Springhill Hospice

Volunteer Night Sitter Coordinator

The closing date is 13 June 2025

Job summary

We are looking for a committed and well-organised Night Sitter and Volunteer Coordinator who excels in supporting and engaging with the workforce. Strong communication skills, reliability, and a proactive approach are essential. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in creating a positive environment, ensuring smooth coordination, and maintaining strong connections within a dedicated team.

This role involves supporting the recruitment, onboarding, training, and day-to-day management of Community Night Sitters and volunteers, with guidance from the Community or Deputy Service Manager. The position focuses on scheduling and coordinating shifts to ensure adequate care coverage, responding to last-minute changes, and maintaining safe staffing levels.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and organisational skills, an approachableand confident manner when dealing with people at all levels and the ability to motivate others.

The ideal candidate will both support and enhance the existing service while contributing to the growth of the team. You will nurture and strengthen relationships with external providers, as well as maintain positive and compassionate connections with patients and their families who may require support.

Main duties of the job

To support in the recruitment, induction, training and management of the Community Night Sitters and volunteer workforce and service with support, where required, from the Community/Deputy Service Manager.

About us

This role is based at within the Community Service Team at Springhill Hospice, Rochdale and you will work within the Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton Community.

Springhill Hospice provides the following palliative care services to the local adult population who are suffering from the effects of life-limiting and terminal illnesses:

A 16-bed Inpatient unit providing 24-hour medical and nursing care.

Hospice at Home Service - supports people who want to end their days in their own home by providing the support and symptom management they need to be able to do so.

A Day Therapies Centre for up to 16 patients, 4-days-a-week, offering complementary therapies (e.g. reflexology, aromatherapy and massage); creative and beauty therapies, social activities and clinical support.

Community Service - provides specialist palliative care and support to patients and families in their own homes

A 24-hour Palliative Care Advice Line for patients, families, carers and health professionals.

Bereavement Support for relatives following loss.

Counselling Services for patients, carers and relatives, provided by a qualified therapist.

An Education Unit - an in-house training facility for hospice staff and local health and social care professionals, with the main focus of training being on the Springhill Palliative Care Education Passport' (SPCEP) which ensures that core palliative care skills are taught to all grades of staff.

Details

Date posted

30 May 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£25,934 to £28,979 a year Pro rata based on 37.5 hours

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

B0007-25-0006

Job locations

Broad Lane

Rochdale

Lancashire

OL16 4PZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Service development:

1. Enhance and expand the existing service while introducing and implementing new ideas.

2. Review, update, and align all policies and procedures with regulatory and organisational standards.

3. Oversee training and communication related to new processes.

4. Monitor compliance and recommend improvements.

Scheduling & Coordination:

1. Assist in the induction and orientation of new volunteers and night sitters to ensure a smooth onboarding process.

2. Organise, maintain, and regularly update night sitter and volunteer schedules to optimise coverage.

3. Respond promptly and effectively to last-minute changes, cancellations, or emergencies, ensuring continuity of care.

4. Explore and facilitate external support options when hospice resources are unavailable to meet patient needs.

5. Support staff in coordinating staff care, enabling them to request holidays/leaves.

6. Ensure safe staffing levels allowing consistent delivery of services.

Team Management:

7. Supervise and support the team of night sitters and volunteers, ensuring strict adherence to care plans, organisational policies, and procedures.

8. Conduct regular check-ins, provide ongoing feedback, and carry out performance evaluations to maintain high standards of care and engagement.

Patient and Family Liaison:

9. Communicate proactively with patients and their families to understand their care requirements, monitor satisfaction, and provide reassurance.

10. Address complaints or concerns promptly and professionally, escalating issues to the Service Manager as needed.

Compliance & Documentation:

11. Maintain thorough and accurate records of sitter assignments, incident reports, and feedback related to care provision.

12. Ensure i.Care patient records meet organisational quality standards and confirm that all staff have completed appropriate training.

Training & Support:

13. Identify ongoing training needs for night sitters and volunteers, supporting their development through onboarding, education, and mentorship.

14. Provide guidance on best practices with support from the Community Service Manager and Deputy to foster continuous improvement.

Administrative Support:

15. Support the Liaison Department with administrative duties as required, ensuring efficient

workflow and communication.

16. Provide cover for Medical and Administrative Secretaries during periods of absence to

maintain operational continuity and support team functions.

General

m Arrange and attend Team Meetings as appropriate.

m Participate in all relevant parts of the Hospices Mandatory Training Programme.

m Maintain excellent lines of communication internally with all staff and volunteers, and externally with supporters within the local community.

m Act as an ambassador for Springhill Hospice, attending networking/promotional events appropriate to the role.

m Read, understand and comply with all Hospice policies and procedures, applying the principles appropriate to the role.

m To be aware of individual specific responsibilities in respect of the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults, in relation to the role.

m Undertake any other duties as appropriate to the role.

This Job Description may be reviewed with the post-holder in conjunction with the development of the organisation.

Springhill Hospice is a registered charity. All staff members are expected to contribute to fundraising activities for the benefit of the Hospice.

Springhill Hospice is an equal opportunities employer and has a No Smoking Policy.

Some posts are subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service/POVA check. If you require more information on this please refer to www.homeoffice.gov.uk/dbs

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Service development:

1. Enhance and expand the existing service while introducing and implementing new ideas.

2. Review, update, and align all policies and procedures with regulatory and organisational standards.

3. Oversee training and communication related to new processes.

4. Monitor compliance and recommend improvements.

Scheduling & Coordination:

1. Assist in the induction and orientation of new volunteers and night sitters to ensure a smooth onboarding process.

2. Organise, maintain, and regularly update night sitter and volunteer schedules to optimise coverage.

3. Respond promptly and effectively to last-minute changes, cancellations, or emergencies, ensuring continuity of care.

4. Explore and facilitate external support options when hospice resources are unavailable to meet patient needs.

5. Support staff in coordinating staff care, enabling them to request holidays/leaves.

6. Ensure safe staffing levels allowing consistent delivery of services.

Team Management:

7. Supervise and support the team of night sitters and volunteers, ensuring strict adherence to care plans, organisational policies, and procedures.

8. Conduct regular check-ins, provide ongoing feedback, and carry out performance evaluations to maintain high standards of care and engagement.

Patient and Family Liaison:

9. Communicate proactively with patients and their families to understand their care requirements, monitor satisfaction, and provide reassurance.

10. Address complaints or concerns promptly and professionally, escalating issues to the Service Manager as needed.

Compliance & Documentation:

11. Maintain thorough and accurate records of sitter assignments, incident reports, and feedback related to care provision.

12. Ensure i.Care patient records meet organisational quality standards and confirm that all staff have completed appropriate training.

Training & Support:

13. Identify ongoing training needs for night sitters and volunteers, supporting their development through onboarding, education, and mentorship.

14. Provide guidance on best practices with support from the Community Service Manager and Deputy to foster continuous improvement.

Administrative Support:

15. Support the Liaison Department with administrative duties as required, ensuring efficient

workflow and communication.

16. Provide cover for Medical and Administrative Secretaries during periods of absence to

maintain operational continuity and support team functions.

General

m Arrange and attend Team Meetings as appropriate.

m Participate in all relevant parts of the Hospices Mandatory Training Programme.

m Maintain excellent lines of communication internally with all staff and volunteers, and externally with supporters within the local community.

m Act as an ambassador for Springhill Hospice, attending networking/promotional events appropriate to the role.

m Read, understand and comply with all Hospice policies and procedures, applying the principles appropriate to the role.

m To be aware of individual specific responsibilities in respect of the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults, in relation to the role.

m Undertake any other duties as appropriate to the role.

This Job Description may be reviewed with the post-holder in conjunction with the development of the organisation.

Springhill Hospice is a registered charity. All staff members are expected to contribute to fundraising activities for the benefit of the Hospice.

Springhill Hospice is an equal opportunities employer and has a No Smoking Policy.

Some posts are subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service/POVA check. If you require more information on this please refer to www.homeoffice.gov.uk/dbs

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Competence to carry out a wide range of administrative and coordination activities.
  • Experience of dealing with enquiries from members of the public and able to maintain confidentiality.
  • Confident in delivering training and guiding teams through changes.
  • Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Experience supervising and supporting staff or volunteer.

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working with patients and families.
  • Experience of working with volunteers and coordinating care.
  • Previous experience within a healthcare environment.
  • Experience updating and aligning policies and procedures with regulatory standards.

Other

Essential

  • Willingness to work flexible hours.
  • Willingness to undertake training relevant to the duties of the post.
  • Good telephone manner.
  • Proficiency in supporting administrative functions and providing cover as required.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Word processing and computer skills.
  • Previous admin experience.

Desirable

  • Qualification(s) and/or training relevant to the post

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Ability to work to a brief with supervision.
  • Ability to liaise with staff at all levels and volunteers.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Compassionate and sensitive manner.
  • IT skills.

Desirable

  • An understanding of the impact of terminal illness on patient and family.
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Competence to carry out a wide range of administrative and coordination activities.
  • Experience of dealing with enquiries from members of the public and able to maintain confidentiality.
  • Confident in delivering training and guiding teams through changes.
  • Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Experience supervising and supporting staff or volunteer.

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working with patients and families.
  • Experience of working with volunteers and coordinating care.
  • Previous experience within a healthcare environment.
  • Experience updating and aligning policies and procedures with regulatory standards.

Other

Essential

  • Willingness to work flexible hours.
  • Willingness to undertake training relevant to the duties of the post.
  • Good telephone manner.
  • Proficiency in supporting administrative functions and providing cover as required.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Word processing and computer skills.
  • Previous admin experience.

Desirable

  • Qualification(s) and/or training relevant to the post

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Ability to work to a brief with supervision.
  • Ability to liaise with staff at all levels and volunteers.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Compassionate and sensitive manner.
  • IT skills.

Desirable

  • An understanding of the impact of terminal illness on patient and family.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Springhill Hospice

Address

Broad Lane

Rochdale

Lancashire

OL16 4PZ


Employer's website

https://www.springhill.org.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Springhill Hospice

Address

Broad Lane

Rochdale

Lancashire

OL16 4PZ


Employer's website

https://www.springhill.org.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Community Services Manager

Nazma Ahmad

nazma.ahmad@nhs.net

01706649920

Details

Date posted

30 May 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£25,934 to £28,979 a year Pro rata based on 37.5 hours

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

B0007-25-0006

Job locations

Broad Lane

Rochdale

Lancashire

OL16 4PZ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Springhill Hospice's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)