At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with communication difficulties in group settings, fostering autonomy and confidence.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, access training, and improve your own health and wellbeing.
- Other info: Flexible hours with travel expenses reimbursed; perfect for those aged 18-25.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while meeting new people and developing essential skills.
- Qualifications: Strong listening and communication skills; empathy and reliability are key.
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.
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
Experience required:
As a communication support volunteer, you will help create a welcoming and supportive environment, using strong listening and communication skills to connect with others and encourage positive engagement. This role would suit someone who is reliable, patient and empathetic, with a natural ability to motivate people to reach their potential while respecting different opinions and experiences. We are looking for someone who is happy to commit to initial and ongoing training and development. Lived experience of our conditions is advantageous but not essential.
Workshops may be delivered at different locations across Lothian, so the ability to travel independently within your own area would be an advantage.
Travel 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.
Availability:
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Morning Afternoon Evening
Frequency & commitment:
In line with our commitment to safeguarding, this role is subject to membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Adults) Scheme in Scotland (PVG). Volunteers (aged 18-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Communication Support Volunteer (Hospital & Group) (Living well with Aphasia) - Lothian employer: Voluntary Sector Gateway
Join our dedicated team as a Communication Support Volunteer in Lothian, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with communication difficulties. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth through tailored training and development, while also encouraging you to connect with like-minded individuals and explore various roles within our organisation. With a focus on improving health and wellbeing, we offer a rewarding volunteer experience that not only benefits the community but also enriches your own skills and experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communication Support Volunteer (Hospital & Group) (Living well with Aphasia) - Lothian
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research their values and mission, especially around supporting people with communication difficulties. This will help you connect better during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past volunteers through social media or community groups. They can give you insider tips on what to expect and how to shine in your role as a Communication Support Volunteer.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your listening skills! Since this role is all about communication, try engaging in conversations where you focus solely on listening. This will help you develop empathy and patience, which are key traits for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and any upcoming training sessions that could boost your chances of landing the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Communication Support Volunteer (Hospital & Group) (Living well with Aphasia) - Lothian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting people with communication difficulties shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to mention any experience or skills that relate to communication and support. We’re looking for reliable, patient, and empathetic individuals, so don’t be shy about showcasing those qualities!
Be Yourself:We love authenticity! Write your application in a way that reflects who you are. Share your personal experiences or motivations for wanting to volunteer with us – it helps us get to know you better.
Apply Through Our Website:To make the process smooth, we encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Voluntary Sector Gateway
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a Communication Support Volunteer entails. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of individuals living with aphasia and think about how your skills can help them. This will show your genuine interest in the role and your commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your ability to connect with others and demonstrate empathy. Share personal experiences or examples where you've supported someone in need. This will illustrate your natural ability to motivate and encourage people, which is crucial for this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the training and development opportunities available, or how the organisation measures the success of its volunteers. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your values.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Flexibility
Since workshops may be held at various locations across Lothian, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to travel. Highlight any previous experiences where you've adapted to changing circumstances, as this will demonstrate your reliability and commitment to the role.
