Organisation: cumbria cvs

Salary Details:

Closing date for applications: 30 Jul 2019

The role is to Support people living with cancer to complete a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) either face to face or by telephone in either in a hospital, GP practice or community setting. A HNA considers all issues that may affect someone with cancer and not just their clinical needs.  You will offer signposting support where appropriate to other services identified as part of the HNA including Third Sector organisations. You may also refer where appropriate to the patient’s assigned key worker for identified clinical support.  Volunteers will provide a range of information to patients, family, friends, carers and staff as required.

The base of the role is not set and may vary but could include Cumberland Infirmary, West Cumberland Hospital, Cumbria CVS Office and GP Practice location.

Ideally, we would hope for a commitment of 2 to 3 hours per week for a period of 6 to 12 months.

Key Tasks include:

• Making telephone calls and face to face meetings with people referred to you for support with HNA
• Providing an active listening service
• Work to identify the key issues/needs for individuals
• Providing information leaflets and printouts where appropriate
• Appropriate signposting to Welfare Rights/Benefits Advise and other appropriate services to meet needs identified in the HNA
• Report back to the patient’s Key Worker on any issues arising that require clinical input
• Complete any reporting requirements
• Take part in any discussions about the service to identify opportunities for improvement or development.

Skills required:

• Experience or knowledge of the issues facing people with a cancer diagnosis
• Compassionate/empathic person
• Excellent communications skills and particularly listening skills and are confident to talk to patients, carers and staff.
• Problem solving skills
• Able to deal with complex issues
• IT skills knowledge of emails and internet
• Previously experience of working in a health or social care setting
• Are clear about your boundaries
• Understand the need for confidentiality
• Volunteers should be aware of their own health and safety whilst carrying out their role.

What’s in it for you?

• Be part of a team that offers a valuable and unique service that make a difference
• Be able to help people in a time of crisis
• Develop your skills and experience
• Build self-esteem and confidence
• Be able to contribute to the development of the service
• Gain a greater understanding of the Voluntary and Community Support available
• A flexible role which can fit around your existing commitments

For further information/an informal chat, please contact:

Jane Macfarlane on 01768 800350 or email: janem@cumbriacvs.org.uk