Job summary
We are seeking a talented and motivated individual to join our small team to implement a new volunteering programme within Palliative Care /End of life at Northwick Park Hospital.
As part of this new role and in partnership with the Anne Robson Trust, you will be required to recruit, manage and be an important source of support to volunteers who will provide a companionship service for patients who are in the last hours and days of their life.
The successful candidate will require experience within volunteer administration in addition to excellent organisational, communication, networking and people skills.
The post requires a flexible approach as may include some evening and weekend work.
The initial project of 6 months has been extended to 12 months and if successful, as evidenced by specific outcome measures, will be extended across hospital sites.
Main duties of the job
The post holder, with support from Volunteer Services Manager and the Anne Robson Trust, will be required to attract, recruit, train, induct and retain a group of Butterfly volunteers. The aim of this new service is to provide a companionship service for patients who are in the last hours and days of their life, and also to support those important to them.
The post holder will work in partnership with specialist palliative care, volunteer services, ward staff and other Trust teams to ensure patients and their families are aware of the Butterfly Volunteer Service and are able to access support when required.
The project will take place Northwick Park Hospital and if successful, as evidenced by specific outcome measures, may be extended across hospital sites.
About us
All staff employed by the Trust are expected to embody our 'HEART' values throughout their employment. The values describe how we interact with each other and our patients and underpin everything we do and say to achieve our vision:
Honesty - open and honest in everything we do
Equality - we value all people equally and treat them fairly whilst recognising their individuality
Accountability - we will provide excellent care and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all patients
Respect - we treat everybody the way we would like to be treated
Teamwork - we work together to make improvements, delivering consistent, high quality, safe care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- With support from Volunteer Services to attract, recruit, train, induct and retain a group of Butterfly volunteers.
- Organise training, ensuring that all mandatory requirements are met.
- To establish good working relationships with relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth running of the service.
- Attend End of Life Group Meeting providing relevant updates and contribute to the general improvement of EOL services.
- Liaise and establish good working relationship with Chaplaincy Team and Bereavement Services.
- Liaise daily with Specialist Palliative Care & End of Life team and ward staff to ensure that all patients who are placed on a Last Days of Life Care Agreement (LDLCA) are referred to the Butterfly Volunteer team, as appropriate.
- Provide regular contact and support to Butterfly volunteers to encourage motivation and loyalty and ensure that their role is valued.
- Record soft mentoring sessions with each member of the Butterfly Volunteer team at least once every four shifts.
- Provide emotional and pastoral support to team of Butterfly volunteers and implement a Buddy system whereby they support each other.
- Attend relevant meetings, participate in discussions and raise the profile of butterfly volunteers supporting patients at the end of life, and their families.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- With support from Volunteer Services to attract, recruit, train, induct and retain a group of Butterfly volunteers.
- Organise training, ensuring that all mandatory requirements are met.
- To establish good working relationships with relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth running of the service.
- Attend End of Life Group Meeting providing relevant updates and contribute to the general improvement of EOL services.
- Liaise and establish good working relationship with Chaplaincy Team and Bereavement Services.
- Liaise daily with Specialist Palliative Care & End of Life team and ward staff to ensure that all patients who are placed on a Last Days of Life Care Agreement (LDLCA) are referred to the Butterfly Volunteer team, as appropriate.
- Provide regular contact and support to Butterfly volunteers to encourage motivation and loyalty and ensure that their role is valued.
- Record soft mentoring sessions with each member of the Butterfly Volunteer team at least once every four shifts.
- Provide emotional and pastoral support to team of Butterfly volunteers and implement a Buddy system whereby they support each other.
- Attend relevant meetings, participate in discussions and raise the profile of butterfly volunteers supporting patients at the end of life, and their families.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Knowledge of End of Life or palliative care acquired through study or experience
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Knowledge and experience of recruiting, training, supporting and managing volunteers and/or staff
- Experience of working with volunteers and understanding of the opportunities and challenges this can bring
- Knowledge of volunteer policies and good practice
- A commitment to eliminating inequalities for service users, carers and promoting inclusion of protected groups
Desirable
- Experience of working in a health or social care or related environment
- Experience of working collaboratively with a range of a service users, carers, staff and other stakeholders
- An understanding of the current agenda surrounding volunteering at national and regional level or willingness to learn.
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- Excellent written communication, verbal, negotiation and networking skills
- Able to work at a detailed level, make necessary changes or recommend changes where these have an impact on outcomes
- Able to work confidently and calmly with people at times when they are upset or angry
- Ability to prioritise activities to ensure efficient delivery of volunteer work
- Ability to analyse data to inform service improvements
- Ability to identify problems and find solutions that deliver best outcomes for volunteers
- Ability to work on own and as a member of a team
- Ability to use Microsoft Office
- Able to work flexibly outside working hours
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Knowledge of End of Life or palliative care acquired through study or experience
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Knowledge and experience of recruiting, training, supporting and managing volunteers and/or staff
- Experience of working with volunteers and understanding of the opportunities and challenges this can bring
- Knowledge of volunteer policies and good practice
- A commitment to eliminating inequalities for service users, carers and promoting inclusion of protected groups
Desirable
- Experience of working in a health or social care or related environment
- Experience of working collaboratively with a range of a service users, carers, staff and other stakeholders
- An understanding of the current agenda surrounding volunteering at national and regional level or willingness to learn.
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- Excellent written communication, verbal, negotiation and networking skills
- Able to work at a detailed level, make necessary changes or recommend changes where these have an impact on outcomes
- Able to work confidently and calmly with people at times when they are upset or angry
- Ability to prioritise activities to ensure efficient delivery of volunteer work
- Ability to analyse data to inform service improvements
- Ability to identify problems and find solutions that deliver best outcomes for volunteers
- Ability to work on own and as a member of a team
- Ability to use Microsoft Office
- Able to work flexibly outside working hours
Additional information
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
