Project Co-ordinator - Chatty Cafe Scheme
The Chatty Cafe project contributes to the ambition of the hospice to reach more people, offset social isolation and loneliness via personal one-to-one contact and the community-based Chatty Cafes. Thanks to a generous fund donation, we are now in a position to expand the team and grow the project further through embracing the network of social prescribers as part of our cafes throughout St Helens and Knowsley.
The majority of the support is provided by volunteers who are a key part of Willowbrook Hospice, providing professional support to all departments. We recruit volunteers from across the communities of St Helens and Knowsley.
Main Duties of the Job
Working within The Volunteer Hub, this 22.5 hours role supports the ongoing development and expansion of the Willowbrook Compassionate Neighbours project to grow the Chatty Cafe aspect of the scheme.
About Us
Willowbrook Hospice is a purpose-built independent hospice opened in 1997. It is an adult hospice caring for patients with specialist palliative care needs, serving the community of St Helens and Knowsley. It was built with the support of local people.
Willowbrook Hospice is not just a building; it is a way of caring for people. The Hospice works to improve the lives of people who have a life-limiting or terminal illness, helping them to live well before they die.
Willowbrook Hospice not only takes care of people's physical needs but looks after their emotional, spiritual, and social needs as well. It also supports carers, family members, and close friends, both during a person's illness and in bereavement.
Job Responsibilities
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
1. Work with the Head of Volunteering (HOV) to coordinate and deliver the Chatty Cafe project for Willowbrook Hospice.
2. Support the effective delivery, development, and expansion of the Chatty Cafe Neighbours project to meet outputs and outcomes.
3. Recruit, train, supervise, and develop the right volunteers across the Willowbrook Hospice catchment area.
4. Process referrals, carry out assessments, match volunteers to beneficiaries, and provide a programme of support for the volunteers.
5. Deliver a robust and sustainable Chatty Cafe project amongst people in our Community, supporting the strategic aims of Willowbrook Hospice.
6. Review and evaluate the programme with the HOV to ensure the quality of the project, specifically around the experience of both volunteers and the attendees.
7. Be responsible for and coordinate information coming into the project. Develop and implement a system for the timely processing of referrals and attendance at a Chatty Cafe.
Communication and Working Relationships:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of Hospice Care and apply community development principles to all work.
2. Build relationships with, and a database of, stakeholders engaged in the programme in order to maintain regular contact and monitor progress.
3. Participate in and contribute within external networks and forums to ensure that the project and hospice are represented in appropriate areas.
4. Supply the Communications Team with stories and information for the local media (especially target communities media) in order that they are aware and can cover local events and stories that describe the work of the Chatty Cafes.
General
1. Be aware of personal responsibilities with regard to all other Hospice Policies/Guidelines.
2. Be aware of obligations and statutory rights with regard to disciplinary and grievance procedures.
3. The post holder will observe the Office No Smoking policy.
4. The post holder will adhere to the Fire, Health & Safety Regulations and Policies of the hospice.
5. You are required to attend, complete, and comply with annual mandatory training requirements plus any other training as deemed appropriate.
Person Specification
Experience
* Good experience of working with and managing people.
* Experience of volunteering and ability to relate to and understand the motivation.
* Knowledge of the local area to Willowbrook.
* Record of building effective partnerships within the community to create and support volunteering opportunities.
* Successful experience of the recruitment, induction, and training of volunteers.
Other
* Mature & professional attitude.
* Tact and diplomacy.
* Awareness and understanding of the need for confidentiality.
* Effective communication and presentation skills: speaking, listening, and writing.
* Ability to motivate colleagues and volunteers.
* Willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
* Ability to manage own time effectively.
* Ability to lead by example and have a can-do attitude.
* Valid driving licence and access to own transport.
* Understanding of the 3-year Strategy and its relationship to the delivery of good volunteering at Willowbrook.
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.
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