Inpatient Unit (IPU) Listener Volunteer Tuesday or Thursday

We will support people of all ages who are affected by a progressive life-limiting illness, and those who care for them, to live as well as possible by providing choice and ease of access to a wide range of palliative care and bereavement services across west Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Purpose of this role

Our short stay Inpatient Unit (IPU) provides symptom, pain and medication management for patients dealing with a life limiting illness, as well as end-of-life care for those in the last days of their life. Our Listener volunteers will provide one to one emotional support to patients and family members on the IPU as identified by the nursing team.

This role sits under our Supportive Care team who provide a holistic support service to patients, carers or family members both pre and post bereavement.

Main tasks

·        you will have a regular slot to visit the IPU each week, and support will be provided to whoever needs it on an ad-hoc basis, so you are unlikely to see the same person each week

·        at the beginning of each visit, liaise with the IPU team who will identify those people who they think will benefit from this kind of listening support

·        provide one to one emotional support as needed

·        add basic details of visit to clipboard in IPU

·        feedback to the IPU staff at the end of each visit

·        attend regular group supervision once a month at Grove House, St Albans

·        follow all Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care policies and procedures at all times

What are we looking for?

·        excellent listening and communication skills

·        the ability to empathise with others, while maintaining professional boundaries

·        someone who is trustworthy and non-judgemental

·        someone who is open and communicative with a friendly nature

·        someone who can be flexible and reliable

·        someone who is able to work independently to manage clients and their workload, but is able to work as part of a team to deliver our service

·        someone with basic IT skills who is able to keep concise, accurate records and stick to reporting deadlines

·        age 18 and over