Job summary Peony Volunteer Coordinator -(End of Life Care) We are seeking a passionate and motivated individual to join our team to implement an exciting new volunteering programme working closely with the Palliative Care/ End of life and Voluntary Services teams at Worcestershire Acute Hospital NHS Trust. Working in partnership with specialist End of Life charity, Anne Robson Trust (Charity No 1178352), the role will oversee the recruitment and management of a team of specially selected volunteers who will provide company and companionship to patients in the last days and hours of life and provide support to those close to them. Many of these patients have no other visitors at all. The successful candidate will have a passion for improving care at the end of life, ideally with some project management experience, as well as excellent organisational, communication, networking and people skills. Main duties of the job This unique role, in partnership with the Anne Robson Trust, will sit across the existing volunteer service and the EOL care team. The primary purpose is to project manage, design and implement an EOL care volunteering service. This new service within the Trust will require excellent organisational, communication, networking and people skills. The post holder, with support from Volunteer Services Manager and the Anne Robson Trust, will be required to attract, recruit, train, induct and retain a group of Peony volunteers. The aim of this new service is to provide a companionship service for patients who are in the last hours and days of their life, and also to support those important to them. The post holder will work in partnership with specialist palliative care, volunteer services, ward staff and other Trust teams to ensure patients and their families are aware of the Peony Volunteer Service and are able to access support when required. The project will take place Worcester Royal Hospital and if successful, as evidenced by specific outcome measures, will be extended to the Alexandra Hospital sites. About us Our purpose is simple - Putting Patients First. We are looking for exceptional colleagues who can help us achieve this. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester Our workforce is over 7,000 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them. We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our Vision - working in partnership to provide the best healthcare for our communities, leading and supporting our teams to move 4ward. Our 4ward behaviours, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do. Our objectives are simple: Best services for local people Best experience of care and best outcomes for our patients Best use of resources Best people Better never stops, and our Clinical Services Strategy provides a clear future vision for our Trust, our hospitals, our services and our role in the wider health and care system. We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex positive employer. Date posted 21 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,969 to £36,483 a year Contract Fixed term Duration 18 months Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number C9365-25-0053 Job locations Charles Hastings Way Worcester Worcestershire WR5 1DD Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will work in partnership with specialist palliative care, volunteer services, ward staff and other Trust teams to ensure patients and their families are aware of the Peony Volunteer Service and are able to access support when required. The project will take place Worcester Royal Hospital and if successful, as evidenced by specific outcome measures, will be extended to the Alexandra Hospital sites. The post holder, with support from Volunteer Services Manager and the Anne Robson Trust, will be required to attract, recruit, train, induct and retain a group of Peony volunteers. The aim of this new service is to provide a companionship service for patients who are in the last hours and days of their life, and also to support those important to them. The post holder will work in partnership with specialist palliative care, volunteer services, ward staff and other Trust teams to ensure patients and their families are aware of the Peony Volunteer Service and are able to access support when required With support from Volunteer Services to attract, recruit, train, induct and retain a group of Butterfly volunteers. Organise training, ensuring that all mandatory requirements are met. To establish good working relationships with relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth running of the service. Attend DREAMS Meeting providing relevant updates and contribute to the general improvement of EOL services. Liaise and establish good working relationship with Chaplaincy Team and Bereavement Services. Liaise daily with Specialist Palliative Care & End of Life team and ward staff to ensure that all patients who are placed on a an Individualised Last Days of Life Care plan are referred to the Peony Volunteer team, as appropriate. Provide regular contact and support to Peony volunteers to encourage motivation and loyalty and ensure that their role is valued. Record soft mentoring sessions with each member of the Peony Volunteer team at least once every four shifts. Provide emotional and pastoral support to team of Peony volunteers and implement a Buddy system whereby they support each other. Attend relevant meetings, participate in discussions and raise the profile of butterfly volunteers supporting patients at the end of life, and their families. Run regular audits to ensure that all Peony Volunteers are covering required shifts per month and are providing correctly completed feedback forms for each patient they visit. Understand respect and implement confidentiality, GDPR, PECR and Privacy Regulations by attending relevant training, obtaining relevant advice and acting in accordance with such guidance at all times. Ensure all volunteering activities meet with the Trusts service needs and are carried out in line with policies regarding health and safety, legal requirements, environmental, equal opportunity policies and general duty of care. Line Management Reporting Maintain accurate data collection and produce, monthly and quarterly reports on service activity. Intervene at initial stages of conflict, grievances and complaints and manage as appropriate, reviewing Volunteer placements where problems arise, and arranging transfer, redeployment via the Volunteer Services team or effective dismissal as necessary. Supervise volunteers within the service and ensure accurate data is being recorded. Ensure adequate cover is in place to provide support to Peony Volunteers during post holders annual leave. Feedback into wider team, reporting on performance, contributing to project development and attending team meetings. Financial Responsibility The post holder will have no financial responsibility, other than advising staff/services on processes for reimbursement of volunteer expenses. Communication Day to day liaison with the Palliative Care Team and Volunteer Service to meet the needs of clinical areas for end of life volunteer support. Building wider relationships with internal departments to support their capacity to work with Peony Volunteers and provide robust, effective management of this group. Volunteer recruitment, selection, induction, retention Take part in regular recruitment events to aid recruitment to ensure that there is a fair representation from all local communities. Receive and process queries Provide on-going support for Peony volunteers, monitoring placements to ensure effective recruitment and role satisfaction and recording this in information systems. Lead on the arrangement of appointments for interviews so that the individual is made aware if they have been progressed to the next stage of the recruitment process. Additional responsibilities The post-holder will occasionally be required to: Attend out of hours meetings Have flexibility in working hours which may change on a weekly basis depending on the needs of the service/volunteers. Be available to support butterfly volunteers outside normal working hours, including some weekends. Undertake travel to offsite meetings with ART Management team. General To be aware of and comply with Trust policies including: Volunteer Services Policy Inclusion and Diversity Safeguarding Confidentiality Vision and Values: The Trust aims to provide local services for local people. It has developed its vision to reflect this commitment. To continue to be the major provider of acute/specialist services for the people of Worcestershire (and wider) with a strong reputation for providing outstanding, high quality, reliable, accessible and integrated healthcare for local people Driving this commitment are the Trust-wide signature behaviours: Do what we say we will do No Delays, every day We listen, we learn, we lead Work together, celebrate together Standard Clauses: The purpose of this post should remain constant, but the duties and responsibilities may vary over time within the overall role and level of the post. The post holder may from time to time be asked to undertake other reasonable duties. Any such changes will be made in discussion with the post holder in the light of service needs. Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will work in partnership with specialist palliative care, volunteer services, ward staff and other Trust teams to ensure patients and their families are aware of the Peony Volunteer Service and are able to access support when required. The project will take place Worcester Royal Hospital and if successful, as evidenced by specific outcome measures, will be extended to the Alexandra Hospital sites. The post holder, with support from Volunteer Services Manager and the Anne Robson Trust, will be required to attract, recruit, train, induct and retain a group of Peony volunteers. The aim of this new service is to provide a companionship service for patients who are in the last hours and days of their life, and also to support those important to them. The post holder will work in partnership with specialist palliative care, volunteer services, ward staff and other Trust teams to ensure patients and their families are aware of the Peony Volunteer Service and are able to access support when required With support from Volunteer Services to attract, recruit, train, induct and retain a group of Butterfly volunteers. Organise training, ensuring that all mandatory requirements are met. To establish good working relationships with relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth running of the service. Attend DREAMS Meeting providing relevant updates and contribute to the general improvement of EOL services. Liaise and establish good working relationship with Chaplaincy Team and Bereavement Services. Liaise daily with Specialist Palliative Care & End of Life team and ward staff to ensure that all patients who are placed on a an Individualised Last Days of Life Care plan are referred to the Peony Volunteer team, as appropriate. Provide regular contact and support to Peony volunteers to encourage motivation and loyalty and ensure that their role is valued. Record soft mentoring sessions with each member of the Peony Volunteer team at least once every four shifts. Provide emotional and pastoral support to team of Peony volunteers and implement a Buddy system whereby they support each other. Attend relevant meetings, participate in discussions and raise the profile of butterfly volunteers supporting patients at the end of life, and their families. Run regular audits to ensure that all Peony Volunteers are covering required shifts per month and are providing correctly completed feedback forms for each patient they visit. Understand respect and implement confidentiality, GDPR, PECR and Privacy Regulations by attending relevant training, obtaining relevant advice and acting in accordance with such guidance at all times. Ensure all volunteering activities meet with the Trusts service needs and are carried out in line with policies regarding health and safety, legal requirements, environmental, equal opportunity policies and general duty of care. Line Management Reporting Maintain accurate data collection and produce, monthly and quarterly reports on service activity. Intervene at initial stages of conflict, grievances and complaints and manage as appropriate, reviewing Volunteer placements where problems arise, and arranging transfer, redeployment via the Volunteer Services team or effective dismissal as necessary. Supervise volunteers within the service and ensure accurate data is being recorded. Ensure adequate cover is in place to provide support to Peony Volunteers during post holders annual leave. Feedback into wider team, reporting on performance, contributing to project development and attending team meetings. Financial Responsibility The post holder will have no financial responsibility, other than advising staff/services on processes for reimbursement of volunteer expenses. Communication Day to day liaison with the Palliative Care Team and Volunteer Service to meet the needs of clinical areas for end of life volunteer support. Building wider relationships with internal departments to support their capacity to work with Peony Volunteers and provide robust, effective management of this group. Volunteer recruitment, selection, induction, retention Take part in regular recruitment events to aid recruitment to ensure that there is a fair representation from all local communities. Receive and process queries Provide on-going support for Peony volunteers, monitoring placements to ensure effective recruitment and role satisfaction and recording this in information systems. Lead on the arrangement of appointments for interviews so that the individual is made aware if they have been progressed to the next stage of the recruitment process. Additional responsibilities The post-holder will occasionally be required to: Attend out of hours meetings Have flexibility in working hours which may change on a weekly basis depending on the needs of the service/volunteers. Be available to support butterfly volunteers outside normal working hours, including some weekends. Undertake travel to offsite meetings with ART Management team. General To be aware of and comply with Trust policies including: Volunteer Services Policy Inclusion and Diversity Safeguarding Confidentiality Vision and Values: The Trust aims to provide local services for local people. It has developed its vision to reflect this commitment. To continue to be the major provider of acute/specialist services for the people of Worcestershire (and wider) with a strong reputation for providing outstanding, high quality, reliable, accessible and integrated healthcare for local people Driving this commitment are the Trust-wide signature behaviours: Do what we say we will do No Delays, every day We listen, we learn, we lead Work together, celebrate together Standard Clauses: The purpose of this post should remain constant, but the duties and responsibilities may vary over time within the overall role and level of the post. The post holder may from time to time be asked to undertake other reasonable duties. Any such changes will be made in discussion with the post holder in the light of service needs. Person Specification Knowledge and Skills Essential Experience of working with volunteers and understanding of the opportunities and challenges this can bring Knowledge of volunteer policies and good practice Desirable Experience of working in a health or social care or related environment Experience of working collaboratively with a range of a service users carers staff and other stakeholders An understanding of the current agenda surrounding volunteering at national and regional level or willingness to learn Experience Essential Excellent written communication verbal negotiation and networking skills Able to work at a detailed level make necessary changes or recommend changes where these have an impact on outcomes Able to work confidently and calmly with people at times when they are upset or angry Ability to prioritise activities to ensure efficient delivery of volunteer work Ability to analyse data to inform service improvements Ability to identify problems and find solutions that deliver best outcomes for volunteers. Ability to work on own and as a member of a team Ability to use Microsoft Office Ability to work flexibly outside working hours Desirable A commitment to eliminating inequalities for service users, carers and promoting inclusion of protected groups Good communication and interpersonal skills Ability to adapt communication style dependent on the needs of the individual Qualifications Essential Degree or equivalent experience Desirable Knowledge of End of Life or palliative care acquired through study or experience Person Specification Knowledge and Skills Essential Experience of working with volunteers and understanding of the opportunities and challenges this can bring Knowledge of volunteer policies and good practice Desirable Experience of working in a health or social care or related environment Experience of working collaboratively with a range of a service users carers staff and other stakeholders An understanding of the current agenda surrounding volunteering at national and regional level or willingness to learn Experience Essential Excellent written communication verbal negotiation and networking skills Able to work at a detailed level make necessary changes or recommend changes where these have an impact on outcomes Able to work confidently and calmly with people at times when they are upset or angry Ability to prioritise activities to ensure efficient delivery of volunteer work Ability to analyse data to inform service improvements Ability to identify problems and find solutions that deliver best outcomes for volunteers. Ability to work on own and as a member of a team Ability to use Microsoft Office Ability to work flexibly outside working hours Desirable A commitment to eliminating inequalities for service users, carers and promoting inclusion of protected groups Good communication and interpersonal skills Ability to adapt communication style dependent on the needs of the individual Qualifications Essential Degree or equivalent experience Desirable Knowledge of End of Life or palliative care acquired through study or experience Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer details Employer name Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Address Charles Hastings Way Worcester Worcestershire WR5 1DD Employer's website https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)