Complementary Therapy Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers to support the Complementary Therapy team by practicing agreed therapies on a voluntary basis to patients and carers.
Location: In-Patient Unit and Living Well Treatment Rooms , St Wilfrid’s Hospice, 1 Broadwater Way
Suggested time commitment: 3-4 hours weekly (fortnightly will be considered)
Tasks include:
- To hold a recognized qualification for massage, reflexology, acupuncture, provision of certificates required. Minimum of level 3 massage required
- To be able to work autonomously
- A minimum of 6 months experience desirable
- Consult with patients prior to carrying out any treatment
- Understand any contra-indications and precautions to treatments and refer to the CT Team if unsure
- Ensure treatments are carried out with accountability in line with hospice policy and the professional body to which you belong
- Write up notes in a timely manner using hospice record keeping program (SystmOne)
- Manage your own caseload with support, this will include booking appointments
- Provide regular feedback to both the CT Team and the wider MDT regarding your input, sharing any observations or concerns
- Be able to commit to regular attendance at team meetings
- Raise awareness of St Wilfrid’s Hospice and promote Hospice activities
- To undertake training as invited by the manager of the role
- To wear a name badge and appropriate dress when you are volunteering (tunic provided)
- To only carry out treatments agreed by the CT Team
- To only use materials (eg treatment oils) provided by the Hospice
- Not to promote your own private practice, if a patient enquires about private treatment, you must notify the CT Team
- Be up to date with the required mandatory training
- To understand the importance of confidentiality and data security & adhere to this policy
- To comply with the relevant policies and procedures of St Wilfrid’s Hospice
You will need:
- To be flexible and reliable
- To be friendly and confident in communication
- To be active and self-motivated
- To be physically able to carry out the duties of the role
- To be kind and empathetic and have a positive and non-judgemental attitude
- To have good interpersonal skills and work effectively as part of a team
- To be committed to prioritising and respecting each individual patient’s wishes, values and beliefs
- To be resilient and able to work in an environment that can at times, be emotionally challenging
Training and support:
- Hospice volunteer induction training including eLearning modules
- Department specific training as required
- SystmOne
- Induction to the role during first shift with of the Complementary Therapy Leads
- Complementary Therapy Volunteers will always be working alongside the nursing staff and guided by the Complementary Therapy Leads
- Training in use of protective personal equipment
- Ongoing support from the Complementary Therapy Leads and the Voluntary Services Team
Health and safety considerations in this Role:
- Slips, trips and falls
- Emergency procedures (fire/first aid/escape routes)
- Safe manual handling and equipment use
- Individual capability (physically able to perform tasks)
- Appropriate clothing, (PPE, long hair tied back, closed toed shoes)
- Awareness of the emotional impact of supporting individuals and a willingness to inform your point of contact should you need support
Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Check: Enhanced with adult barring check required.
This post involves working in Regulated Activity under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and is subject to an enhanced DBS with Barred list check (ie adult/child or both).
It is a criminal offence to apply for or accept a position working with adults at risk and/or children if you have been barred from engaging in regulated activity with the relevant group (ie adults, children or both).
This role description is not meant to be exhaustive and will be regularly reviewed.