Veteran-to-Veteran Comfort and Companionship Volunteer (Hospice)

Honoring those who served by serving them now.

• Are you a veteran who feels called to serve those who once served our nation as you did?
• Could you offer companionship to a veteran who would value someone who understands respect, service, and shared stories?
• Would you like to help create moments of dignity and connection for fellow veterans in their final chapter?

Veteran-to-Veteran Comfort and Companionship Volunteers (Direct Care Volunteers) who serve veteran patients offer meaningful companionship, connection, and support to those who have served our country as they navigate the challenges of serious illness and end‑of‑life care. Whether sharing conversation, reading together, assisting with light tasks, or providing respite for veteran caregivers, these volunteers help create moments of dignity, comfort, and recognition. Guided by an individualized care plan and working closely with hospice staff, volunteers bring compassion, reliability, and emotional maturity to every visit while honoring each veteran’s unique experiences, respecting family beliefs, and participating in ongoing training to ensure high‑quality, veteran‑centered care.

As part of our We Honor Veterans program, veteran‑to‑veteran volunteers play a vital role in recognizing the service and sacrifice of those in their final chapter through both pinning ceremonies and the Final Salute. Pinning ceremonies offer a heartfelt moment of recognition, allowing veterans to honor one another with shared understanding and deep respect. After a veteran patient has passed, the Final Salute becomes a powerful gesture of gratitude—veterans standing together to honor a fellow servicemember’s life, legacy, and duty. Through these traditions, volunteers ensure that every veteran receives the dignity, acknowledgment, and brotherhood they have earned, even in their final moments and beyond.

See below for full position description.

Opportunities in the following counties:

Sioux, Lyon, Osceola, O'Brien, Clay, Dickinson, Palo Alto, Emmet, Kossuth

This volunteer opportunity is flexible to your own schedule, availability, and level of comfort. No level of commitment is too small.

TITLE

Direct Care Volunteer

REPORTS TO

Volunteer Coordinator (VC)/ Manager of Volunteer Services (MVS)

DESCRIPTION

The Direct Care Volunteer serves as an additional support to patients and families dealing with a terminal

illness and end-of-life issues. Support is provided in a variety of ways, including the provision of

companionship and socialization to patients, or offering respite to stressed caregivers. Direct Care

Volunteers may also make tuck in calls to patients and families. All care provided by the Direct Care

Volunteer is outlined in the Volunteer Care Plan and agreed upon by the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).

QUALIFICATIONS

The Direct Care Volunteer must possess the ability to actively listen and communicate compassionately with

patients, families, and caregivers at the end-of-life. He/she has the ability to work as a team with family

members and hospice staff. He/she must have the ability to respect patient/family belief systems, emotional

maturity and sensitivity. Must be dependable and have access to reliable transportation. He/ she must have

an understanding of Hospice philosophy and goals, and be willing to participate in peer support/ continuing

education meetings on a regular basis. Additionally, he/ she must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Provide the following paperwork:
   1. Completed Volunteer Application
   2. 2 References
   3. Signed Code of Conduct Attestation Statement
   4. Signed Permission for Background Check
   5. Signed Permission for Drug Screen
   6. Completed New Hire Communicable Disease/Tuberculosis/Health Screening Questionnaire form and additional state requirements, as required
   7. Tuberculin Test Administration Form (unless exempt from TB testing)
   8. Completed Hepatitis B Form
      1. NOTE: * TB skin test and Hepatitis B forms are not required for volunteers only performing tuck-in calls
3. Have satisfactory references from employers and/ or professional peers
4. Have a satisfactory criminal background check (as required by state)
5. Successfully complete the Direct Care Volunteer orientation
6. Veteran Volunteers must successfully complete additional orientation specific to this role. Other specialty volunteers, such as Bereavement Support, Pet Therapy, Reiki and Vigil Volunteers must also meet requirements as indicated in those Job Descriptions.

RESPONSBILITIES

1. Provide support to patients and families by performing essential duties such as reading to patients, playing games, writing letters on behalf of patients, assisting with plant or pet care, meal preparation, companionship or support with light household chores as needed
2. Provide support to patients and families through tuck-in call processes, completes necessary forms and communicates needs/concerns to Volunteer Coordinator (VC)/ Manager of Volunteer Services (MVS) and/or IDG team.
3. May attend funeral or visit the family/ caregivers after the death of the patient
4. Participate in Volunteer support or peer groups and/ or training with other Volunteers
5. Provide availability on a regular basis and/ or keeping with the assigned patient, family and caregiver needs as outlined and defined in the Volunteer Care Plan
6. Maintain regular communication with the Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer Services about the needs of the patient, family and caregiver. Report any concerns, problems, or sudden changes in patient, family and caregiver status to the Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer Services immediately
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 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 Documentation Form to the Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer Services within a timely manner, i.e. 24-48 hours
9. Notify Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer Services if there is a change in situation that could affect patient care, a change in status, leave of absence or need for substitute volunteer.
10. Maintain patient, family and caregiver confidentiality and abide by federal regulations related to privacy practices, e.g. HIPAA
11. Assure for compliance with local, state, and federal laws, Medicare regulations, and established personnel policies and procedures
12. Meet or exceed delivery of Company Service Standards and operate under the company’s Code of Conduct
13. Be evaluated annually based on competency and performance
14. Participate in continuing education and training, including mandatory annual in-services (HIPAA, Tuberculosis, Emergency Preparedness, etc.)