Hospice Volunteer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Patient Care Volunteer

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Supervised by: Volunteer Coordinator Positions Supervised: N/A

Interrelationships: Patients, family, IDG and other health care team members

JOB SUMMARY:

Serves as a member of the Hospice IDG. Provides respite services to assigned patients and families.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Educational/Degree:  High school graduate or GED, preferred. Training/Licensure: Completes Hospice training program.

Knowledge/Skills/Ability:  Willingness to work as a Hospice team member. Demonstrated knowledge and well developed communication skills.

Experience: Previous experience with volunteering, grief and/or bereavement, preferred.

JOB FACTORS:

Physical Requirements:

Must possess sight/hearing senses or use appropriate adaptive devices that will enable senses to function at a level required to meet the essential duties of the position. Requires considerable physical effort most of the day, including kneeling, squatting, reaching, twisting, climbing, walking, exposure to temperature and humidity changes and maximal assist in lifting and/or transferring of a 100-pound patient.

Mental Requirements:

Must be able to work independently, make judgments based on assessments and data available and act accordingly. Must be flexible, innovative and possess good interpersonal skills. Must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress and demonstrate emotional stability.

Working Conditions:

Be able to tolerate exposure to elements including, but not limited to, odors, blood, body fluids and excrements, adverse environmental conditions and hazardous materials.

Transportation:

Must have a current valid driver’s license, auto liability insurance and reliable transportation.

Job Description – Patient Care Volunteer….continued

Essential Functions:

1. Serves as a member of the IDG as requested.

1. Provides assigned respite services to patient and/or family.

1. Understands and implements appropriate interventions for death and dying.

1. Provides emotional support and compassionate care to the patient and family unit.

1. Communicates at the appropriate level with each patient and family.

1. Documents services provided to each patient and family.

1. Coordinate efforts with Volunteer Coordinator if not able to provide assigned services.

1. Consult with team members for issues relating to the patient/family plan of care.