Outreach Therapy Pets Volunteer Job Description

Transcription

1 Outreach Therapy Pets Volunteer Job Description Position Responsible to Hours Outreach Therapy Pets (OTP) Volunteer Team Leader, Outreach Coordinator, Outreach Administrator Two to four visits per month at assigned establishment (minimum) Role OTP Volunteers are trained to visit approved establishments on behalf of the Outreach Therapy Pets programme. Purpose For the volunteer and their animal to visit approved establishments to offer comfort and support to clients in need Seek advice and direction from key staff regarding client needs and how to meet them Identify clients who wish to visit with your animal and what their needs are Create safe and beneficial opportunities for interaction and physical contact with your animal Ensure interactions between your animal and the client are appropriate, desired by the client, and within the scope of your animal s capability and physical and psychological tolerance e.g. on bed, patting, snuggling Duties Therapy Pets Only ever use your own approved animal for visits at approved establishments that have been allocated to you. The approval to use a specific animal as a therapy pet is not transferrable to a different animal that you own or handle. All animals are subject to individual behavioural assessment which will be maintained at least every two years. Animals must always be humanely handled and have their enjoyment/ needs taken into account so as to minimise stress and any risk to the welfare and wellbeing of the animal and clients. No: 1 of 5

2 Visits shall not be longer than hours without a suitable break for the animal in which it can rest or take a break as appropriate. Approved animals must be healthy (e.g. not lame, no internal or external parasites), in good condition (e.g. not obese or underweight), well presented (e.g. clean and well groomed), with up to date vaccinations. Animals with chronic conditions that are painful and/or affect mobility, will not be accepted. Animals must be highly sociable and comfortable with strangers and different environments. Volunteers to monitor animals, watch for signs of stress and act accordingly (e.g. remove animal from situation, person, end visit, etc.) Professional visits Always start on time for your scheduled visit. Notify the establishment if you are unable to attend a visit so clients can be advised. Ensure that you sign in and out from the establishment you visit. Confirm the areas or patients you are able to visit at the beginning of every visit. Wear a name badge and in the case of one being lost, let your team leader or the Outreach Coordinator know so that a replacement badge can be made up. Health Safety and Dress appropriately, according to the guidelines for clothing, hair, closed toe shoes as outlined during Outreach Therapy Pets orientation and induction. If visits are to stop temporarily and/ or permanently, ensure staff, OTP Team Leader and Outreach Coordinator are notified Ensure you do not enter an area where you have no training or appropriate support. Ensure you do not try to assist with a patient. Be aware of and abide by the health and safety requirements of the. Follow the health and safety requirements of the establishments you visit such as hand sanitiser or Infectious Disease Protocols. When visiting an establishment, always report to the relevant on-duty staff who will assist you while on site at the establishment. Ensure your animal is supervised and on lead (no retractable lead). Watch for signs of stress in animal. No: 2 of 5

3 Ensure one animal per handler to ensure for proper supervision. Always ask clients before placing animal on their lap /bed and ask whether they would prefer a towel blanket to be used. Volunteer Performance and Development Contribute proactively as a member of the programme. Participate in the development of the programme by putting forward recommendations to enhance development. Invest in your own development as a volunteer through suggested readings and attending ongoing training/seminars/ meetings as required. Provide coaching and support to new volunteers who may visit the same establishment as you. Undertake any other duties as may be required from time to time. Reports and Keep a record of all visits over a month. Administration Supply your team leader with completed visitation details at the end of each month. Advise your team leader and Outreach Coordinator of any changes to your details, especially contact details, which should be kept up-to-date each month. Advise your team leader and Outreach coordinator of any changes in circumstance, health of your animal and if you wish to have another animal assessed. Participate in the volunteer reward and recognition system making appropriate nominations etc. Report to OTP Team Leader, Establishment and Outreach Coordinator if you wish to stop your visits temporarily, permanently or if you want to change establishments or resign from the programme. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS The following factors are taken into consideration when assessing the performance of an Outreach Therapy Pet Volunteer Demonstrates excellent verbal communication Skills friendly and outgoing; a good conversationalist who is easy to understand Able to identify clients needs and strives to meet those needs in terms of the amount and type of interaction with their animal Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of others, including tact, empathy and helpfulness No: 3 of 5

4 Demonstrates active listening skills that ensures clients feel comfortable and are able to talk freely Visits regularly with clients to enable a relationship and connection to develop between clients and their animal Establishes high personal standards and works to achieve them Is professional with regard to presentation, behaviour and interactions with others Follows organisation policies and procedures and understands how they affect the tasks and responsibilities of the job Develops and nurtures client and team relationships Has an excellent working relationship with their animal and is able to keep them safe and under control at all times. Animals to be monitored for signs of stress and appropriate equipment brought to meet their needs (e.g. water bowl, disposal bags, towel/ blanket). Values The following values form the SPCA culture; and demonstrating these values is what it takes to be a fully contributing member of the SPCA and Outreach Therapy Pets team. Integrity (honesty, responsibility, trust & professionalism). Commitment (and resilience). Passion. Compassion. Realistic Be team focused and be prepared to pitch in wherever needed. Skills, Abilities and Attributes Excellent communication skills An empathetic personality A genuine interest in the well-being of others A strong client focus ability to establish client s needs and meet these Commitment to the mission and aims of the programme Commitment to regular visits with clients An excellent relationship with your pet Friendly, positive with a can do attitude Organised and reliable, on time Highly professional in their presentation and interaction, with strong regard for animal welfare Flexibility Strong understanding of the human-animal bond and its benefits Receptive to feedback Computer skills and access to Training Village visitor policies and procedures No: 4 of 5

5 Animal assessment and interview OTP Orientation and Induction Workshops Suggested readings No: 5 of 5