VNA, Western PA Hospice Volunteer Opportunity

Hospice volunteers are an essential part of the VNA Hospice care team. They provide comfort, companionship, and support to patients and families during one of life’s most meaningful transitions. Volunteers help ensure that no one faces the end of life alone, bringing compassion, presence, and understanding to those we serve.

Key Responsibilities

Patient & Family Support:

• Visit patients in their homes, nursing facilities, or assisted living communities.
• Offer companionship through conversation, reading, music, or simply being present.
• Provide respite for caregivers so they can rest or attend to personal needs.
• Assist with light household tasks, letter writing, or running small errands (as appropriate).
• Offer comfort and emotional support to family members.

Administrative & Program Support (Non-Patient Contact):

• Assist with office projects, mailings, and data entry.
• Help plan or support bereavement mailings, events, and remembrance ceremonies.
• Participate in community outreach or fundraising efforts.
• Support staff during volunteer appreciation events and special hospice programs.

Qualifications

• Compassionate, caring, and dependable.
• Good listening and communication skills.
• Ability to respect patient and family privacy and maintain confidentiality.
• Emotionally mature and able to handle sensitive end-of-life issues.
• Must complete required hospice volunteer training and background checks.
• Minimum age: 18 years (some roles may accept high school volunteers with supervision).

Training & Support

All volunteers complete a structured orientation and training program that includes:

• Understanding hospice philosophy and the interdisciplinary team.
• Communication and active listening skills.
• Boundaries and confidentiality.
• Grief, loss, and bereavement support.
• Safety and infection control practices.

Volunteers receive ongoing support, education, and supervision from the Volunteer Coordinator and hospice team.