Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Bring joy to patients by visiting them with a friendly therapy dog.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to enhancing mental health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of something meaningful while helping others feel better.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18 and have a registered therapy dog.
- Other info: Flexible hours and travel expense reimbursement available.
Please note you need to have your dog registered with Pets as Therapy to apply for this role
Opportunities across all of our services in Devon, including North Devon, South Devon and Exeter- days/times negotiable to suit
A friendly well-behaved Therapy dog is often a welcoming sight for patients as well as staff. In this role you will provide a valuable service by helping to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals.
You are to act under the direction of the staff to provide a patient visiting service accompanied by the volunteers trained dog who must be registered with one of the following charities:
- Pets as Therapy
- Bales Buddies -Therapy Dogs Nationwide
Only those patients who have given their consent for a visit can be approached. Consideration must be given to patients who prefer not to be in close proximity to dogs, or to those patients or staff members who may suffer an allergic response.Please note we will review applications on a regular basis so please do not delay in applying for this role.
Main duties of the job
What you will be doing
- Under the direction of staff, to chat to patients who have expressed wish to have a visit from the Therapy Dog
- Act in a sensitive manner with due regard to patient privacy, cognitive abilities and cultural beliefs
- Contribute to a safe, caring and stimulating environment
- Maintain the confidentiality of patients, their carers, staff and volunteers
- Know ones boundaries and if reached, seek further information and support from ward staff
The skills you need
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Discreet and non-judgemental
- Genuine interest in people
- Sensitive to others
What\’s in it for you
- Be part of an amazing team
- Gain new skills or use existing ones
- Gain experience in a hospital setting
Requirements
- Youmust be 18 or over
- Tocomplete all relevant checks before commencing the role including referencesand DBS
- Allvolunteers are required to complete the Trusts Induction, mandatory andstatutory training and relevant refreshers thereafter, along with any otherrelevant training that is required for the role.
- Toadhere to the Volunteer Handbook
- Tomaintain communication with the line manager and report any concernsimmediately
- Healthand safety procedures must be adhered to at all times
- Toadhere to the data protection and confidentiality agreement
- Reimbursementof travel expenses (subject to our policy)
- Referencescan be provided after 6 months of volunteering
About us
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people\’s recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience – we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job responsibilities
What you will be doing
Under the direction of staff, to chat to patients who have expressed a wish to have a visit from the Therapy Dog
Act in a sensitive manner with due regard to patient privacy, cognitive abilities and cultural beliefs
Contribute to a safe, caring and stimulating environment
Maintain the confidentiality of patients, their carers, staff and volunteers
Know ones boundaries and if reached, seek further information and support from ward staff
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Must be registered under Pets as Therapy or Bales Buddies – Therapy Dogs Nationwide
- Must be over 18
The skills you need
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Discreet and non-judgemental
- Genuine interest in people
- Sensitive to others
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Early Careers and Volunteer Co-ordinator
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Pets As Therapy Volunteer employer: Devon Partnership Trust
Contact Detail:
Devon Partnership Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pets As Therapy Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research their values and mission, especially around mental health and wellbeing. This will help you connect with them during your conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be chatting with patients, it’s crucial to be friendly and approachable. Role-play with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible with your availability. The more open you are with your days and times, the better chance you have of landing that volunteering role. Show them you’re eager to help!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people. Don’t wait too long; they review applications regularly!
We think you need these skills to ace Pets As Therapy Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for animals and helping others shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in people's lives with your therapy dog.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences without rambling. We appreciate clarity and want to know exactly why you’d be a great fit for this role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Pets As Therapy Volunteer role. Mention how your skills align with our values and the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon Partnership Trust
✨Know Your Therapy Dog
Make sure you can talk confidently about your therapy dog’s training and behaviour. Be ready to share how your dog interacts with people, especially in sensitive environments like hospitals. This shows your commitment to the role and reassures the interviewers about the safety and comfort of patients.
✨Show Your People Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your interpersonal skills. Think of times when you've successfully communicated with others or provided support. This role is all about enhancing wellbeing, so demonstrating your genuine interest in people will really resonate with the interviewers.
✨Understand Patient Sensitivity
Familiarise yourself with the importance of patient privacy and cultural beliefs. Be ready to discuss how you would approach patients who may not want a visit from a dog or those with allergies. Showing that you can act sensitively and respectfully will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role involves working closely with staff and other volunteers. Share experiences where you’ve collaborated effectively in a team. Highlighting your ability to communicate and work under direction will demonstrate that you’re a team player, which is crucial for this position.
