Volunteers needed at Beth Israel Hospital (Must be 55+)

Become an AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteer (Must be 55+) and serve with Beth Israel Hospital.

JOB SUMMARY:

This is a highly visible position in the Shapiro Center. The volunteer Concierge Representative greets all patients and families. They check in families, friends, etc. and maintain communication between families, physicians and recovery room staff.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

1. Ability to implement the Core Values of BIDMC
2. Ability to follow a policy of strict confidentiality
3. Patients are often apprehensive and frightened. Consistent with Beth Israel Deaconess’ commitment to patient rights, we expect that all patients and family members be treated with respect and in a warm, friendly manner
4. Excellent people skills and ability to support families and patients in stressful situations
5. Neat, professional appearance required
6. Familiarity with the medical center and the Boston area is helpful
7. Computer familiarity is preferred – volunteers look up patient information in the surgical dashboard in order to determine patient progress (pre-op; surgery; recovery; discharge) in order to communicate this to the family.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Maintain communication with the recovery room and provide significant other with up-to-date information as to patient’s status. Remember, no medical information is to be given by the volunteer. The volunteer’s role is to maintain the line of communication between medical staff and waiting family members
2. Provide medical center visitors with current information appropriate to their needs (e.g. hotel information, car rentals, museum exhibits, restaurants, etc.)
3. This position is a very people-oriented. Individuals are likely to be anxious, frightened, and nervous; patience, understanding, compassion and the ability to get to the real source of the problem and/or concern will be your most valuable skills.
4. Provide appropriate directions around the medical center and to activities in the Boston area. A medical center reference manual is available and recreational information will be accessible via computer
5. Knowledge of ambulatory surgery, operating room, recovery room practices is necessary to alleviate anxieties and fears by providing concise information regarding a patient’s whereabouts, reasons for delays, etc.
6. A family’s right to privacy is guaranteed. If an individual you know is here for a procedure, consider whether you should help them through the day or if they may prefer a referral to another reception representative. This can be a difficult situation. We encourage you to discuss any possible conflicts with the director.