Hospice Volunteer - Pet Therapy

Description

The Pet Therapy Volunteer serves as an additional support to patients, families and caregivers by making friendly visits with his/her certified therapy animal. Visits may occur in the patient's home of in a professional care setting (subject to the rules of the facility). Both the volunteer and the certified therapy animal provide comfort, companionship and a welcome distraction from the illness. All care provided by the Pet Therapy Volunteer is outlines in the Volunteer Care Plan and agreed upon by the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).

Qualifications

The majority of animals serving in this capacity will be a dog. The dog must be certified/registered by an American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized therapy dog organization. Other certified/registered therapy animals will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. All required vaccinations must be up to date and copies of the vaccinations/medical evaluation must be maintained in the Volunteer's Personnel File; required vaccines include Rabies and Distemper. A copy of the current certification/registration in addition to the liability insurance coverage, must also be maintained.

Responsibilities

1. Provide comfort and support, in conjunction with therapy animal, to assigned patients and families in accordance with the Volunteer Care Plan
2. Provide animal therapy visits to all patients and families in all care settings (based on facility guidelines and policies)
3. Participate in volunteer support or peer groups and/or training with other volunteers
4. Provide availability on a regular basis and/or keeping with the assigned family and caregiver needs as outlined and defined in the Volunteer Care Plan
5. Maintain regular communication with the Volunteer Coordinator
6. Report any concerns, problems, or sudden changes in patient, family and caregiver status to the Volunteer Coordinator (or appropriate personnel)
7. Perform duties within the established Volunteer Care Plan and function within authorized activities according to the individual's ability, knowledge, and training. Does not assume tasks or decisions which are outside the scope of the Animal Therapy Volunteer or are within the domain of other persons, e.g. family, caregiver, hospice personnel or facility staff
8. Document and record hours of service and return Volunteer Visit Note to the Volunteer Coordinator within a timely manner, i.e. 24-48 hours.
9. Maintain family and caregiver confidentiality and abide by federal regulations related to privacy practices, e.g. HIPAA
10. Assure for compliance with local, state, and federal laws, Medicare regulations, and established personnel policies and procedures
11. Meet or exceed delivery of Company Service Standards and operate under the company's Code of Conduct
12. Be evaluated annually based on competency and performance by the Volunteer Coordinator
13. Participate in continual education and training, including mandatory annual in-services (HIPAA, Tuberculosis, Emergency Preparedness, etc.)

Reports To

Volunteer Coordinator but may receive oversight of duties and assignments from another member of the IDG.