Position Description: If you enjoy interacting with people and supporting them along their healthcare journey - this is the volunteer opportunity for you. Many volunteer opportunities available, a sampling of those is listed below. Volunteer a few hours a week or a couple hours a month, flexible scheduling is available. No experience or medical background necessary; training is provided at no cost and available at different dates and locations.

Patient and Family Support - Provide support to patients and their families though companionship, errand running, respite, transportation and other special activities. Volunteers can choose to visit patients in their home, assisted living or nursing home facility or in-patient care centers.

Bereavement Support - Be a supportive presence to those who have lost a loved one by making bereavement support phone calls or in person visits as directed by bereavement staff. Can be done from a volunteer's home.

Telephone Support - Communicate with patients and families to provide reassurance, learn of additional needs and be a listening ear. Daytime and evening opportunities available.

Perinatal Loss Program - Doula volunteers support families in their time of grief and advocate for the mother’s needs during her hospital stay. Through referrals from physicians, specially trained volunteers meet with families who may be awaiting a child who will not live beyond birth. They are there to provide support while the family is making important decisions and to be a listening ear after the birth. Specialty training provided after Volunteer Orientation.

Choices for Care - Support community outreach efforts by assisting with special administrative projects, staffing information tables, handing out materials and assisting presenters. Volunteers must be passionate about open, honest communication, end-of-life decision making and honoring an individual’s right to decide how they wish to be cared for if a time came when they were too sick or injured to communicate for themselves. Knowledge of other services offered by Empath Health is desirable. Additional training on living wills and choosing a healthcare surrogate will be provided by Empath Choices for Care staff.

Community Counseling - Assist and participate in retreats and support groups for children and adults and assisting the counselors with set-up and special activities.

Skills - Listening skills and compassion to help others necessary. Volunteers paired with assignments that match their skills, interests, availability and location.

How to Apply - Contact Volunteer Services at 727-523-3440 or visit http://www.thehospice.org/Volunteer for more information and training options.