Volunteer at Life's End (VALE) Coordinato

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Job overview

We are seeking a passionate and motivated individual to join our team to implement an exciting new volunteering programme working closely with the Palliative Care /End of life team and Voluntary Services team at University Hospitals Leicester. Working in partnership with specialist 'End of Life' charity, Anne Robson Trust (Charity No 1178352), The role will oversee the recruitment and management of a team of volunteers who will provide company and companionship to patients in the last days and hours of life, and provide support to their family members. Many of these patients have no other visitors at all. This will play an important part in improving and providing quality end of life care,

The successful candidates will have a passion for improving care at the end of life, ideally with some project management experience, as well as excellent organisational, communication, networking and people skills.

For more information contact:

Alison Reynolds Volunteer Services Manager On : 07950889046 or

Sharon Wilkinson, Senior Nurse For patient Experience on: 07773667344

Main duties of the job

• To be responsible for the development and expansion of the services to meet the needs of the Trust and its users taking into account national and local strategy, policy and practice.
• As part of this role you will be expected to undertake the maintenance of accurate records and data to use for information, monitoring, evaluation and statistics and the production of reports, ensuring that all support is logged on the individual volunteers record.
• As part of the team you will be expected to follow our values at all times, acting in a professional, pleasant and helpful manner, willing to adapt in a changing and developing environment always focused on driving this project forward.
• Lead the coordination of the recruitment, placement of VALE volunteers on all sites including developing and expanding the project to meet the needs of the Trust and its users taking into account national and local strategy policy and practice.

Working for our organisation

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact, and
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• we are compassionate,
• we are proud,
• we are inclusive, and
• we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacanc...

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

UHL are working in partnership with the Specialist End of Life Charity, the Anne Robson Trust to attract, recruit , train and manage a dedicated team of volunteers to support End of Life Care. To commence and establish a Volunteer at Life's End (VALE) service working closely with the Anne Robson Trust, who will provide comprehensive training and support; and also to work closely with the palliative care service

• To ensure that volunteers are trained to required standard, maintaining up to date records and ensuring the H&S and other legislation is adhered to at all times.
• To exercise confidentiality and discretion at all times in relation to the duties of the post and any information to which the post holder may have access, ensuring that the data protection act and Trust policies are adhered to.
• To work in a manner that respects the cultural diversity of our population and respects the human rights of individuals ensuring people are not discriminated against through age, sexual orientation, disability etc.
• To ensure that the recruitment of volunteers is inclusive and closely monitored to meet the needs of both the individual volunteers and the Trust.
• To plan recruitment in line with Trust and National priorities.
• To place VALE volunteers in areas appropriate to their individual and Trust needs and priorities in a timely and safe manner, ensuring that accurate information is given and records maintained.
• To work closely with the Anne Robson Trust, Palliative Care Services, Wards, Departments, and Clinics, to ensure that areas of greatest need are served by first and to promote the VALE services to all wards and departments.
• To work with staff who have direct contact with VALE volunteers to ensure that volunteers are valued and recognised as part of the team by all staff and that good practice standards are followed when working with volunteers and that they are utilised to their full potential.
• To take the lead in the retention of VALE volunteers through training, placing and supporting volunteers appropriately and supporting and recognising the contribution of volunteers.
• To carry out disciplinary interviews on volunteers and respond to volunteer grievances where necessary and in line with Trust policy
• To work as part of the Volunteer Services Team supporting agreed Trust Volunteer Service Objectives and contributing to other areas of volunteer provision across the Trust when required.
• To provide cover and support for other Volunteer Projects and services within the Trust when required.
• To be responsible for accurate recording of relevant data and monitoring and evaluating the delivery of the VALE service
• To maintain accurate records and a database of volunteer details to use for information, monitoring, evaluation and statistics required for the production of reports.
• As part of the Volunteer Services team promote and publicise the VALE service both internally and externally through mail shots, attendance at events, talks and displays
• To liaise with all levels of staff to ensure effective communication is maintained and that a framework is in place to ensure that VALE volunteers are inducted to areas and supported appropriately.
• To be responsible for the development of the service in line with Trust and National priorities to meet identified needs.
• To carry out risk assessments on, VALE volunteer roles and and reassess as necessary.
• To undertake thorough investigations should an incident or accident occur and provide a detailed report.
• To organise and deliver appropriate training in line with Trust Standards for volunteers and subsequent mandatory training updates refresher training as and when required.
• Undertake the specialised training and support provided by the Anne Robson Trust To further develop volunteers skills, experience and knowledge through access to appropriate training and development opportunities within their voluntary role

Person specification

Essential/Desirable

Essential criteria

• GCSE English grade C or above (or Equivalent), NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience, Knowledge of end of life care through study or experience
• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours
• Significant knowledge and experience of working in the NHS or a health and social care setting or voluntary sector organisation, Experience of working with volunteers, Experience of training and developing staff or volunteers, Knowledge of project management acquired through formal training or experience • Experience of recruitment and selection • Experience of building and maintaining relationships with partners and stakeholders
• Able to work effectively with people of all grades and professions, Excellent written and verbal communication skills,Tact and diplomacy, Maintain attention to detail under pressure, Experience of dealing with the public, Highly organised, Computer literate, Knowledge and understanding of managing volunteers, Knowledge of Good Practice working with volunteers, Knowledge and ability of training and developing others
• Ability to input and extrapolate data using databases and spread sheets Ability to lead, motivate and manage a team
• Planning and organisation skills with the ability to be adaptable, flexible and responsive to change organising rota's and day to day management , Able to take initiative and see tasks through to conclusion, Ability to lead and manage a project, Ability to teach and train others

Desirable

Desirable criteria

• Adult Teaching Certificate C&G level 2 or equivalent
• Experience of managing volunteers
• Knowledge of issues affecting vulnerable people, Ability to undertake surveys or audits as necessary to own work
• Knowledge of NHS systems and procedures, Knowledge of Word, Access, Excel and PowerPoint

Essential

Essential criteria

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs, Able to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others Ability to work without close supervision, Able to work flexibly outside working hours
• Ability to work without close supervision. Able to work flexibly outside working hours

Additional Information

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.

Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.

The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.

COVID 19 Risk Assessment

Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.

The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.

If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.

Covid Vaccination Status

Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

• VALE Job description (PDF, 575.4KB)
• VALE Person Specification (PDF, 400.1KB)
• Understanding your right to work in the UK (PDF, 1.1MB)
• Employee Benefits (PDF, 578.5KB)