Role Description s2

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Role: Community Patient Care Volunteer Responsible to: Head of Community Outreach

Summary of role:

Heart of Kent Hospice is looking for Volunteers with a keen interest to work face to face with patients, families and carers, you do not necessarily have to have a nursing or care background but do need to be calm, empathetic and be willing to undertake the Patient Care Volunteer training provided.

You will support the Community Outreach Nurse to agree a programme of visits to the patient/family at home to provide a “friendly face” and practical help.

You will also support the transition of care from the Hospice In-patient Unit to home by buddying up with a patient/family member to provide friendly reassuring presence at the time of discharge.

You will always have a hospice colleague to contact if you have any queries or questions.

As well as training for this volunteer role you will receive bi-monthly clinical supervision, which supports your wellbeing by reflecting on the role you carryout and how best to look after yourself and protect your professional boundaries.

Role purpose:  To support hospice colleagues in the provision of a comprehensive palliative care service to patients, their families and carers.  Contributing to the work of a multi-professional team ensuring that efficient and effective community services are provided by the Hospice.

Main duties:  Provide a befriending and support service to patients and their families as directed by the Hospice.

 Provide support in a flexible and mutually respective manner alongside other Hospice colleagues and volunteers.

 Develop a close professional relationship with the patients’ key worker.

 Maintain professional boundaries at all times following relevant training.

 Report any concerns to the Head of Community Outreach and/ or nursing staff as appropriate.

KH/ JP/ DJ June 2017  Following the relevant training, assist in maintaining clean and safe working areas which minimises health, safety and security risks to self and others.

 Refer any clinical questions made by patients or their families to the appropriate colleague.

 In accordance with hospice policies and procedures, and as requested by the Head of Community Outreach or nursing staff, assist with: . Meeting and conversing with patient, families and carers ensuring a friendly and welcoming environment is maintained both at the hospice and in the patients’ own home. . Maintaining the comfort, dignity and safety of patients . Dealing sensitively with patients, families or carers that may be upset . Preparing and serving beverages to patient and families and assisting with food and drink choices, assisting with feeding as appropriate. . Some aspects of personal care e.g. mouth care, emptying catheters, mobilising to bathroom and from bed to chair within the boundaries and competence of your training. . Support patients and carers in their own homes as requested by the Community Outreach Team . Inform patients and families about hospice services and support . Provide “respite” periods of time which may include enabling families to shop, collect medication or attend hospital appointments, timings to be pre- agreed.

Communication

 Promote close working relationships and good communication links with colleagues at all levels throughout the hospice.  Liaise with hospice departments and respond to enquiries from, and maintain good relations with internal and external contacts at all levels.  Support other colleagues and volunteers by liaising, co-operating and communicating as and when required.  Give a clear verbal feedback report to the patients’ key worker to be recorded in the patients’ electronic health records.

Training and development

 Attend all appropriate statutory and mandatory training.  Complete the patient care volunteer training programme. Undertake and complete Phase 1 and Phase 2 training programme with associated competencies before being able to carry out the Patient Care Volunteer role.  Undertake training and updates as identified.

Health and safety

 To take reasonable care of the health and safety of yourself and others that may be affected by what you do while volunteering for the hospice, and to co-operate in the implementation of the hospice’s health and safety policy.  To undertake your volunteer role within the limitations and boundaries of your role profile training.

KH/ JP/ DJ June 2017 General

 To be aware of and comply with all hospice statutory policies and procedures as appropriate.  At all time to behave in a manner befitting the role and professional dignity of the hospice, maintain the Hospice Vision and Values at all times, ensuring that the hospice is positively represented to the public and other stakeholders.  To maintain an appropriate standard of confidentiality.

Essential skills

 Good communication and active listening skills and the ability to interact with a wide variety of people.  Ability to have a flexibly attitude as part of a team, with a “can do” and positive approach.  Ability to liaise effectively with members of the hospice Community Outreach Team.  Ability to provide a calm, caring and empathetic approach to care when supporting patients and their families.  An understanding of health, safety and security requirements relating to the role. Attend regular group clinical supervision as detailed in Clinical Supervision Policy.  The role includes visiting patients’ in their own homes so transport or the ability to meet this need is essential.

Desirable skills

 Previous voluntary sector experience.  Previous experience in a similar role.

21/06/17

KH/ JP/ DJ June 2017