At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive patients to and from the Hospice for wellbeing sessions and appointments.
- Company: St Columba’s Hospice Care, dedicated to providing specialist palliative care.
- Benefits: Claim mileage, enjoy free meals, and complimentary refreshments while volunteering.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of one morning or afternoon each week, with full support provided.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Clean driving licence, friendly personality, and good communication skills.
The aim of St Columba’s Hospice Care is to give everyone within our community access to specialist palliative care, whoever they are, wherever they are, and whenever they need it. At the heart of this is a commitment to try to support individuals and families in a way that best suits them, in the place of their choosing, and in a way that helps them make the most of the time they have together. Accessibility to services is a key part of the achievement of this aim.
Our Volunteer Drivers support access to the Hospice by providing a transport service for patients to enable them to attend classes in the Hospice and in the community that support their wellbeing, and enable them to access Complementary Therapy appointments.
Responsibilities:- Using your own vehicle to transport patients from their home to the Hospice or community site to enable them to attend a wellbeing session or outpatient appointments.
- Transporting patients back to their home.
- Enjoy driving with a clean driving licence.
- Friendly, warm personality.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Calm and unflappable.
- An understanding of mobility issues.
- An understanding of boundaries and confidentiality.
- Fit and able to move, lift, or store a wheelchair, for example.
One morning or afternoon each week, or fortnightly. The role will be reviewed on a yearly basis.
Location:St. Columba’s Hospice, 15 Boswall Road, Edinburgh and the Education Centre, 17 Boswall Road, Edinburgh.
Support:The Wellbeing Team Lead and the clinical admin team will support you.
Prerequisites:- Volunteer Services Recruitment checks.
- Interview with Volunteer Services Manager.
- Application Form.
- Two references.
- PVG Disclosure.
- Clean driving licence.
- Insurance.
- MOT.
- Health Declaration Form.
- Hospice Volunteer Induction Programme.
- Hospice Orientation.
- Team / role induction and training.
- Team meetings (if/as necessary).
Hospice Chaplains are always available to support volunteers.
Benefits:- Volunteers may claim mileage for this role. Please speak to your manager about this.
- The Hospice provides complimentary tea and coffee to all volunteers, staff, patients and families as part of the hospitality strategy.
- Volunteers who work a full day can claim a free meal from the staff café or Iona Café. Please speak to your manager about this.
You can apply online here, or email volunteer@stcolumbashospice.org.uk for more information.
Volunteer Driver employer: St Columba's Hospice
St Columba’s Hospice Care is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunities in the heart of Edinburgh. Our supportive work culture fosters a sense of community, where volunteers are valued for their contributions and receive comprehensive training, alongside benefits such as mileage reimbursement and complimentary meals. Join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals and families, while enjoying a fulfilling experience that promotes personal growth and connection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research St Columba’s Hospice Care and understand their mission. This will help you connect with them during your interview and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your driving skills and ensure your vehicle is in top shape. Since you'll be using your own car, it’s crucial to demonstrate reliability and safety when transporting patients.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your friendly personality! During interviews or informal chats, let your warm and approachable nature shine through. This role is all about making patients feel comfortable and cared for.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of the right people. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to engage with the community online.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're filling out your application, let us see your enthusiasm for helping others. Share why you want to be a Volunteer Driver and how you connect with our mission at St Columba’s Hospice Care.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your skills and experiences without having to decipher complicated sentences!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've got experience driving or working with people who have mobility issues, make sure to mention it! This will help us see how you can fit into the role and support our patients effectively.
Check Your Details:Before hitting that submit button, double-check your application for any typos or missing information. A polished application shows us you care about the role and are serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Columba's Hospice
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to understand the mission of St Columba’s Hospice Care. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to providing palliative care and how your role as a Volunteer Driver fits into that mission. This will show your genuine interest in the organisation and help you connect your personal values with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Volunteer Driver, excellent communication is key. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated with others in past roles. Think of examples where you’ve had to be calm and friendly, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to support patients and their families during transport.
✨Highlight Your Understanding of Mobility Issues
Make sure to express your understanding of mobility issues during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you have had, whether personal or professional, that showcase your empathy and awareness. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the responsibilities of transporting patients with care and respect.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the training process, the types of patients you might be working with, or how the team supports each other. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
