Family Support Office Volunteer

Team:                                 Family Support Team

Location:                           The Square, 8 Woodhouse Square, Leeds, LS3 1AD

Time commitment:         1 day per week 9am – 4pm (flexibility as to which day it is)

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About Candlelighters

Each year, over 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer. When a child is diagnosed, lives are turned upside down instantly: not just for the child but the entire family. Getting well again can be a long and challenging journey, emotionally, physically, and financially.

Supporting children and families throughout that journey is why our charity, Candlelighters, was formed more than 40 years ago. Our mission is to bring light to every family affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire by providing emotional, practical and financial support, as well as bringing hope, by investing in vital research to improve the outcomes and lives of children with cancer.

Purpose of the Role and Key Activities

The Family Support Office Volunteer provides administrative and practical help to the Family Support Team, who play a key role in running events and groups and providing support to our families across Yorkshire.   

·       Recording and updating information on our database.

·       Reviewing and updating support resources.

·       Corresponding with families, supporters and potential volunteers.

·       Answering the phone, transferring calls and taking messages.

·       Making phone-calls to confirm appointments, speak to event attendees etc

·       Analysing questionnaire feedback.

·       Making up new patient bags.

·       Sending out invitations.

·       Helping to prepare resources, merchandise and equipment for events.

·       Stock taking and alerting the team when merchandise needs restocking.

·       Franking letters and parcels.

·       Providing occasional cover for Front of House (answering the door to families and supporter, making coffees, answering phones, taking messages).

·       Providing administrative support.

·       Assisting other teams within the charity with tasks and activities as required.

·       Maintaining professional boundaries at all times.

·       Adhering to Candlelighters’ policies and procedures.

We are looking for a volunteer who:

·       Are confident, friendly and approachable

·       Have a fun and positive outlook

·       Is confident on word and excel

·       Can work well and remain calm under pressure

·       Are proactive and able to use own initiative

·       Are hardworking, reliable and organised

·       Are able to move furniture (tables and chairs) and boxes

·       Are able to climb multiple flights of stairs

·       Are able to maintain professional boundaries and follow Candlelighters Policies and Procedures.

As a children’s charity it is essential that we safeguard our families, employees, supporters and volunteers. You will be asked about unspent conditional cautions and convictions on your application form and the nature of the caution or conviction will determine whether you are able to volunteer for us or not.

 This role is subject to an enhanced criminal record check, which is processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Support and Benefits

You can expect:

·       Induction & training to give you the confidence to perform your role well and to the best of your ability

·       Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters

·       Ongoing support from the Family Support and HR and Volunteering teams

·       The opportunity to meet lots of new, friendly people

·       Travel expenses reimbursed as agreed with your Volunteer Supervisor, in accordance with our Expenses policy

·       Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role

·       Satisfaction in knowing you are making a valuable contribution to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer

·       We can be a reference once you’ve volunteered for three months

·       Access to the MINDFUL EMPLOYER+ 24/7 mental health helpline

·       Charity Worker Discount card

·       Access to The Company Shop

We are recognised by Great Place To Work® on multiple Best Workplaces Lists in 2023 and 97% of our employees say Candlelighters is a great place to work!