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. Opportunities exist for spending time with patients, offering companionship to family members, assisting with special projects, or supporting the hospice team behind the scenes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an integral member of the interdisciplinary group across settings: home care; respite; inpatient; bereavement; and/or administrative; office duties.
• Participate in general orientation.
• Serve 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.
• Act as substitute family/caregiver in the home, performing activities the volunteer has been prepared for and agreed to, such as homemaker chores, errands, and respite care.
• Document as educated and instructed, maintaining confidentiality.
• Meet all health requirements set by Luminary Hospice.
• Provide availability regularly and/or in keeping with patient and family/caregiver needs.
• Participate in volunteer support groups and/or educational in-services.
• Maintain open communication and report regularly to the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Perform other duties as needed, directed by the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Participate in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Participate in interdisciplinary group meetings, as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Mature individual, supportive of the hospice concept, comfortable with one’s 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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit or stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.