Hospice Social Worker and Volunteer Coordinator

The Hospice Social Services will provide emotional support and assistance to patients, families and caregivers facing end-of-life challenges. Helping them to navigate the complexities of hospice care and available resources with the utmost sensitivity and compassion. As a Volunteer Coordinator you will manage and support our volunteer program by recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers.

Schedule: Full-Time, M - F 9am - 5pm

Social Worker Primary Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’ social, emotional, and environmental needs to develop tailored care plans. 
• Provide counseling and emotional support to patients, families, and caregivers coping with terminal illness, grief, and loss.  
• Assist patients and families in accessing community resources, including financial assistance, transportation, and support services. 
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to integrate social services into the overall care plan, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care. 
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers about available hospice services, support groups, and coping strategies. 
• Advocate for patients’ rights and needs within the healthcare system and community. 
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation for assessments, interventions and patient progress in accordance with agency polices and regulatory standards. 
• Participate in team meetings to discuss patient cases and contribute to care planning. 
• Stay informed about community resources, regulations, and trends in home health and social services. 
• Adhere to all safety protocols and infection control measures. 
• Adhere to infection control and safety procedures to protect patients and staff. 
• Perform all other duties assigned.

Volunteer Coordinator Primary Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Develop, implement, and manage the hospice volunteer program, ensuring it aligns with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Recruit, screen, and interview potential volunteers, assessing their skills and interests to match them with appropriate roles.
• Provide comprehensive training and orientation for new volunteers, covering hospice philosophy, patient care, and organizational policies.
• Supervise and support volunteers in their roles, providing ongoing education and resources as needed.
• Coordinate volunteer assignments and schedules, ensuring adequate coverage for patient support and special events.
• Foster a positive and engaging environment for volunteers, promoting teamwork and recognition of their contributions.
• Develop and maintain volunteer policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the volunteer program and make recommendations for improvements.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to identify patient and family needs that can be met through volunteer support.
• Organize volunteer appreciation events and recognize the contributions of volunteers to the hospice team.
• Perform any other duties as requested by management. 

Job Qualifications: 

• Bachelors’ degree in Social Work or related field.
• Current NV MSW license.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in social services, preferably in hospice or palliative care settings.
• Strong understanding of community resources and social service programs. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability interact effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. 
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to build rapport with patients through a compassionate and caring demeanor.
• Previous experience in volunteer management or a healthcare setting is highly desirable. 
• Strong interpersonal, communication and counseling skills. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse individuals and teams. 
• Ability to build rapport with families and caregivers through a compassionate and caring demeanor.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and transfer patients, or medical equipment with or without assistance, up to 50lbs only when needed to assist clinical staff.  
• Capability to perform physical tasks such as bending, standing, walking, and climbing stairs for extended periods. 
• May need to carry boxes or other office documentation supporting volunteer program. 
• Strength to handle medical equipment and assist patients with mobility and physical activities. 
• Visual acuity and dexterity for performing tasks such as reading medical records, administering injections, and handling medical instruments. 
• Ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to emergency situations.
• Capacity to work in various home environments which may include navigating stairs, tight spaces, or uneven surfaces. 
• Maintain regular attendance and timeliness as set forth within the work schedule designated by the department supervisor/manager.
• Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. 
• The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.