Hospice Bereavement Support Volunteer (Bereavement Volunteer)

DESCRIPTION

The Bereavement Support Volunteer serves as an additional support to the bereavement program, which provides services to grieving families and caregivers during the 13-month period following the death of the hospice patient. Support by the volunteer may be provided in a variety of ways, including assisting with administrative tasks (such as standard mailings) or facilitating/assisting with a Bereavement Support Group and/or assisting with the Annual Memorial Service. If used in a “counselor” role, the volunteer must have documentation of qualifications/education/experience to provide bereavement support/counseling (for example, counseling provided to the bereaved during support groups or memorial services). All support provided by the Bereavement Volunteer is under the direct supervision of the Bereavement Coordinator (or designee). All assignments provided to the Bereavement Support Volunteer must be pre-approved and assigned by the Bereavement Coordinator (or designee).

NOTE: any contact made to the bereaved as part of the Bereavement Care Plan (scheduled in person or telephone visits) must be completed by the Bereavement Coordinator (or employee designee).

QUALIFICATIONS

The Bereavement Support Volunteer must possess the ability to actively listen and communicate compassionately with grieving families and caregivers. He/she must maintain open communication with the Bereavement Coordinator (or designee) and report any area of concern when interacting with the bereaved. He/she must have attention to detail and the ability to follow directions.