Tenovus the Cancer Charity

Role Description

Role Title: Cancer Advice Assistant

Department: Cancer Support Team

Reporting to: Cancer Support Advisor

Location: Various. Please see below.

Why am I needed?

Tenovus is currently developing the scope of its service delivery across Wales. This role is needed to provide support to our Cancer Support Advisors. This will include assisting with the expansion, promotion and support of our services to people who are affected by cancer.

What will I be doing?

You will support our Cancer Support Advisors (CSAs) in carrying out their roles which are to provide advice, information and support to people affected by cancer. This includes benefits advice and casework, assistance with accessing grants, provision of information about other legal concerns, identifying needs for support and making referrals to, for example, our counsellors and nurses and to other organisations. You will also help to identify clients who could potentially benefit from our Health and Wellbeing services including our ‘Sing With Us’ choirs and our ‘Walk With Us’ walking groups.

In supporting the CSAs you will be:

Listening to concerns or queries of clients, either face to face or via the telephone, that might have arisen following cancer diagnosis with regards to entitlement to welfare benefits and grants Identifying clients’ needs and referring where appropriate Contacting clients and professionals on a regular basis to gather information through a variety of communication methods Assisting CSAs with the filling in of forms Undertaking basic administrative duties, including keeping a record of all calls and updating the online database Contacting both patients and health care professionals to gather vital information to ensure anyone who accesses our services gets the best possible service Assisting in the promotion and implementation and development of outreach services Taking referrals and gathering information.

Progression within Tenovus: After a certain period of time, between 3-6 months of carrying out the role, you may be given the opportunity to develop your role by undertaking monitored casework. This will be in accordance with the Quality Mark as the advice we are providing will need to adhere to this.

Where will I be based?

This will be discussed at your initial meeting with the CSA but could include our Head Office or another outreach location within Wales.

What skills do I need?

Good communication skills to enable good interaction with others Good administrative and organisational skills Awareness of issues relating to loss and illness Basic PC skills Literacy skills Numeracy skills

Which qualities are desirable?

Empathy Sensitivity Commitment Enthusiasm Reliability

How much time do I need to commit?

Ideally you will be able to commit to a minimum of one half day per week. This can be discussed when you first meet with the CSA.

What support and training will I be given?

You will support and work alongside a CSA who will act as your supervisor You will be expected to attend a Welfare Benefits training course to fully prepare you to carry out your role. This training will be accredited and is a 1 unit Level 2 Course accredited through Agored Cymru You will also complete a volunteer induction and have the opportunity to participate in our e- learning system Support will be available from all members of our Cancer Support Team Please note that any you will need to do an enhanced CRB check prior to starting your role. This is undertaken free of charge by Tenovus. What benefits can I expect?

Receive accredited training which can increase opportunities for employability Access to apply for all internal vacancies The satisfaction of knowing you are making a vital difference to people’s lives through the unique work of Tenovus The enjoyment of meeting new people and being part of our Cancer Support Team The opportunity to develop a range of skills The chance to gain experience of working for Wales’ leading cancer charity Reasonable expenses will be paid.

How do I apply?

Please contact our Volunteer Development Team on 029 2076 8850 for an informal chat or e- mail [email protected] to receive an application form should you require one. Alternatively please follow this link to Apply Online.