Direct Patient Care Volunteer Avalon Hospice Libertyville

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Individual will work with Hospice patients and their families to provide support services as indicated by the patient or family needs under the supervision of the Hospice Volunteer Coordinator. These support services include: visiting patients at home, hospital or in a skilled nursing facility, providing companionship and supportive listening, providing respite care for primary caregiver, light housekeeping, running errands, child care, shopping and may provide minimal activities of daily living.

Qualifications:

• Understanding and acceptance of hospice philosophy of care;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Emotional maturity and sensitivity;
• Good listening skills;
• Dependability;
• Ability to communicate effectively;
• 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;
• Up-to-date vaccinations and paperwork in volunteer personnel file; and
• CPR certification

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain regular communication with Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, including submission of documentation/record of interaction(s) at least weekly
• Willingness and ability to perform tasks, when requested and as approved by the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG);
• Maintain regular contact with the patient and family; Visit the patient and family at regular intervals as per the plan of care developed in conjunction with the needs of the patient and family.
• Notify Hospice Volunteer Coordinator/designee when there is any change in the situation that could affect the patient's care, there is a need for substitute volunteer, the volunteer takes a leave of absence or discontinues services, etc.
• Contact hospice staff with any questions or concerns regarding the patient 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 concept 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 results of a PPD test within the last 12 months. If unable to take the PPD test, 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