Description

We're excited to be expanding our work in Care Homes across Greater Glasgow, and are looking for a lead volunteer to help us manage and grow the service.

Our Companion in Care Homes volunteers provide company and a visit to residents in care homes who might not receive a regular visit from loved ones. Volunteers carry out a weekly visit, chatting to residents and helping them to take part in activities around the home so that they can live well and remain socially active.

We're looking for a highly organised and motivated volunteer to help us to grow this service into more locations and to improve the service in the homes we are already in.
Your main tasks will be keeping in contact with the Volunteer Services Coordinator and with the managers of care homes participating in the project. You will help us by speaking with managers who are interested in adding Companion to their care home and telling them a bit about our service, letting them know what we will need from them and assisting with the recruitment of suitable volunteers. You will also help us with Peer Support sessions for our volunteers.

Your role will be based around care homes in your local community, and may include some of but is not restricted to, the following typical tasks:

Meet with Care Home Managers and their staff to introduce the Companion Service and how we can support their residents.
Arrange orientation sessions for volunteers in the care home they will be working in.
Follow all mandatory procedures that form part of the Companion Service.
Be a point of contact for volunteers as needed.
Keep up to date with Companion Service guidance and best practise.
Liaising with managers of care homes already receiving our support.
Collecting feedback from care home managers and passing this to the Volunteer Services Coordinator.
Promote the Companion volunteer role in the local area, including (with training and approval) media activity.
Helping with the recruitment of new volunteers including interviews and selection.
Keeping accurate records.
Liaising regularly with the Volunteer Services Coordinator and other team members.
Reporting concerns and celebrating compliments and successes.
Assisting with evaluations and the development of the Companion Service in Care Homes.
Help with other related tasks when necessary.

This role is an opportunity to be part of a new and innovative way of working to support people affected by Dementia and Alzheimer's in particular, and we especially welcome applicants who have a background in health and social care or who are interested in a career in this sector.

If you are interested please click the ‘Apply’ button below (available when logged in and registered). You will then be contacted by the coordinator by email or phone call. If you have not heard back after 5 working days, the first step is to contact the organisation with the contact details provided. You could also check your junk/spam folder on your emails just in case the response is there. If that doesn’t work out then please feel free to contact Volunteer Glasgow at info@volunteerglasgow.org

Organisation aims and objectives

Every day of your life matters, from the first to the last. We believe everyone living with a terminal illness should be able to get the most from the time they have left, however hard that may sometimes feel. We’ll be here for you and your family when you may feel like no-one else is, to help you cope when you don’t know how. Marie Curie Nurses care for you in your home, when you need them most, day or night. Our hospices are at the heart of communities around the UK. And our trained volunteers and advisers are here for you with practical information and support when you don’t know what to do next or just need to talk. We’ll be by your side with care and support every step of the way, bringing light in the darkest hours.

Availability

Restrictions

Experience required: Our ideal volunteer will be well organised and have great motivation. Good basic IT skills will be a necessity, as will be the ability to deal sensitively with people affected by Dementia, Alzheimer's or other associated issues. Must have an understanding of the importance of confidentiality, as well as the ability to communicate effectively both in person and over email. Driving will be useful, but is not essential for this role.
Travel details: This opportunity will take place across the Greater Glasgow area and will involve occasional travel. Some aspects of this role can be done from home.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: We pay reasonable our of pocket expenses incurred by our volunteers, these include mileage, travel on public transport or the cost of agreed activities. Expenses are paid monthly by bank transfer and your volunteer manager will be able to help you claim any expenses you are entitled to.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer