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- Tasks: Support bereaved clients through empathetic conversations and provide vital information.
- Company: Cornwall Hospice, a compassionate healthcare charity dedicated to terminal illness support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and the satisfaction of making a difference.
- Other info: Flexible hours, supportive team, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be a listening ear and help others during their toughest times.
- Qualifications: Empathy, good communication skills, and a commitment to confidentiality.
Cornwall Hospice is a 24/7 Cornish healthcare charity that provides specialist support for people with terminal illnesses. Our clinical teams support in and out patients and their families at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell, St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle and in Cornwall’s hospitals, care homes and in the community.
Most patients come into our units because they are having a difficult time with particular symptoms or because of the overall impact of their illness. Volunteers are integral to the care offered at the hospice. They bring a breadth of experience, skill and ability to all areas of hospice care.
The role of the Listening Ear Volunteer is to ensure that every client has a supportive and positive experience. Listening Ear Volunteers play a vital role in helping clients feel listened to and cared for. There are a number of specific responsibilities within the volunteer role. These may vary in relation to the needs of each client.
Key responsibilities:- Supporting bereaved clients via the telephone
- Offering supportive information and signposting where required
- Arranging ongoing telephone appointments with clients
- Updating spreadsheets and documents with client information in a timely manner
- Attending a fortnightly online supervision meeting
- Leading conversations
- Adhering to our safeguarding policy
Any time between the hours of 10.00am and 2.00pm, Monday – Friday excluding bank holidays. Appointments are arranged between the client and volunteer. Volunteers will also be asked to attend meetings or training sessions where appropriate.
Volunteer skills and qualities:- Be able to listen and empathise
- Sensitive to the needs of the client
- Reliable and punctual
- Courteous, friendly and affable
- Possess good interpersonal and communication skills
- Be able to cope with emotional conversations
- Enjoy talking and dealing with a variety of people
- Have an excellent understanding of confidentiality
- Have a good understanding of IT programs (Email, Word, Excel spreadsheets and video calling)
- Ability to use internet search engines
- Have a good understanding of personal and professional boundaries
- Sense of humour
- Commitment to the ethos of Cornwall Hospice
All new volunteers are asked to attend an induction session which covers topics including the code of conduct, health and safety, confidentiality, fire evacuation procedures, infection prevention and control measures as well as other relevant Hospice information. Volunteers will be asked to complete some mandatory training to keep up to date with organisational and legal regulation changes.
We hope each volunteer maintains regular contact with the Community Services team, and takes responsibility for communication regarding their role and responsibilities.
What you can expect from Cornwall Hospice:- To be valued and respected
- To receive appropriate induction and training
- To have adequate support and supervision
- To have a safe working environment
- To be reimbursed for reasonable out of pocket expenses
Due to the nature of this volunteer role, this position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check at Standard Level. Volunteers will also be required to provide 2 references and attend a first conversation with members of the Community Services team.
Community services listening ear volunteer employer: CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE
Contact Detail:
CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community services listening ear volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Cornwall Hospice mission and values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations to show how your skills and empathy align with their goals. This connection can really make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice active listening before your volunteer role starts. It’s all about making clients feel heard and valued. Try chatting with friends or family about their day and focus on really understanding their feelings—this will help you in your role!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showing your personality! Being friendly and approachable is key in this role. Use your sense of humour where appropriate to lighten the mood, but always be sensitive to the client’s needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to stay organised with your appointments and client information. Use tools like spreadsheets to keep track of everything. This not only helps you stay on top of your responsibilities but also shows your commitment to the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Community services listening ear volunteer
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 others.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills match what we're looking for. If you’ve got experience in listening or supporting others, shout about it! We love seeing how you can fit into our team.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we want to know all about you, try to keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This helps us understand your points quickly and easily, making it easier for us to see your potential.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you fully understand what a Community Services Listening Ear Volunteer does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and think about how your skills align with them. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the role.
✨Show Empathy and Listening Skills
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to listen and empathise. Share examples from your past experiences where you've supported someone in need. This will show that you possess the qualities necessary for this sensitive role.
✨Prepare for Emotional Conversations
Be ready to discuss how you would handle emotional conversations. Think about strategies you can use to remain calm and supportive. This will reassure the interviewers that you can cope with the challenges of the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with IT Skills
Since the role involves updating spreadsheets and using communication tools, brush up on your IT skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with programs like Excel and video calling platforms, as this is crucial for the position.