Farleigh Helpers Befriending Volunteer

ROLE 

To provide online and telephone support as part of our new ‘Farleigh Helpers’ service.  The role will be based from home using telephone and computer technology to connect with our patients, families, carers and clients as well as external callers who may not be currently known to Farleigh.  You will make calls - offering support, a friendly voice and providing a comfort to those in the community who may be ill, lonely, isolated, anxious or bereaved. You will also offer signposting to both internal and external services.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

• Patient, reliable and understanding
• Very good IT skills
• A good listener
• Friendly
• Keen to help others in the community
• Effective oral/written communication, interpersonal skills
• Ability to work accurately and with attention to detail
• Willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service
• Eagerness and ability to learn new skills quickly
• Understanding and appropriate application of confidentiality
• Ability to deal with different people and situations sensitively and appropriately, remaining calm and polite at all times
• Awareness of own response to death, dying and bereavement

KEY TASKS 

Tasks may include (not exclusively)

• Assess information and support needs via email and over the telephone
• Provide basic guidance, information and signposting to the appropriate resources
• Offer a listening ear and informal support conversations
• Provide befriending and support calls to known patients and clients of Farleigh as well as members of the community who may be isolated, bereaved or lonely
• Keep appropriate written call records and file electronically/dispose of as requested
• Use a database system to upload caller information, write up notes and schedule recurring calls
• Refer callers to internal services where required such as Bereavement or Clinical specialists
• Liaise with volunteer team managers on a regular basis and provide open feedback; reporting concerns immediately
• Flag any safeguarding concerns to appropriate staff members
• Attend volunteer support/supervision meetings via Microsoft Teams or face to face where required to discuss your calls and receive support from staff and fellow volunteers
• Attend additional training sessions as and when required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

• Very good IT skills & competent in independently using Microsoft Office/web-based software, database system and emails (training will be given)  Have a working laptop/computer and a good internet connection at home (headsets can be provided if required)
• Adhere to all hospice policies and procedures including data protection and confidentiality Attend and complete all training provided
• Commit to the role for a minimum of 6 months
• Attend volunteer meetings and support sessions whenever possible
• Work to Farleigh Hospice values (we are caring, respectful, dedicated and innovative)

What being a Farleigh Helper can do for you 

• You’ll be able to use your kindness, skills and experience to help people in the local community who may be ill, bereaved, lonely or isolated in order to provide them with support and make a positive impact on their life
• You will be helping our clinical teams with their busy workloads by keeping in touch with our patients and families
• You’ll gain new skills and experience through specialist training
• You’ll meet other like-minded volunteers
• You’ll be part of a friendly and welcoming team and will receive support and guidance from our dedicated Volunteer & Administration team at Farleigh
• You can do this all from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits

What happens now?

• Simply fill in our volunteer application form, telling us of your skills and experience and why you would like to join the Farleigh Helpers volunteer team.
• Following your interview, we will send out your reference requests and will get you started on completing a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service). You will be required to verify your ID in person at our head office in North Court Road, Chelmsford in advance of commencing the role.
• After checks are complete, we will enrol you in some online training that you can complete in your own time at home.   There will also be some face-to-face training in the North Court Road building with some external trainers and some sessions provided in house by the specialist teams at Farleigh!
• Once your training is complete and you are happy to get started, we will update the rota and get you going with your first shift!

CLICK HERE TO FILL IN THE APPLICATION FORM