Sydney Children's Hospital Network Palliative Care Biography Volunteer - Westmead and various locations - #246809

As a Sydney Children Hospitals Network Biography Volunteer your listening, writing and computer skills will allow children and their families who are receiving palliative care services to share and record their stories, memories and reflections. There may be 6-8 sessions of interviews lasting approximately 1-1.5 hours each. Sessions are transcribed retaining the authentic voice of the patient/family member. The content is then sorted and photos inserted before being prepared for printing. The completed stories are then printed and presented to the child’s family.

Ideally, you'll have the following skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to connect with a wide range of people. Sensitivity, tact, confidentiality, empathy, compassion

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word and ability to learn and navigate new technology and software

• 50 words per minute typing skills

• Ability to travel to different areas within the western suburbs of Sydney

• Ability to work independently and problem solve

• Ability to self care and work within an emotionally challenging setting

• Availability for a long term commitment and up-to 5 hours per week. The transcription and editing process can occur in your own time while the face-to-face interview will occur on a weekday (Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm)

Locations: The Children's Hospital at Westmead or Family homes in different suburbs of Sydney (focus on Western Sydney) Hawkesbury Rd Westmead.

Training Training approximately 2 days including overview of paediatric palliative care, grief and bereavement, communication, role of volunteer and boundaries, biography processes and structure, story tool kit and ethics, self care

Whilst this role can be emotionally challenging it is also a very fulfilling and meaningful role. Please review the information carefully before replying.

When you submit your enquiry, please include details on why you are interested in this volunteering position.

All enquiries welcome.

The impact of this role: This program allows patients and families to tell their story outside of the medical story. Patients can benefit by having the opportunity to express themselves beyond their illness and to feel valued. Families benefit from having the opportunity to reflect, share and capture memories. It acknowledges and celebrates children with disabilities, ensuring they are seen as the unique and extraordinary individuals they truly are. Sibling books can also be valuable in telling the story of a child's brother or sister in a child friendly way.

Benefits: This is a very meaningful (however emotionally challenging) role allowing patient contact and offering the privilege of hearing the stories of these remarkable patients and families. Seeing the story come together and presenting this lasting legacy is a wonderful experience.