Non-Medical Volunteer

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POSITION SUMMARY:
The non-medical volunteer is a hospice trained individual from a professional or non-professional background who provides non-medical support services to patients and families, to the professional hospice staff, and to the organization. Volunteers embody the essence of hospice philosophy, and are essential to the successful operation of the hospice program. Volunteers may choose the area in which they prefer to function and the hours they are willing to donate. All duties and responsibilities of volunteers require professionalism, sound judgment, and effective
communication skills.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Patient Care Volunteers
* Provide visits to support patients and families as outlined in the Plan of Care,
including companionship, caregiver relief, running errands and other duties as
assigned.
* Provide Angel/11th hour support to patient and/or families as outlined in the Plan of Care, sitting bedside with actively dying patients

Administrative Volunteers
* Provide assistance in the hospice office or with hospice activities

Bereavement Volunteers
* Provide support to bereavement clients under the direction of the Bereavement Coordinator and the Volunteer Coordinator

All Volunteers
* Submit documentation of all contacts with patients/families, or of any volunteer activity, in a timely manner to the Volunteer Coordinator.
* Participates in the in-service programs to keep informed about current information pertinent to the volunteer.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
* Understanding and acceptance of hospice philosophy.
* Ability to support dying patients and their families utilizing skills learned in volunteer orientation.
* Maintain confidentiality of patient/family interactions and information
* Ability to follow through on patient care assignments in a reliable and dependable manner.
* Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally.

PROFESSIONAL, CERTIFIED AND/OR COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers who are professionally licensed, hold certification, or have skills related to
complementary therapies may provide services to patients with the permission of the IDT and
according to the Plan of Care.
* Must provide a current license, certification, or proof of training and experience
* Minimum of one year of experience
* Ability to complete the requested task
* Ability to maintain infection control requirements
* Must be at least 18 years of age
* Successfully complete all other NMV requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / ACTIONS:
* Completion of application and interview.
* Successful completion of background check and other state specific background requirements.
* Completion of TB test surveillance and or physician verification documenting free of TB.
* Completion of Hepatitis B form and Hepatitis B vaccine series, if accepted.
* Reliable transportation
* Completion of hospice volunteer orientation program.
* Completion of all paperwork necessary for volunteer personnel file.