JOB SUMMARY

The overall goal of the Hospice Volunteers is to support the hospice patients and families through companionship, assistance with errands, and respite time for the caregiver, in addition to clerical and administrative support. The primary function is to support the patient and caregivers through the illness and death of a patient by being responsive to their needs.  The volunteers work under the supervision of the volunteer coordinator and the Director of Clinical Services.  Volunteers are matched with patients based on requests, interests, and ability to provide requested service.  Volunteers must complete appropriate training and orientation before they can be assigned.


HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER

• Call the volunteer coordinator for an interview and explanation of orientation.
  
• Complete all requirements based on desired service whether with patients, administrative duties, specialprojects, or in bereavement with specialized training.
  
• Complete orientation with an understanding of confidentiality, patient’s rights, patient safety, and hospice philosophy.
  
• Required orientation in-services may be completed on a computer at home or at the hospice.  Volunteers, as all employees, are required to have 6 hours of in-service updates yearly according to regulations
  

DUTIES

• Must attend four in-services per year.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times while acting as a Hospice Representative.Project a professional manner while acting as a Hospice Representative.
  
• Consult with the Volunteer Coordinator, Bereavement Coordinator, or immediate supervisor regarding Hospice questions.
  
• Document hours of service and mileage.
  
• Record data in the Volunteer notebook.
  

PATIENT VOLUNTEER

• Volunteers are informed about pertinent information about assigned patient and caregivers.
• Volunteers may read charts, attend team conferences to learn and/or present information about patients,and participate as a team member.
• Volunteers must report any observed or expressed significant medical changes in the patient or caregivers (which might affect patient care) to the Hospice nurse.
• Volunteers perform services which enhance patients’ well-being with guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Volunteers complete time sheets promptly for the mandated monthly cost saving reports
  

ADMINISTRATIVE VOLUNTEER

• Take directions from Administrative Director, Volunteer Coordinator or Financial Manager as directed.

BEREAVEMENT VOLUNTEER

• Take direction from Bereavement Coordinator.
  

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Patient Care and Administrative Volunteers shall be responsible to the Executive Director and Volunteer Coordinator for all supervision.  Bereavement Volunteers shall be responsible to the Bereavement Coordinator.  A Volunteer’s work will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.