Visit Patients in Hospice Care

Job Description: Patient Volunteer 

Reports To: Volunteer Coordinator 

Job Summary: Patient care volunteers work directly with Bridge Hospice patients and families to provide support to patients in-home, at the Assisted Living Facility, or in a Board & Care Home.

Helping to care for our patients and families is a critical role played by our volunteers.  These positions are some of the most challenging and rewarding volunteer opportunities at Bridge Hospice. 

Qualifications:

1. Demonstrate Knowledge of the philosophy, mission, and purpose of Hospice.

2. Able to communicate with the terminally ill and their families in a helpful way.

3. Must be able to read and comprehend simple instructions, correspondence, and memos.

4. Able to maintain confidentiality of information and protect the rights of the Hospice patient.

5. Able to listen without imposing one’s own spiritual, religious, social and/or political values and beliefs.

6. Able to work independently and as part of a team.

7. Able to attend scheduled in-services and training.

8. Must have a valid driver’s license and insurance.

Responsibilities and Duties: 

1. Assists the patient/family by providing respite, friendly visits, or essential services i.e.  light housekeeping, etc.
2. Offers emotional support, companionship and supportive listening to patient/family.
3. Serves as an integral member of the Hospice interdisciplinary team.
4. Assist team and provides input to the plan of care as appropriate.
5. Documents volunteer time and patient visit activity in an accurate, timely and objective manner.
6. Maintains open communication, reporting regularly to the volunteer coordinator.
7. Participates in bereavement follow-up with families, as appropriate.
8. Maintains confidentiality at all times.
9. Adheres to Bridge Hospice policies and procedures.
10. Completes the mandatory annual education.
11. Meets all health requirements set by Bridge Hospice.
12. Participates in volunteer support and educational in-services.
13. Assists in training new volunteers as appropriate.