Department and location

Action on Hearing Loss Scotland, Scottish Borders.

About the role

To provide support and advice to hearing aid users, their families, carers, community groups and professionals.

• Visit service users within their homes, residential or day-care centres and walk-in clinics
• Undertake basic maintenance on hearing aids such as re-tubing and battery replacement
• Recommend other agencies that may be beneficial to the service user, such as the Sensory Impairment Team
• Monitor the number visits carried out and feedback to Volunteer Co-coordinator
• Promote the work of Action on Hearing Loss
• Meet with other volunteers to discuss the project and suggest any improvements.

The length of each information session can vary, from a few hours, to a full day. The level of commitment depends entirely on you.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience Skills

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about issues affecting people with a hearing loss
• Friendly, reliable and approachable manner
• Ability to listen to questions and to answer appropriately
• Happy to work with a wide range of people especially older people.

Training

We offer full, on-going training for all volunteers including a one-day induction programme and further training specific to the volunteering role.

This may include: 

• Accredited training in understanding hearing loss and hearing aid support and basic maintenance
• Half-day sessions on manual handling, dealing with the public and equipment
• Volunteers also have the opportunity to attend other information sessions including those run by our Regional Communications and Information Office.

Benefits

What will you gain by becoming a volunteer for us?

• Training – learning new skills, and gaining up-to-date knowledge of issues affecting people who are deaf, have a hearing loss or tinnitus
• Experience – meeting new people in different situations, building new friendships with other volunteers
• Fulfillment – knowing that the information you provide will make a real difference to those who receive it, and raising deaf awareness throughout society as a whole
• Expenses – all expenses incurred as a result of your volunteering will be reimbursed, according to our Expenses policy
• Opportunity to try other volunteering roles within Action on Hearing Loss.

Transport

You will need to be able to travel locally to different places, whether by car or public transport. Expenses will be reimbursed, according to the our Travel and Subsistence policy.

Support and supervision

Regular support will be given by your Volunteer Co-ordinator, especially in the early stages of your role as you settle in. You will also receive informal support from other volunteers as you work together and attend each other's sessions.

To apply

Please complete the online application form.