Volunteer Activity Assistant - Music focus

Integrated Care System; Exeter; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare organization in Exeter is seeking a Volunteer Activity Assistant with a music focus. This role involves supporting patient engagement through music, enhancing their inpatient experience. Ideal candidates will exhibit excellent interpersonal skills, empathy, and a flexible attitude, essential for working with patients who may have communication difficulties. This volunteer position provides an opportunity for professional development and training.

Benefits

Opportunity to participate in CPD

Reimbursement of travel expenses

NHS discounts

Qualifications

• Must be 18 or over.
• Good interpersonal skills are essential.
• Experience in community or care settings is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Discuss patient suitability with the ward team prior to sessions.
• Create a safe and welcoming environment for participation.
• Prepare the physical space for therapy.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Empathy and compassion

Reliability

Confidence in playing an instrument

Flexibility

Job description

Volunteer Activity Assistant - Music focus

Belvedere is an acute assessment and treatment ward for older people with mental health needs, most commonly dementia.

Main Purpose

To complement existing creative therapeutic opportunities for patients by offering engagement with music, either in groups or 1:1, to enhance their inpatient experience and contribute to their well-being.

You are welcome to arrange an informal visit by prior arrangement before submitting an application.

Additional information

• You must be 18 or over.
• Complete all relevant checks before starting, including references and DBS.
• All volunteers are required to complete the Trust's induction, mandatory and statutory training, and relevant refreshers, along with any other relevant training for the role.
• An opportunity to participate in CPD and career development activities where appropriate.
• A range of well-being offers and NHS discounts are available.
• Adhere to data protection and confidentiality agreements.
• Reimbursement of travel expenses (subject to policy).

Main duties of the job

Key tasks

• Prior to each session, discuss with the ward team which patients may be suitable for therapeutic engagement and any risks.
• Create a welcoming, open space where participants feel safe and confident to get involved without pressure.
• Assist in preparing a suitable environment for therapy.
• Offer feedback to staff after sessions.

What we are looking for

You will be volunteering on a ward alongside staff to support improving patient experience through music engagement.

Good interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in people are essential. Some patients may have communication difficulties or be distressed. Flexibility, patience, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude are key qualities, especially when working with people who may be acutely unwell. Be proactive and assertive in seeking support from staff when needed. Confidentiality, reliability, and understanding boundaries are crucial.

About us

We provide mental health, learning disability, and neurodiversity services, along with specialist and secure services regionally and nationally. We value volunteers' contributions in enhancing patient care and wellbeing, promoting good mental health, and involving patients and families in our work.

Our values

We recruit based on qualifications and experience, as well as behaviors that reflect our core values: commitment to quality care, respect, dignity, compassion, and improving lives. We foster an inclusive environment and encourage applications from all community sections, regardless of protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Job responsibilities

Key tasks

• Discuss patient suitability with the ward team prior to sessions.
• Create a safe and welcoming environment for participation.
• Prepare the physical space for therapy.
• Provide feedback to staff after sessions.

Person Specification

Experience

• Excellent communication skills with patients and staff.
• Empathy and compassion for patients' emotional needs.
• Reliability and good time management.
• Discretion and confidentiality.
• Confidence in playing an instrument or singing in an engaging and soothing manner.
• Experience performing in community or care settings is helpful.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A DBS check will be required to check for any criminal convictions.