
If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity please complete an application form by clicking the button below.
APPLY NOW
If you have any questions about this role, or require a paper copy of the application, please contact the Volunteering Team on 01823 333822 / 01935 709480 or email volunteering@st-margarets-hospice.org.uk.