Veteran-to-Veteran Comfort and Companionship Volunteer (Hospice)

Description

Honoring those who served by serving them now.

• Are you a veteran who feels called to serve those who once served our nation as you did?
• Could you offer companionship to a veteran who would value someone who understands respect, service, and shared stories?
• Would you like to help create moments of dignity and connection for fellow veterans in their final chapter?

Veteran-to-Veteran Comfort and Companionship Volunteers (Direct Care Volunteers)

Serve veteran patients offering meaningful companionship, connection, and support to those who have served our country as they navigate the challenges of serious illness and end-of-life care.

• Share conversation, read together, assist with light tasks, provide respite for veteran caregivers
• Create moments of dignity, comfort, and recognition
• Participate in pinning ceremonies and the Final Salute

Opportunities in the following counties:

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

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old
• 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 completed
• Tuberculin Test Administration Form (unless exempt from TB testing)
• Hepatitis B Form completed
• Understanding of Hospice philosophy and goals
• Willingness to participate in peer support/continuing education meetings
• Dependable and have access to reliable transportation
• Respect patient/family belief systems, emotional maturity and sensitivity

Responsibilities

• Support 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
• 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
• 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 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.)