Volunteer

Reports To: Activity Therapist or Nurse in Charge

Commitment: flexible scheduling 

Working hours: 9 to 5pm Weekdays and/or weekends 

Role Overview 

As a Support Volunteer at Highfield Healthcare, you will play a significant role in contributing to the emotional well-being and daily quality of life of our residents and patients. Through compassionate engagement, you will help create a warm, supportive, and inclusive environment. This role focuses on developing meaningful connections with individuals, helping them feel valued, heard, and comfortable. In addition to companionship, you will help facilitate a range of social, leisure, and therapeutic activities that promote cognitive engagement, physical activity, and emotional satisfaction. Volunteers are an integral part of our multidisciplinary team and are encouraged to bring their own creativity and positive energy to the role, working closely with healthcare professionals, activity coordinators, and family members. Volunteers do not undertake any clinical or personal care tasks and do not replace trained staff. Their role is to complement, not substitute, professional services

Key Responsibilities 

Companionship and Social Engagement: 

Spend one-to-one time with residents or patients, providing listening support, friendly conversation, and emotional comfort. This may include sharing news, stories, or simply being present with those who are isolated or experiencing loneliness.

Activity Support: 

Assist activity coordinators in planning and delivering recreational and therapeutic activities such as bingo, arts and crafts, gardening, storytelling, music sessions, gentle exercise, and sensory activities. You may also help with setting up and tidying up spaces before and after sessions.

Assisting with Outings: 

Support patients and residents during group outings within the community or within the facility grounds, ensuring safety, comfort, and companionship.

Non-Clinical Assistance: 

Provide practical support such as helping with meal or snack distribution, preparing spaces for visits, or helping residents write letters or make phone calls to family. Feeding or assisting with eating is only permitted if the volunteer has completed appropriate training and is authorised by the Nurse in Charge 

Welcoming and Orientation: 

Help welcome visitors, new residents, or participants to group settings. Offer reassurance and provide information as needed, always directing clinical questions to the appropriate healthcare staff.

Observation and Reporting: 

Be attentive to changes in mood, behaviour, or communication of residents, and report any areas of concern to staff in a timely and respectful manner.

Respect and Confidentiality:

Follow all policies and procedures, including those around confidentiality, infection control, and safeguarding, to protect the dignity and rights of all residents.

Continuous Learning: 

Attend training sessions and volunteer meetings to stay informed about best practices and updates within the facility and be open to feedback and personal development.

Health and Safety:

Volunteers must follow all health & safety procedures, including fire safety and infection control. Any accidents or near misses must be reported immediately to the nurse in charge

 Apply today! 

 Highfield Healthcare is an equal opportunities employer.

 All posts are subject to satisfactory references, medical and Garda vetting.