Hospice Volunteer (unpaid)

About the role

This unpaid volunteer position provides patient care and support services according to the volunteer’s experience and training, in compliance with organization policies. Hospice volunteering is about being present when it matters most—spending time with patients, offering companionship to family members, assisting with special projects, or supporting the hospice team behind the scenes. Compassion, reliability, and a willingness to show up are the only requirements; no medical background is needed. Opportunities accommodate a variety of schedules, interests, and strengths, and every hour contributes meaningful comfort and connection during an important season of life.

Responsibilities

• Serves as an integral member of the interdisciplinary team across settings: home care; respite; inpatient; bereavement; and/or administrative; office duties.
• Participates in general orientation.
• Serves the patient and family/caregiver under the guidance of the Volunteer Coordinator and Case Manager or as part of the administrative team, depending on availability and interest.
• Acts as substitute family/caregiver in the home, performing activities for which the volunteer has been prepared and agreed to, such as homemaker chores, errands, and respite care.
• Documents as educated and instructed, maintaining confidentiality.
• Meets all health requirements set by Luminary Hospice.
• Provides availability regularly and in keeping with patient and family/caregiver needs.
• Participates in volunteer support groups and/or educational in-services.
• Maintains open communication and reports regularly to the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Performs other duties as needed, directed by the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Participates in interdisciplinary group meetings, as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Mature individual, supportive of the hospice concept, comfortable with their own spirituality, and willing to serve others in a volunteer capacity.
• Surviving family members: must meet a one-year waiting period after the patient’s death to participate in direct patient care or public relations activities.
• Successful completion of the hospice’s volunteer training and orientation program.
• Previous volunteer experience may be helpful.
• Ability to work within an interdisciplinary group.
• If making home visits, must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state or organization requirements and is in good working order.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a volunteer to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the volunteer is frequently required to sit or stand. The volunteer must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.