East Lancashire Hospice

Volunteer Complementary Therapist

 Role                                                Volunteer Complementary Therapist

Location                                     East Lancashire Hospice

Accountable to:                    Team Leader

(This person will be your main point of contact whilst volunteering. They will provide you with the support and supervision necessary for you to perform your role)

Role requirements:        Minimum age 18 years; Two satisfactory references, DBS and Occupational Health Screen                

Role Summary

Delivery of agreed complementary therapies to an identified client group following assessment and consideration of risk and contra-indications.

When we need you to be available

The expected commitment for this role is a minimum of one morning or afternoon per week for up to four hours between 09.00 and 17.00. You will also need to be able to attend initial induction and updates for mandatory training

What we can offer you

  • Opportunity to become part of a great team of professionals and make a real difference to our patients and those that matter to them
  • A collaborative and supportive team within an excellent working environment/­facilities
  • Planned induction followed by regular support and supervision and the opportunity to build additional knowledge and skills while enhancing your CV Mandatory training/­updates plus additional training where relevant to the role
  • Mileage allowance
  • Uniform allocation provided free of charge

What we would like you to do

  • Deliver therapies tailored to individually assessed need and within own sphere of competence following case allocation by the clinical team
  • Ensure assessment incorporates the management of risk including consideration of any contra-indications/­precautions and adaptation of treatments
  • Maintain a clean, relaxing therapeutic environment through appropriately maintaining privacy, the use of music, lighting and good housekeeping following treatments
  • Offer a calming presence when interacting with patients and those important to them
  • Where appropriate, support the delivery of one to one and small group interventions across Inpatient, Outpatient settings and for Creative and Support Therapy attendees
  • Recognise own limitations and provide timely feedback on any concerns, incidents to identified line manager/deputyUndertake induction, mandatory training and development applicable to the role including awareness of key policies
  • Project a friendly, harmonious and collaborative approach to patients, staff, volunteers and visitors
  • Respect all information concerning volunteers, employees and patients as strictly confidential at all times
  • Ensure that all Health and Safety policies and processes are adhered to.
  • Work at all times to safeguard the rights of individuals promoting their wellbeing and protecting those at risk from harm, acting on any concerns related to safeguarding children and adults at risk in line with policy and local guidance
  • To complete our in house Blue Steam mandatory training modules - Accident and Incident Reporting / Adult Life Support Level 2 / COSHH / Cyber Security / Safeguarding Adults / Safeguarding Children / Preventing Radicalisation / Mental Capacity Act / Information Governance / Fire Safety / GDPR / Domestic Abuse / Equality & Diversity / Principles of Health & Safety

Skills, knowledge, abilities and qualities

  • Qualified in at least two of the following – aromatherapy (level 3) massage (level 3) , reflexology (Level 3) and/or reiki (Level 2) and/or have the ability and experience to teach relaxation or mindfulness techniques
  • A minimum of two years’ professional experience delivering these therapies with a focus on their therapeutic value ideally for people with life limiting illness including cancer
  • Hold personal liability insurance and registration with appropriate professional body
  • Able to commit to at least one or two sessions of four hours duration per week
  • Friendly, compassionate and non-judgmental with excellent listening skills and able to deal with emotional distress in a sensitive/­healthy manner
  • Good written and verbal communication skills and able to maintain accurate records of own assessments, interventions planned and treatments provided
  • Good time management and organisational skillsAble to establish and maintain professional boundaries with patients, clients and interact positively as part of a team
  • Smart presentable appearance
  • Ability to use a computer for clinical records 

Equality and Diversity  

We support an inclusive and holistic working environment and aim to empower our people to bring their authentic self to work. We are committed to this and so encourage applications from all individuals with the required skills for the role inclusive of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, colour, caste, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, socio-economic background, trade union membership status, marriage, and civil partnerships.  ELH is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and volunteers.

Review of this role description

This role description is intended as an outline of general areas of activities and will be amended in the light of changing needs of the hospice.  It is expected that the volunteer will be positive and flexible as possible using this document as a framework.

If you would like to apply, please download, complete and return an Application Form here.  Alternatively should you wish to speak to someone for more information, please call recruitment team on (01254) 965833