At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with communication difficulties to gain confidence and engage in community activities.
- Company: Join Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, a compassionate organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, access training, and improve your own health and wellbeing.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while developing your skills and meeting new people.
- Qualifications: Good listening skills, empathy, and a passion for helping others.
Join our amazing team of Communication Support Volunteers, who support people who have had one of our conditions to develop autonomy and confidence in self‑management, enabling them to fully engage with their community and activities of their choosing. This role will support people with communication difficulty to access supported self‑management in a group setting at one of our Living Well with Aphasia groups.
Volunteer role: Communication Support Volunteer (Hospital & Group)
Volunteer manager: CSS Coordinator
Where you will be based: Community
Why we want you: You will support us by providing support to those with aphasia & communication difficulties following stroke.
What you will be doing:
- You’ll provide in person support to people living with our conditions.
- Embrace a non‑judgement, supportive approach to enable service users to achieve their goal(s).
- Empower and enable those accessing our services to gain confidence and engage fully in activities of their choosing moving forward from Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland.
- Complete record of activity and progress.
- Update Co‑ordinator with any concerns or identified areas where additional support may be required.
- Support individuals who have aphasia or communication difficulty to practice their communication skills and achieve communication‑related goals.
- Attend (in person or virtual) 6 weekly support and supervision sessions with co‑ordinator.
The skills you need:
- Good listening and communication skills.
- Reliable, patient and empathic qualities.
- Ability to motivate people to reach their potential.
- Encouraging and supportive.
- Ability to volunteer independently with guidance and support.
- Respectful of the opinions of others.
- Understand the need for confidentiality.
- Able to maintain boundaries.
- Willingness to travel within own area.
- Able to commit to initial and ongoing training and development.
- Ambassador for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.
What's in it for you:
- Make a real difference to people with our conditions.
- Meet new people.
- Use, learn and develop new skills.
- Access to a bespoke range of training and development to support you in your role.
- Improve your own health and wellbeing.
- Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation.
Disclaimer:
- Expenses: Reasonable out‑of‑pocket expenses will be reimbursed. These should be discussed with your Line Manager prior to outlay and must be submitted within the prescribed guidelines as detailed in the CHSS Volunteer Expenses Policy.
- Safeguarding: In line with our commitment to safeguarding, this role is subject to membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Adults) Scheme in Scotland (PVG).
- Equality: Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland are committed to equality of opportunity, and we aim to ensure no volunteer is unfairly treated on the grounds of an offending background.
Communication Support Volunteer (Hospital & Group) (Living well with Aphasia) employer: Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
Join Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland as a Communication Support Volunteer and become part of a compassionate team dedicated to empowering individuals with communication difficulties. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth through tailored training opportunities, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in your community while enhancing your own skills and wellbeing. With a focus on inclusivity and respect, we ensure that every volunteer feels valued and equipped to help others thrive.
Contact Details:
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communication Support Volunteer (Hospital & Group) (Living well with Aphasia)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and understand their mission. This will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest during any conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past volunteers on social media or LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to communication support. Think about scenarios where you've helped others and how you can apply those skills to support people with aphasia.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team!
We think you need these skills to ace Communication Support Volunteer (Hospital & Group) (Living well with Aphasia)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and why you’re passionate about supporting those with aphasia.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills match what we’re looking for. Show us how your good listening and communication skills can make a difference in the lives of those you’ll be supporting.
Show Your Commitment:We love volunteers who are dedicated! Mention any previous experience or training that shows your willingness to learn and grow in this role. It’s all about empowering others, and we want to see that you’re ready to commit to this journey.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this amazing opportunity to make a real difference.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Communication Support Volunteer. Understand how you can empower individuals with aphasia and communication difficulties, and think about specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to support and motivate others.
✨Show Empathy and Patience
During the interview, highlight your empathetic qualities and patience. Share stories that showcase your ability to listen and provide non-judgemental support, as these traits are crucial for this role. Remember, it’s all about making the service users feel comfortable and confident.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the organisation and the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can best contribute to the team. For example, you might ask about the training opportunities available for volunteers.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment
Express your willingness to commit to ongoing training and development. Talk about any relevant training you've completed in the past or your eagerness to learn new skills that will help you support individuals effectively. This will show that you’re serious about making a difference.
