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Applications for this opportunity will open on 23 September 2024.
About UCLH
At the UCLH Macmillan Cancer Centre, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to those affected by cancer and haematological conditions. Our Support and Information Service ensures that every individual receives the necessary practical, emotional, and financial support, including expert information, wig advice, financial and benefits advice, counselling, psychology services, and much more.
Role Purpose
As a welfare benefits volunteer, you will play a crucial role in our multidisciplinary team, helping to deliver a seamless service to our patients. You will become well-versed in all aspects of our service, enabling you to effectively guide and assist our service users. Successful applicants will:
- Assist with applications for welfare benefits and grants from charities.
- Support patients with correspondence and benefit checks.
- Collaborate with advisers on Mandatory Reconsideration and Appeals to Tribunal.
- Liaise with local advice services and government departments.
Benefits
Successful applicants can expect to:
- Gain invaluable experience volunteering at one of the UK's leading NHS Trusts.
- Provide essential support to some of the most vulnerable individuals in society.
- Acquire insights and experience within the healthcare sector—an excellent stepping stone for those considering careers in the advice sector or welfare benefits.
- Work alongside a dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring team.
- Receive induction, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities.
- Obtain references after a successful volunteering period of 6 months (or half the minimum period).
- Out-of-pocket expenses covered, including travel up to £4.50 per day.
Essential Skills and Abilities:
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
- Exceptional communication skills and a friendly demeanour, with the confidence to approach and interact with people.
- Sensitivity and the capacity to support individuals who are distressed.
- Strong customer service orientation with a positive attitude.
- Competent with IT and basic cancer awareness (training provided).
- Commitment to role-specific training and adherence to the Centre's policies.
- Due to the nature of the role, volunteers should not be recently affected by cancer (within the last two years) as a patient, carer, family member, or bereaved.
Eligibility and Time Commitment
This role is open to all LLB and LLM students.
7.5 hours per week, with a minimum commitment of one day per week for 6 months at UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre, Huntley Street, London.
Training and supervision information:
- A full induction and access to ongoing learning through the Macmillan Learn Zone.
- Regular catch-ups with supervisors and opportunities for volunteer peer support.
- Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy.
- This role will require Standard DBS checks to be carried out through CAJ.
In addition to UCLH's internal training, all students be required to complete the CAJ Mandatory Volunteer training, which covers data protection and confidentiality, working with vulnerable clients, professional conduct and regulation, self-care, and our expectations of CAJ volunteers.
Pro Bono Skills Development Framework
The Centre for Access to Justice now offers all students engaged in voluntary pro bono the opportunity to participate in the Pro Bono Skills Development Framework. This framework allows you to reflect on the skills gained during your placement, aligned with the Aurora Competence Framework. Completing it earns you a Certificate of Commitment to Pro Bono, acknowledging your dedication and skill development. Your participation will help you document and showcase the valuable competencies you've developed, however, please note that participation in the PBSDF scheme is entirely voluntary and will not affect your placement in any way.
DBS Checks:
This opportunity requires Standard DBS checks, to be processed through the UCL Student Enquiries Centre. DBS checks take a considerable amount of time to be processed, so please ensure that you obtain all required documents as soon as you are selected in order to begin your placement as soon as possible. For more information on the DBS process, please see our CAJ DBS guidance.
How to Apply:
Applications will open on 23 September 2024.
Please complete this form to apply. The deadline for submissions is 28 October 2024, at 11:59 PM.
When applying, please make sure you have completed the CAJ Equality and Diversity Monitoring Questionnaire. You only need to complete this once per academic year.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Annika Melwani at annika.melwani@ucl.ac.uk.