Volunteer Carer role description
Overview
Selflessly supporting someone in need is the greatest gift anyone can give – and the benefits flow both ways. The rewards for our Volunteer Carers are immense. The needs of our patients are central to everything we do and the warmth, compassion and sensitivity of our Carers brings that to life. Our Carers deliver the support that makes our Hospice such a special place for our patients, their family and friends, and also our Team. The service our Carers provide is built on understanding, care, love and a desire to help – and in return they receive the love and thanks of all those they support. Caring for others is mentally, emotionally and spiritually fulfilling and uplifting, and that’s why our Carers are so passionate about the service they give. It’s what makes our Volunteer Carer roles so special.
We rely on our Carers to:
- Care for – and about – our patients
- Be great listeners
- Treat our patients and their families with dignity and respect
- Give outstanding personalised care and uphold our person-centred ethos
- Act and communicate sensitively and appropriately with patients, their family and friends
- Carry out daily caring tasks including personal care, supporting patients with eating and drinking and occasionally, as needed, we may ask you to help out with general hospice tasks such as housekeeping, laundry, bed making, light meal prep or similar
Our Carers need
- A professional manner, including during challenging situations
- An ability to manage emotional situations
- To be able to physically move, handle and help patients
We would love it if you
- Have worked with vulnerable people or people with a life-limiting condition or feel passionately about caring selflessly for somebody else
- Have experience of caring for someone – either at home or in a care setting
- Have qualifications in care delivery – if not, we provide all necessary training
It would be great if you have
- Some basic IT skills (or a willingness to learn)
- An ability to communicate in Welsh
Personal qualities
- Compassion, sensitivity, patience and empathy
- An enthusiastic approach to volunteering
- Warmth and sense of humour
- Good communication skills – written and oral
As a volunteer for the Hospice we need you to
- Follow our policies and procedures
- Maintain confidentiality regarding patients, carers, friends and relatives.
- Agree to a criminal records check (DBS) as part of your volunteer recruitment. This is because in your role as a carer you will be helping vulnerable adults
Our volunteers take part in induction and training, much of which happens in the first few weeks with us. Training varies role by role and can be reduced if someone has current relevant certificates. We also have meetings to update everyone and opportunities for additional support and learning.
Supported by: Carers Lead / Lead Nurse
Hours: Dependant on volunteer
Location: Skanda Vale Hospice, Saron, Llandysul, SA44 5DY
Apply now
Before you start, make sure you have the names, numbers and email addresses of two referees (non-family members) who you’ve known for two or more years.