Hospice of Southern Maine - Direct Care Volunteer

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Hospice of Southern Maine

Position Title: Direct Care Visitor- Volunteer

Hospice of Southern Maine’s mission is to provide compassion, care, and comfort through end of life. Formed through a collaborative effort among York and Cumberland County leaders and health care providers, Hospice of Southern Maine (HSM) organized in 2001 and began providing direct patient services in 2004. Today, HSM cares for more than 1,600 patients annually, at the patient's home, current care facility, and Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, an 18-bed inpatient facility in Scarborough. HSM admits patients with a variety of diagnoses, including Alzheimer's; heart, lung, and kidney diseases; stroke; Lou Gehrig's disease; and cancer. Care is patient-centered with family support and provided by a comprehensive interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, aides, chaplains, grief counselors, and volunteers. Hospice of Southern Maine is a non-profit 501(c)3.

Primary Location: Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Assisted Living Facility, or patient’s home

Position Summary: A Direct Care Volunteer serves as a companion for physical and emotional support, helping harmoniously within a given family structure.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Completes HSM training program and on job training.
• Screening Criteria:
  • Application & 2 personal references
  • Must obtain CDC required immunizations.
  • Successful completion of criminal background check.
  • Complete drug screen.
  • Current driver’s license, proof of insurance and own transportation.
  • Have no significant personal loss within previous year.
  • Must be 21 years of age.

Reports To:

Manager, Volunteer Services and/or Volunteer Coordinator

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides companionship and emotional support for patients, caregivers and families.
• Providing respite care to allow caregivers time to themselves.
• Assisting with errands.
• Helping with light household chores or light meal prep.
• Providing bedside companionship for patients alone in their final hours. Complete volunteer log of hours and activities.
• Communicate with HSM staff about activities, questions, and concerns.

Required Skills, Ability and Knowledge:

• Excellent listening skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to complete assigned tasks within designated time frame
• Reliable
• High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Ability to stay calm, compassionate, and effective during times of stress, such as when interacting with confused or distressed individuals/families.