Job description
We are looking for dedicated volunteers to support our Hospice Program.
BASIC PURPOSE
According to prescribed policies and procedures of the organization including all applicable state, federal and accreditation regulations and under the general supervision of the Coordinator of Volunteers, is responsible for providing non-reimbursed services and functions as a member of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) by providing specialized care to the terminally ill patients under the care of the agency with focus on comfort, supportive care and enhancement of the quality of life.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Patient Care
- Companionship: The most important service that the Volunteer can provide to both the patient and his/her family. The Volunteer’s visit provides an opportunity for social contact and a break from routine for the family.
- Vigil Support: Provide emotional support to the patient and his/her family when death is imminent. The Volunteer does not provide hands-on care or offer advice, but he/she does offer comfort, support, companionship, information and guidance. The Volunteer’s role is to be a calming, peaceful presence for the patient and family. Vigil Volunteers may come in hours or days before death. They provide the support and physical presence that patients and families need. The needs and desires of dying patients and their loved ones differ so the Volunteer tailors his/her approach to fit each family’s unique wants and needs. The vigil process may include any or all of the following:
- being a calm presence
- sitting with the patient and family
- sitting at the bedside, being open to conversation, listening and allowing the person to share his/her thoughts and feelings
- shared silence
- reading an inspirational text or scripture per the patient’s and/or family’s request
- requested rituals
- providing inspirational music
- lighting candles
- Transportation: Driving patient or family member for doctor’s visits or for family needs, such as shopping and attendance at religious services, etc.
- Respite Care: Remaining with the patient during a brief absence of the family member who is primarily responsible for the patient.
- Basic Nursing Care: Assist the patient with ambulation, feeding for patient who resides in his/her own home, assist with toileting, etc.
- Homemaking Chores: Assist with cooking, light housekeeping, laundry, bed making, etc.
- Babysitting: For the family’s children.
- Follow-up: Maintaining contact with the family by telephone. This extra attention may be necessary at times of special stress to just be a listening ear and provide some extra emotional support.
Data Collection/Documentation
- Completes documentation of all activities and services performed and the number of hours of service using the appropriate Volunteer documentation form and in accordance with the Volunteer documentation policy.
- Documentation reflects the actual support and services provided to the patient and family.
- Completes and submits documentation in a timely manner.
Professionalism
- Appropriately utilizes supervision of the Coordinator of Volunteers.
- Utilizes the guidance of other Hospice team members, primarily the Coordinator of Volunteers as well as the other Hospice team members who are providing care in the patient’s home such as the Social Worker, Nurse or Spiritual Counselor.
- Requests direction on decision making for questions/problems outside the scope of his/her assigned role by contacting the Coordinator of Volunteers or other member of the Hospice team.
- Contacts the Coordinator of Volunteers or other appropriate staff members with issues of concern or needs, and reports all emergencies immediately to supervisor and/or other appropriate team member(s).
- Maintains confidentiality of patient and agency information.
Secondary Duties
- Implements any other duties as may be assigned by the Coordinator of Volunteers.
- Attendance at minimum of one (1) continuing education program per year offered by the agency.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (See Attached Physical Requirements Form)
- Visual/hearing ability sufficient to comprehend written, verbal communication comprehension and interpersonal skills.
- Must have sufficient ability to ambulate throughout a patient’s home, navigating stairs and other physical barriers typical to private residences.
- Be able to deal effectively with stress.
- Must have the ability to perform needed functions.
- Must have the mental and physical health necessary to meet the demands of the position.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Completes a Hospice Volunteer application, screening requirements, which includes but is not limited to, criminal background and national sex offender checks, and any supporting documentation, which is maintained in the volunteer personnel file.
- High school diploma or GED preferred
- Demonstrates an understanding of hospice philosophy, principles of death/dying.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation that is insured in accordance with Pennsylvania state requirements, if applicable.
- Successful completion of the Hospice Patient/Family Support Volunteer Orientation/ Training Program. The orientation will include instruction or training on the following:
- His/her duties, responsibilities and the person to whom he/she report.
- The person to contact should they need assistance and instruction regarding performance of their duties and responsibilities.
- Hospice goals, services and philosophy.
- Confidentiality and protection of the patient and family’s rights.
- Family dynamics, coping mechanisms and psychological issues surrounding terminal illness, death and bereavement.
- Procedures to be followed in an emergency or following the death of the patient.
- Guidance related specifically to individual responsibilities.
- Procedures for responding to medical emergencies.
- Safety policies and procedures.
- General communication skills.
Helping Hands Home Care Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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