Bereavement Volunteer Avalon Hospice Libertyville

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Individuals will provide support to grieving families throughout the year following the death of a patient under the supervision of the Hospice Bereavement Coordinator and the Volunteer Coordinator.

Qualifications:

• Understanding and acceptance of hospice philosophy of care;
• Must have additional training and/or work experience in counseling or duties assigned;
• Emotional maturity and sensitivity;
• Good listening skills;
• Dependability;
• Ability to communicate effectively via telephone;
• Ability to work as a team with family members and Hospice staff;
• Ability to respect patient and family belief systems;
• Access to dependable and readily available transportation;
• Successful completion of the Hospice Volunteer Training program;
• Successful completion of the Bereavement training with the Bereavement Coordinator (related to assigned duties); and
• Up-to-date vaccinations and paperwork in volunteer personnel file.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain regular communication with Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, including submission of volunteer forms to Hospice Volunteer Coordinator by the end of the month.
• Maintain regular communication with Hospice Bereavement Coordinator.
• Support the family by making regular phone contact, at least monthly.
• Notify Hospice Volunteer Coordinator when there is any change in situation that could affect the service plan, there is a need for substitute volunteer, the volunteer takes a leave of absence or discontinues services, etc.
• Contact Hospice Bereavement Coordinator with any questions or concerns regarding family status.

Time requirements:
Volunteers can give as much or as little time as their schedules allow. There is not a set number of hours required. As patient/family needs differ so do volunteer hours. Whether you have a few minutes or several hours to give, this is a great program for you as it can be flexible. Volunteers are expected to participate in at least (12) hours of Education per year.

Other requirements:

• Be receptive to all aspects of the hospice concepts as outlined in the Curo Mission Statement.
• Complete a Volunteer Application, to include two personal or professional references.
• Complete a Certiphi application authorizing the hospice to request a background check.
• Urine drug screen required.
• Recognize the necessity of commitment and confidentiality and sign a statement verifying agreement with this policy.
• Two step PPD required at time of orientation. Must receive an annual PPD test to screen for Tuberculosis, which is provided at no cost to the volunteer OR submit verification of the result s of a PPD test within the last 12 months. If unable to take the PPD, must complete TB screening tool for symptom identification.
• Sign a consent/declination for the Hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccination (consisting of a series of 3 shots) is available at no cost to the volunteer if he/she chooses to receive it.
• Be of good physical and emotional health.
• Have reliable transportation.
• Complete Hospice Volunteer training.