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.

Requirements

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