Volunteer - Companion Lead - Orkney

Marie Curie; South Kesteven; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals to join their team as Lead Volunteers. In this rewarding role, you will provide vital companionship and support to individuals facing terminal illnesses, as well as their families. You will be instrumental in raising awareness of the Companion service, training and managing volunteers, and ensuring that all clients receive the compassionate care they deserve. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in your local community while working alongside a supportive team. If you are passionate about helping others and have a heart for service, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in providing emotional and practical support to terminally ill individuals.
• Ability to assess needs and coordinate volunteer activities.

Responsibilities

• Assess needs of terminally ill clients and provide appropriate support.
• Organize training and support for Companion volunteers.
• Promote the Companion volunteer role and assist in recruitment.

Skills

Compassionate communication

Emotional support

Assessment skills

Organizational skills

Volunteer management

Education

Experience in healthcare or social care

Training in volunteer support

Job description

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Job Description

Marie Curie Companion is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families.

To enable us to reach more people who would benefit from our support we need help to:

1. Raise awareness and knowledge of the Companion service
2. Ensure that people who are referred to the Companion service are appropriately assessed
3. Increase our number of trained Companion volunteers and ensure they are well supported in their role
4. Demonstrate Marie Curie values; always compassionate, making things happen, leading in our field, people at our heart
5. Support volunteers in training, offering 1:1 support and facilitating peer support groups
6. Organise social events and engagement activities for volunteers
7. Provide cover for Companion volunteers, offering companionship and emotional support, practical support and short breaks for carers

With support from their Volunteer Coordinator, a Lead Volunteer will play an important part in supporting the Companion service to reach more people within their own local community.

Your role will mainly be based in your local community and may include some of, but is not restricted to, the following typical tasks:

1. Assess terminally ill people and/or their carers either in their own home, nursing or residential care to identify their needs and determine if the Marie Curie Companion service would be appropriate for them
2. Provide cover for Companion volunteers, offering companionship and emotional support, practical support and short breaks for carers. You may be supporting your client's family or carers before or during bereavement. This may involve offering emotional support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested
3. Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (eg to chemotherapy appointments or day therapy at the hospice)
4. Follow all mandatory procedures that form part of the Companion service
5. Provide cover as a lone worker Buddy to support Companion volunteers, as needed
6. Keeping up to date with Companion service guidance and best practice
7. Liaising with existing and potential referrers to the Companion service
8. Liaising with clients and their families via telephone
9. Promoting the Companion volunteer role including (with training/approval) media activity
10. Helping with the recruitment of new volunteers, including interviews and selection
11. Keeping accurate records
12. Liaising regularly with the Volunteer Coordinator and other team members
13. Reporting concerns and celebrating compliments and successes
14. Assisting with evaluations and development of the Companion service
15. Help with other related tasks when necessary

For more information or if you have any questions regarding this volunteer role, please contact [e-mail]