Bereavement Volunteer Callers/Companions (South Bend, IN)

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Bereavement Volunteer Callers/Companions are responsible for placing bereavement calls and/or companion visits to the surviving family members of patients who have died. They provide grief support and information to the families and may assess level of need. Volunteers will screen family members through calls and/or visits to identify family members needing additional support from the Elara Caring Bereavement Staff.

Basic Qualifications:

• Has completed orientation and training, and has spent some time working with clients.
• Has completed interview and orientation with Bereavement Coordinator.
• Has realistic goals for his/her involvement in the hospice program.
• Has evidenced his/her goals are compatible with the goals and needs of the hospice program.
• Gives evidence of commitment to the hospice program.
• Attends mandatory educational in-services.
• Verbalizes willingness to work as a member of a team.
• Respects client/family belief systems.
• Agrees to follow rules of confidentiality.
• Is reliable and punctual.
• Is willing to work closely with Bereavement Coordinator and receive constructive feedback to continually improve skill base.

• Makes a time commitment of 2-4 hours each month for no less than six months.
• Maintains open communication with Bereavement Coordinator.
• Uses listening skills effectively to provide emotional support to the patient or family members.
• Maintains appropriate boundaries and forwards moderate and high-risk issues to the Bereavement Coordinator.
• Records thorough, same day documentation on a bereavement volunteer activity record and turns this paperwork in on a timely fashion.