Volunteer Coordinator - Home Support

Salary: £16.00 per hour (self-employed)

Location: Milton Keynes, Buckingham, Northampton and Bedford (travel expenses covered)

Working pattern: Part time, 16 hours per week (flexible), self-employed contract

About Al's Pals

At Al's Pals, we believe no one should face cancer alone. Patients and their families often tell us how isolating and frightening a cancer diagnosis can feel, and how much difference a compassionate, supportive presence makes.

Role overview

As Home Support Volunteer Coordinator, you will lead and support a team of volunteers who provide emotional support to patients and their families in their own homes. You will recruit, mentor and coordinate volunteers, and help ensure patients receive consistent, compassionate care.

What you'll be doing:

• Volunteer leadership and mentorship
• Work with the CEO to plan volunteer recruitment and improve onboarding processes
• Review incoming referrals, meet with patients, and match them with a suitable volunteer
• Attend initial home visits to introduce volunteers to patients
• Hold regular check-ins and formal one-to-one supervision with volunteers every 2 to 3 months, in line with GDPR requirements
• Monitor visit frequency and arrange alternative support if a volunteer is temporarily unavailable
• Support volunteer health and safety as lone workers, and provide guidance during emergencies

Collaboration and team building:

• Host bi-monthly team meetings for home support volunteers
• Work with the CEO and Hospital Support Coordinator on joint volunteer meetings

Community outreach and advocacy:

• Visit GP surgeries, community hubs and healthcare centres across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas to raise awareness of the service
• Attend, and occasionally present at, health and wellbeing events, support groups and professional networks

Working relationships and standards:

• Build relationships with external medical professionals, social care teams and other staff involved in patient care
• Represent Al's Pals professionally when responding to public enquiries
• Support the organisation's commitment to diversity, equity and equal opportunities

What you won't be expected to do:

• Manage hospital-based volunteers, unless agreed for exceptional circumstances
• Take on extra supervisory responsibilities outside the scope of this role without agreement

What you'll bring:

• A genuine, compassionate understanding of the emotional challenges faced by people affected by cancer
• A warm, supportive approach to managing and motivating volunteers
• Strong interpersonal skills, face-to-face and over the phone, with clear written communication
• Good time-management skills and the ability to work independently
• A calm approach under pressure, with the ability to provide clear guidance during emergencies
• Openness to feedback and to suggesting improvements to ways of working
• Willingness to complete ongoing training and follow safeguarding and organisational policies
• Working knowledge of the UK welfare benefits system is helpful, though training can be provided

What's on offer:

• £16.00 per hour, self-employed
• 16 hours per week, flexible
• Travel expenses covered

Additional information:

This is a part-time, self-employed role reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. Al's Pals is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.