Overview: 

Children in Hospital Ireland is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The organisation has its Head Office in Sandyford, Dublin 18 and operates throughout the country. Children in Hospital Ireland delivers a national volunteer-run hospital play and recreation service across 15 hospital locations nationwide; advocates to promote the highest standards in the delivery of healthcare for children; provides information and help for parents of hospitalised children; and works collaboratively with support groups for children who are ill or have long-term medical conditions. 

Office Base: Head Office, Sandyford, Dublin 18. Some hybrid work is possible

Report to: Volunteer Manager

Purpose of Role:  The Volunteer Training Development Officer is a new role within the Volunteer Team in Children in Hospital Ireland. This person will lead the development and coordination of a wide range of training opportunities for new and existing volunteers across all CIH volunteer teams nationally. Highlighting and utilising expertise on the role and impact of play in hospitalisation and healthcare will be particularly important. The role will be integral to the support of volunteers and will work alongside the wider volunteer management team of CIH. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Volunteer Engagement and Support 
• Develop and implement a calendar of ongoing training opportunities for existing volunteers to enhance their experience of volunteering and upskilling 
• Facilitate Team Leaders and Welcoming Volunteer leadership teams, and Volunteer committees alongside the Volunteer Manager to enhance personal and professional development opportunities as well as resources and volunteer supports
• Support volunteer appreciation events, new volunteer recruitment and team meetings from a training development perspective 

Quality Standards 
• Review and enhance new volunteer training programme including induction practices, and working with volunteer team leaders in inductions and support needs 
• Identify new methods for enhancing continuous adherence and refreshing of core volunteer training and code of conduct for all volunteers 
• Support compliance with all hospital policies, procedures and guidelines; including risk management, hand hygiene and infection control, child protection, evacuation drills etc. 

Development 
• Identify and engage experts in Hospital Play, Play, Child Development and other relevant areas to develop new resources and training materials 
• Research and develop a diverse range of training methods and tools 
• Build relationships with hospitals, volunteer teams, and external organisations 

Eligibility Criteria: Qualifications & Experience 
• 3+ years of experience in the voluntary or healthcare sector, facilitating or developing training, or working with volunteers 
• Expertise or experience in Hospital Play Specialism, Play in Healthcare or child development would be a benefit 
• Confidence in and knowledge of (or willingness to learn) hospital/health care environment 
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, ideally including training or group facilitation or public speaking 
• Strong computer literacy and database management skills 
• Full clean driver’s licence, own car, and willingness to travel nationally 
• This position is subject to Garda Vetting. Police clearance is also required from any country where the candidate has spent more than 6 consecutive months since the age of 16 years. Competencies: 
• Relationship building with diverse stakeholders 
• Experience of working with confidentiality and boundaries in sensitive working environments 
• Ability to anticipate problems that might occur and proactively implement solutions. 
• Leadership in volunteer engagement • Flexibility to work occasionally outside of normal working hours required. 
• Collaborative and proactive approach to working across departments and within a small dynamic team 

Terms and Conditions: 

Location: This role is based in Sandyford, and will involve travel nationally to all hospitals with CIH volunteer teams.
Hours: The position will be for 22.5 hours per week, with flexibility for evening and weekend work. A time in lieu system operates.
Salary:  €20,195 per annum (€33,660 full time equivalent) 
Annual Leave:  14 days (22 days FTE) base allowance. Office closes for three days between Christmas and New Year. Additional days of leave on Good Friday and Christmas Eve. This position will be initially for a period of 3 years with the possibility of extension. A six-month probationary period will apply.