19 Dec Hospice Volunteer Job Description

Brattleboro Area Hospice
Volunteer Job Description *

TITLE: HOSPICE VOLUNTEER

ACCOUNTABILITY: Reports to the BAH Volunteer/Program Coordinator(s)
SUMMARY: Available to support the work of BAH, VNH, and Bayada
Hospices with direct services for clients and their families.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Is familiar with and able to adhere to the Personnel Policies and Procedures of BAH.
2. Provides emotional, physical and psychosocial support to clients and families.
3. Provides companionship for clients and respite for caregiver(s).
4. Provides helpful services such as reading, letter writing, answering
telephone/door, running errands, some light housekeeping (dishes, laundry), occasional meal preparation and seasonal chores.
5. Assists client with eating and other tasks when this has been established as an acceptable and safe part of the care plan.
6. Is alert for special requests and interests and identifies ways to expand the scope of services and helps to implement them when deemed appropriate.
7. Does not provide any medical care, including CPR, or dispense medications.
8. Does not assist with financial matters such as bill paying or checkbook balancing.
9. Documents and reports to BAH office all time spent in hospice volunteer activity.
10. Meets with Volunteer Coordinator and volunteer team upon request for education and support.
11. May provide follow-up support to bereaved person(s) or families as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education BAH Hospice Volunteer Training
Experience No requirement
Skills/Abilities
1. Commitment to hospice philosophy, BAH mission, values and practices and
motivated to work with them.
2. Available at least 2 to 4 hours per week for volunteer service.
3. Exhibits a healthy adjustment to the issues and experience of dying, death, and
bereavement, and is well along in the resolution of personal losses.
4. Able to listen.
5. Demonstrates flexibility, empathy, and a sense of humor.
6. Tolerant and respectful of cultural and religious differences.
7. Sensitive to the needs and wishes of others.
8. Able to maintain confidentiality.
9. Able to work individually and as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
10. Meets essential requirements for volunteer service as described in the VNH
Paperwork.
11. Is willing to participate in at least one continuing education in-service each year.