Comfort and Companionship Volunteer (Hospice)

Description

Moments of Comfort, Made by You

• Perform simple acts of kindness like writing letters, playing games, helping with small tasks, or just being present.
• Offer companionship to someone who may feel isolated or alone.
• Use your time and heart to improve someone's quality of life.

Opportunities

Available in the following counties:

• Sioux
• Lyon
• Osceola
• O’Brien
• Clay
• Dickinson
• Palo Alto
• Emmet
• Kossuth

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• Completed Volunteer Application
• 2 References
• Code of Conduct Attestation Statement signed
• Permission for Background Check signed
• Permission for Drug Screen signed
• New Hire Communicable Disease/Tuberculosis/Health Screening Questionnaire form and additional state requirements completed, as required
• Tuberculin Test Administration Form (unless exempt from TB testing)
• Hepatitis B Form completed
• Have satisfactory references from employers and/or professional peers
• Have a satisfactory criminal background check (as required by state)
• Successfully complete the Direct Care Volunteer orientation
• Veteran Volunteers must complete additional orientation specific to this role
• Other specialty volunteers must meet requirements as indicated in their Job Descriptions

Responsibilities

• Provide support to patients and families by performing essential duties such as reading to patients, playing games, writing letters on behalf of patients, assisting with plant or pet care, meal preparation, companionship or support with light household chores as needed
• Provide support to patients and families through tuck-in call processes, completes necessary forms and communicates needs/concerns to Volunteer Coordinator (VC)/ Manager of Volunteer Services (MVS) and/or IDG team
• May attend funeral or visit the family/caregivers after the death of the patient
• Participate in Volunteer support or peer groups and/or training with other Volunteers
• Provide availability on a regular basis and/or keep with the assigned patient, family and caregiver needs as outlined and defined in the Volunteer Care Plan
• Maintain regular communication with the Volunteer Coordinator/Manager of Volunteer Services about the needs of the patient, family and caregiver. Report any concerns, problems, or sudden changes in patient, family and caregiver status to the Volunteer Coordinator/Manager of Volunteer Services immediately
• Perform duties within the established Volunteer Care Plan and function within authorized activities according to the individual’s ability, knowledge, and training. Does not assume tasks or decisions which are outside the scope of the Volunteer or are within the domain of other persons, e.g. family, caregiver, hospice personnel or facility staff
• Document and record hours of service and return Volunteer Visit Documentation Form to the Volunteer Coordinator/Manager of Volunteer Services within a timely manner, i.e. 24-48 hours
• Notify Volunteer Coordinator/Manager of Volunteer Services if there is a change in situation that could affect patient care, a change in status, leave of absence or need for substitute volunteer
• Maintain patient, family and caregiver confidentiality and abide by federal regulations related to privacy practices, e.g. HIPAA
• Assure for compliance with local, state, and federal laws, Medicare regulations, and established personnel policies and procedures
• Meet or exceed delivery of Company Service Standards and operate under the company’s Code of Conduct
• Be evaluated annually based on competency and performance
• Participate in continuing education and training, including mandatory annual in-services (HIPAA, Tuberculosis, Emergency Preparedness, etc.)