Hospice Volunteer

Occupational Summary 

Under the direction of the Hospice Division, the volunteer will provide for the hospice patient’s social, emotional, vocational, spiritual and cognitive needs through direct and/or indirect services according to his/her experiences and training, in compliance with First Choice Home Health & Hospice policies. This position is not compensated for services performed. 

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Within the limits of authorized inter-company and community policies, procedures, programs and budgets, this position has responsibility for and/or will perform the following: 
• Serves as an integral member of the Hospice team amid various settings as assigned.  
• Provides pertinent input to Hospice division and Interdisciplinary Team regarding changes and modifications in the patient interactions plan of care that will assist in overall program and services improvements. 
• Documents hours and services as instructed and maintains confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA. 
• Assists family/caregiver in the home performing activities that the volunteer has been prepared for and has agreed to perform.  
• Provides availability on a regular basis and/or in keeping with the patient and family/caregiver needs. (Minimum 1 hour per week) 
• Participates educational in-services as needed.   
• Maintains open communications and reports regularly to the Hospice division and/or social worker. 
• Interacts with hospice patients in a manner compliant with their rights at all times. 
• At direction of hospice division, implements special projects to address the needs of hospice patients/family/caregivers. 
• Performs other related duties incidental to the volunteer work described herein. 

Physical Requirements 

• Demonstrated ability to perform the following:   
• Sit, stand, bend, lift and move intermittently during scheduled volunteer hours – up to eight hours a day 
• Assist patients in wheelchairs and provide direction as needed 
• Arrange own means of transportation Drive as required 
• Work in patient homes, facilities, and in office area 
• Lift, push, pull and move medical supplies, equipment, etc.  

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE 

• No specific requirement for education 
• Volunteer experience working in a health care or long-term care setting and working with seniors are a plus 
• Successful completion of Hospice Volunteer training and orientation prior to assuming responsibilities or willing to participate in First Choice’s Hospice Volunteer training program 

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS 

• Mature individual supportive of the Hospice concept and willing to serve others in a volunteer capacity. 
• Ability to work within an interdisciplinary group and/or independently  

RELATIONSHIPS 

• Reports to: Hospice Division