Sitting Service Volunteer Role Description
Outline
‘Sitting’ involves spending time with an older person or adult who has a physical disability or chronic illness in their home to give their carer a short break.
Responsible to the Voluntary Services Officer (VSO)
Tasks and Responsibilities
- offer friendship to the person they sit with
- take part in activities together, such as listening to music or playing cards
- make drinks or light snacks
- in some cases take out the person they sit with (with agreement of the carer). For example, to go for a short walk.
Volunteers are expected to make every effort to:
- take part in induction
- attend training and volunteer support meetings
- meet with the VSO for reviews to talk about how you are getting on
- maintain awareness of other services to support carers with our help.
Skills and Experience
Personal qualities are very important – volunteers must be patient, understanding, reliable and have a genuine interest in people.
Good communication and listening skills are also helpful.
Previous experience in health and social care is very helpful, although this is not essential.
Training, Support and Expenses
Volunteers receive on-going support through monthly meetings and social activities. Opportunities to meet on a one-to-one basis are also given.
Training is offered and further arrangements can be made to meet personal needs. Out-of-pocket expenses can be claimed back including travel expenses.
Time Commitment
We ask you to give 2-3 hours a week for a regular sitting arrangement. Some people volunteer on an ‘as and when’ basis.