Volunteer Pastoral Assistant (Marden Court - Calne)

Many of our residents have spiritual beliefs or practice a religion but living in a care home can sometimes pose challenges. It’s not always easy for people to get out and attend a service like they used to. Being part of a faith community is important and our volunteer Pastoral Assistants bring that faith community to our residents.

Our residents come from a huge array of backgrounds, so the role of our Pastoral Assistants reflects this. We have Pastoral Assistants of many faiths and denominations supporting our homes. Some people are religious professionals like vicars, rabbis and imams. Others are people who are happy to share their faith and practice it with a small group or one to one. Our Pastoral Assistants don’t need to be religious professionals to support people but if they are leading a service or faith group within our home it really helps.

Our Pastoral Assistants are in a unique position to share something very personal with people. As such they are compassionate, discreet and understanding. They may be called on to share someone’s final moments and as part of our team we are there to support them through that. Not everyone has a spiritual belief so part of this role is understanding who would appreciate a conversation and a willingness to be guided by our Care Team so you can reach the people who would benefit most.

You’ll build up relationships with people so ideally, we’d like a regular, longer term commitment of a couple of hours a week. Days and times are flexible; talk to us and we’ll see what suits us both.

Role Boundaries The following boundaries apply to all volunteer roles at the Trust: • All volunteers over 16 years old will require DBS clearance (Criminal Records check) and the Trust will cover the cost. • Volunteers aged between 14 and 16 years old can’t go into residents’ rooms on their own. • There are certain things only carers can do. Volunteers can’t provide personal care for residents. This involves help with dressing, visiting the toilet or eating. • Volunteers can’t support residents in moving, rising or sitting or move residents in wheelchairs until they have completed mandatory moving and handling and wheelchair training. • Volunteers must not hoist a resident • Volunteers should not attempt to give first aid unless qualified to do so. • Volunteers can’t transport residents in their own car. • Volunteers should not give or accept gifts to or from residents, relatives or employees. All gifts offered should be declared to the Home Manager. • Our communications team are responsible for all our media postings. Volunteers should not contact or speak to the media unless asked to by their manager nor should they post anything on social networking sites. • Volunteers should ask their manager before making any decision outside the scope of their role that could affect OSJCT, residents, employees or other volunteers. • Volunteers are not expected to handle complaints or safeguarding issues. They should talk to their manager in the first instance. For this role specifically: • Volunteers shouldn’t discuss matters of faith or religion with residents without first checking with a carer or being asked to by a team member or resident.