Pets As Therapy Volunteer

NHS; Exeter; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Exeter is seeking volunteers to assist with patient visits alongside registered therapy dogs. This role requires good communication skills and sensitivity to patient needs. Volunteers will engage with patients, ensuring privacy and comfort, while providing a welcoming atmosphere through interaction with the therapy dog. Training and checks will be provided, making it a meaningful opportunity to contribute positively to patient well-being.

Benefits

Gain experience in a hospital setting

Be part of an amazing team

Opportunities for training and development

Qualifications

• Registered with a therapy dog charity.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients.

Responsibilities

• Chat with patients who wish to have a visit from the Therapy Dog.
• Act sensitively respecting patient privacy.
• Contribute to a safe, caring environment.

Skills

Good interpersonal and communication skills

Discreet and non-judgemental

Genuine interest in people

Sensitive to others

Education

Registered under Pets as Therapy or Bales Buddies - Therapy Dogs Nationwide

Must be over 18

Job description

Opportunities across all of our services in Devon, including North Devon, South Devon and Exeter- days/times negotiable to suit

A friendly well-behaved Therapy dog is often a welcoming sight for patients as well as staff. In this role you will provide a valuable service by helping to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals.

You are to act under the direction of the staff to provide a patient visiting service accompanied by the volunteers trained dog who must be registered with one of the following charities:

• Pets as Therapy
• Bales Buddies -Therapy Dogs Nationwide

Only those patients who have given their consent for a visit can be approached. Consideration must be given to patients who prefer not to be in close proximity to dogs, or to those patients or staff members who may suffer an allergic response.Please note we will review applications on a regular basis so please do not delay in applying for this role.

Main duties of the job

What you will be doing

• Under the direction of staff, to chat to patients who have expressed a wish to have a visit from the Therapy Dog
• Act in a sensitive manner with due regard to patient privacy, cognitive abilities and cultural beliefs
• Contribute to a safe, caring and stimulating environment
• Maintain the confidentiality of patients, their carers, staff and volunteers
• Know ones boundaries and if reached, seek further information and support from ward staff

The skills you need

• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Discreet and non-judgemental
• Genuine interest in people
• Sensitive to others

What's in it for you

• Be part of an amazing team
• Gain new skills or use existing ones
• Gain experience in a hospital setting

Requirements

• Youmust be 18 or over
• Tocomplete all relevant checks before commencing the role including referencesand DBS
• Allvolunteers are required to complete the Trusts Induction, mandatory andstatutory training and relevant refreshers thereafter, along with any otherrelevant training that is required for the role.
• Toadhere to the Volunteer Handbook
• Tomaintain communication with the line manager and report any concernsimmediately
• Healthand safety procedures must be adhered to at all times
• Toadhere to the data protection and confidentiality agreement
• Reimbursementof travel expenses (subject to our policy)
• Referencescan be provided after 6 months of volunteering

About us

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Job responsibilities

What you will be doing

Under the direction of staff, to chat to patients who have expressed a wish to have a visit from the Therapy Dog

Act in a sensitive manner with due regard to patient privacy, cognitive abilities and cultural beliefs

Contribute to a safe, caring and stimulating environment

Maintain the confidentiality of patients, their carers, staff and volunteers

Know ones boundaries and if reached, seek further information and support from ward staff

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Must be registered under Pets as Therapy or Bales Buddies - Therapy Dogs Nationwide
• Must be over 18

The skills you need

• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Discreet and non-judgemental
• Genuine interest in people
• Sensitive to others

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.

Early Careers and Volunteer Co-ordinator

Depending on experienceThis is a voluntary role