Bereavement Support with SouthernCare Hospice

REPORTS TO

Reports to the Volunteer Coordinator (VC)/ Manager of Volunteer Services (MVS) and receives direct oversight of duties and assignments from the Bereavement Coordinator (or designee).

DESCRIPTION

The Bereavement Support Volunteer serves as an additional support to the bereavement program, which provides services to grieving families and caregivers during the 13-month period following the death of the hospice patient. Support by the volunteer may be provided in a variety of ways, including assisting with administrative tasks (such as standard mailings) or facilitating/assisting with a Bereavement Support Group and/or assisting with the Annual Memorial Service. If used in a "counselor" role, the volunteer must have documentation of qualifications/education/experience to provide bereavement support/counseling (for example, counseling provided to the bereaved during support groups or memorial services). All support provided by the Bereavement Volunteer is under the direct supervision of the Bereavement Coordinator (or designee). All assignments provided to the Bereavement Support Volunteer must be pre-approved and assigned by the Bereavement Coordinator (or designee).

NOTE: any contact made to the bereaved as part of the Bereavement Care Plan (scheduled in person or telephone visits) must be completed by the Bereavement Coordinator (or employee designee).

QUALIFICATIONS

The Bereavement Support Volunteer must possess the ability to actively listen and communicate compassionately with grieving families and caregivers. He/she must maintain open communication with the Bereavement Coordinator (or designee) and report any area of concern when interacting with the bereaved.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide bereavement support to families and caregivers as determined by the Bereavement Care Plan under the supervision of the Bereavement Coordinator (or designee)
2. Assist with preparing materials for Bereavement Support groups and/ or other meetings
3. May attend funeral or memorial celebrations to support family and caregivers
4. Participate in Volunteer support or peer groups and/ or training with other Volunteers
5. Maintain regular communication with the Bereavement Coordinator (or designee) regarding bereavement assignments while also maintaining contact and reporting volunteer time to the Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer Services as required
6. Report any concerns, problems, or sudden changes in bereaved status to the Bereavement Coordinator/designee immediately and if he/she is not available, to the Volunteer Coordinator/Manager of Volunteer Services.
7. Perform duties within the established Bereavement 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 Bereavement Support Volunteer or are within the domain of other persons, e.g. family, caregiver, hospice personnel, facility staff or Bereavement Coordinator/designee.
8. Document and record hours of service and return to the Bereavement Coordinator (or designee) and Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer Services within a timely manner.
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 jointly by the Bereavement Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer Services
13. Participate in continuing education and training, including mandatory annual in-services (HIPAA, Infection Control/Tuberculosis, Emergency Preparedness, etc.)