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Chaplaincy support volunteer at Ealing and Northwick Park Hospitals

Job Description

Tasks

Volunteers will initially shadow one of the chaplains or volunteers and then work with supervision before working on their own under indirect supervision of the chaplaincy team. The length of time shadowing/being supervised is decided by the chaplaincy team and is individual to each volunteer. You will be asked to:

  • follow up patient referrals
  • provide appropriate spiritual and pastoral support to patients and their relatives
  • update chaplaincy records as appropriate
  • attend the allocated ward(s) once a week. The day will be arranged by mutual consultation between the chaplaincy team and ward staff
  • approach patients in the ward methodically and sensitively to engage in supportive conversation
  • maintain good standards of professional behaviour when representing the chaplaincy team within the Trust
  • be willing to embrace and work within a multi-faith environment, where all patients, staff and volunteers are given mutual respect and understanding
  • respect the diversity and autonomy of each person and support them in their own spiritual journey, without judgement or discrimination.

Responsible to

Lead chaplain and wider chaplaincy team

Hours, time commitment, and duration

Volunteering shifts are between the hours of 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday.

We ask volunteers to attend weekly for 2-4 hours.

Based on various wards at Ealing and Northwick Park Hospitals.

Benefits to you

  • Meet new people
  • Opportunity to develop new and existing skills
  • Satisfaction of knowing you are making a vital difference to the work and feel of the hospital

Candidate Requirements

  • Ability to communicate well with patients and staff
  • Non-judgemental and able to set aside own moral and religious beliefs
  • Calm manner and pleasant approach
  • Good interpersonal skills, and not afraid to work with people with communication and cognitive difficulties
  • Professional manner
  • Willingness to help support staff and patients
  • Commitment to uphold trust core values and NHS policies
  • Able to maintain confidentiality
  • Recognition of the importance of boundaries

Employment Details

  • Employment Type: Voluntary
  • Hours: 2-4 hours per week

Additional Information

Training and support

Relevant training will be given on all aspects of the role, which will include:

  • Local Trust induction and orientation
  • Training modules completed via e-learning for health
  • Dementia awareness training
  • Any other mandatory training specific to the Trust
  • Support, advice and guidance from the volunteer service
  • Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (if required for the role)

Uniform

  • You must wear clothes that allow you to be bare below the elbow if you work in a clinical environment
  • ID badge and volunteer lanyard must be worn at all times
  • All volunteers are expected to follow the Dress Code Policy

COVID-19 guidance

Volunteers should follow latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus 
(COVID-19). 

  • All volunteers must be aware of the need to stop volunteering should they feel unwell and to follow the latest government and NHS advice especially regarding COVID-19 symptoms.  
  • Training, guidance and induction will be provided via e-learning or virtual technology where possible. 
  • Volunteers will be provided with the required levels of PPE in line with staff provision and following PHE guidance. 
  • Volunteers will be trained in the usage, donning, doffing, and disposal of PPE in line with PHE guidance. 
  • Ward based volunteers may be restricted to one ward per shift to reduce transmission risk around the hospital.

How to Apply

Submit your expression of interest