Lasting Powers of Attorney Volunteer
This is an outline of what your role with the Society may involve. You will have the opportunity to discuss this in more detail.
Where, when and how often?This role is based at our central office near St Katharine’s Dock, London.
We ask you to commit to volunteering at least one day a week. We would appreciate an initial commitment of 6 months in the first instance, while recognising that personal circumstances may change.
How does the role make a difference?
For someone with dementia being able to plan ahead and make decisions now about the future in case there is a time when they cannot is both crucial and empowering. Creating Lasting Powers of Attorney is one way a person with dementia can have a say in their future and choose the person they wish to make decisions for them about their finances, affairs or care and treatment if there comes a time they are not able to. The Lasting Powers of Attorney Volunteer will be providing a valuable service in enabling people with dementia to plan for the future through providing a Lasting Power of Attorney form completion service on the National Dementia Helpline, as well as working on other legal projects for the society.
What will I be doing?
· Contacting people that have shown an interest in using the Society’s Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) Digital Assistance programme to check that they are suitable, book an appointment and let people know what information they need.
· Completing Lasting Powers of Attorney forms online, on behalf of people with dementia to enable someone to create and register their LPA form using the online LPA forms.
· Working with the Information Officer (Legal and Welfare Rights) as appropriate on providing legal evidence for the Society’s legal factsheets.
· Undertaking where appropriate legal research in key areas of law that affect people with dementia.
· Supporting Society staff where appropriate in answering queries about the rights of people with dementia.
· Respecting confidentiality and ensuring that it happens in practice.
· Operating within the Alzheimer’s Society policies and procedures.
Is this role for me? The role may be ideal for you if you:
· You are a law student or graduate.
· You understand, or are willing to learn about the importance of a person with dementia planning ahead and creating Lasting Powers of Attorney.
· You are able to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing.
· You are a good listener, able to identify people’s needs and respond accordingly.
· You have an understanding or experience of dementia, or are willing to learn.
· You have excellent IT skill.
· You can use your own initiative and are able to work as part of a team.
· You are aware of your own limitations and you are willing to ask for support when required.
· Are committed to the Society’s expectations around values and behaviours.
What do I have to do before I can start?
We will meet with selected applicants do discuss the role further.
References and criminal records checks will be taken up as appropriate.
You will need to undertake a training programme when you start.
How will I be supported during my volunteering?
· The Information Officer (Legal and Welfare Rights) will support you through induction, training and then regular supervision meetings, and also be available for ad hoc support and debriefing.
· The Advice Service Manager will support you with helpline procedures and policies that are relevant to this role.
· The Office of the Public Guardian will also be available to assist you with any queries relating to the Lasting Powers of Attorney assisted digital service.
· You will receive an induction programme to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to fulfil the role, including training from both the Alzheimer’s Society and the Office of the Public Guardian. You will benefit from initial and on-going training and you will be provided with regular one-to-one support.
· You will be reimbursed for your agreed out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel costs to and from your home and the office, in accordance with Society policy.
What’s in it for me?
In a competitive legal world it is important to stand out from the rest. This opportunity allows you to develop skills that can improve your future prospects. You’ll develop news skills and acquire new knowledge through on-going training and support from the Society and the Office of the Public Guardian.
You’ll experience the rewarding feeling of being able to do something for someone else through enabling someone to plan ahead for their future. / Our Values
Always informed by the needs and experiences of people affected by dementia, we:
• are inclusive, making sure that we reach out to and involve people from every group and community
• challenge ourselves and others to question the status quo, be pioneering, and embrace change
• aspire to excellence in everything we do
• always act with integrity and treat everyone with respect, dignity and fairness
• enable others to make a meaningful contribution and realise their potential.
I’m keen to find out more – what should I do now?
To apply please send a CV and a covering letter detailing your interest and suitability for the role to .
Not quite what you were looking for? See alzheimers.org.uk/volunteers for more options or call 0845 504 9300 (call charges vary).
Page 2 of 2 Last updated: Aug 201413