Volunteers Needed - Bon Secours by Compassus

Position Summary

The Volunteer is responsible for modeling the 5 Company values of Compassion, Integrity, and Excellence, Teamwork, and Innovation. Our mission is to advance well-being and honor quality of life and our vision is to transform lives as the most valued partner for person-centered care delivered where people live.Our vision is to transform lives as the most valued partner for person-centered care delivered where people live.

Volunteer Training

All volunteers receive free training at a local office. In the volunteer orientation, you will learn about the following:

• The goals and philosophy of hospice care
• The physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of death and dying
• Listening and communication skills
• Patient and family rights
• Professional boundaries
• Family relationships
• Grief and loss
• Spiritual and cultural diversity
• Patient confidentiality

Time Commitment

After completing training, you can determine the time you are able to commit to service. Whether you give two hours a month or six hours a week, all efforts are appreciated and needed. Compassus will work around your schedule.

The Qualities of an Effective Hospice Volunteer

Hospice volunteers should have a compassionate and kind attitude toward their patients. They should strive to provide comfort and support for both the patient and their family members. They should be reliable, punctual, and prepared for the tasks assigned to them. Good communication skills are essential in this role. Hospice volunteers should have a good understanding of hospice services, as well as, the hospice philosophy of care, taught during training. Finally, hospice volunteers should be non-judgmental and respectful towards patients and their families.

Additional qualities include:

• Good listener
• Dependable
• Patient
• Flexible
• Empathetic and open
• Willing to serve, whether directly with families or behind the scenes

By having these qualities, you can provide quality care to those in need of hospice services, as well as, support for their families. Their presence can be a great source of comfort and help to both the patient and family members during this difficult time.

Position Specific Responsibilities

• Administrative Volunteers: Provide assistance in the hospice office or with hospice activities.
• Bereavement Volunteers: Provide support to bereavement clients under the direction of the Bereavement Coordinator and the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Patient Care Volunteers: Provide visits to support patients and families as outlined in the Plan of Care, including companionship, caregiver relief, running errands and other duties as assigned; Provide Angel/11th hour support to patient and/or families as outlined in the Plan of Care, sitting bedside with actively dying patients.
• All Volunteers: Submit documentation of all contacts with patients/families, or of any volunteer activity, in a timely manner to the Volunteer Coordinator; Participate in the in-service programs to keep informed about current information pertinent to the volunteer.

Education and/or Experience

• Professional, Certified and/or Complementary Therapies Volunteers: Must provide a current license, certification, or proof of training and experience; Minimum of one year of experience; Ability to maintain infection control requirements; Must be at least 18 years of age.

Skills

• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage.
• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from leaders, colleagues, investors, and external parties. Strong written and verbal communications.
• Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English. Articulates and embraces hospice philosophy. Ability to support dying patients and their families utilizing skills learned in volunteer orientation. Maintain confidentiality of patient/family interactions and information. Ability to follow through on patient care assignments in a reliable and dependable manner.

Providing compassionate care and clinical excellence

The people that make up Hospice Compassus are dedicated to compassionate care, clinical excellence, and providing comfort and support to patients and their families with end-of-life issues. This includes our volunteers. We focus on enhancing the quality of life remaining and use effective symptom control and care that focuses on the whole individual - addressing physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.

At Hospice Compassus, we believe that every life is unique and deserves a meaningful and personal final journey. Perhaps you've experienced the services of hospice in your family, or are looking for a meaningful way to volunteer your time. If you believe that giving your time can enhance the lives of others, we would like you to explore volunteer opportunities with Hospice Compassus.

Hospice Compassus is patient first, always.