Service Opportunities From: Alvernia University

Aspire for Well-Being® Hospice

Hospice Volunteer Job Description

Job Title: Hospice Volunteer

Job Family:  Hospice
Reports To: Volunteer Coordinator

EEO Category: Not Applicable

FLSA Status: Not Applicable
Populations Served: (18 to 64 years), geriatric 65+ years)

Summary of Responsibilities:

Hospice volunteers provide emotional, social, and household support to patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses. Volunteers play a vital role in improving the quality of life for patients by offering companionship, respite for caregivers, and assistance with non-medical tasks. Volunteer services are provided for all levels of living on the campus of The Highlands at Wyomissing® and surrounding communities. Volunteers may also provide administrative support to the hospice program.

The content of this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work expectations performed by incumbents in this classification. All activities are completed in accord with the mission, vision, and values of the Company, following all policies, procedures, Equal Employment Opportunity laws, patient confidentiality, and other Federal, State and Local laws and regulations, as appropriate.

Essential Functions/Duties:

Provide companionship to patients through conversation, reading, music, or simply being present Offer respite and emotional support to caregivers and family members Assist with light household tasks, errands, or meal preparation Maintain patient confidentiality and professional boundaries Complete and submit visit documentation accurately and on time Attend required training sessions and periodic volunteer meetings

Other Duties:

·       Performs other duties as assigned by management.

·       Essential functions are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all position duties required and performed by the incumbent in the role. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

 

 

 

Preferred Skills:

Comfort working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs Active listening skills Comfort with silence and emotional expression Non-verbal empathy Patient and calm demeanor under emotional stress Punctual and dependable Good judgement and discretion Mindfulness and ability to follow volunteer guidelines

Core Values:

 

1.     AMBASSADOR: Represents The Highlands at Wyomissing® in a positive light with integrity. Takes pride in our community.

2.     COMMITMENT: Dedicated, adaptable, tolerant, dependable, focused, and passionate. Often does more than is required. Reports to work as scheduled and timely.

3.     COMPASSIONATE: Is empathetic, mindful, and kind.

4.     INNOVATIVE: Is curious. Identifies new methods and efficiencies.

5.     RESULTS-DRIVEN: Has a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and completing work. Exerts unusual effort over time to achieve a goal. Maintains commitment to goals in the face of obstacles and frustrations.

6.     TEAM ORIENTED: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals.

 

The Highlands’ Traditions (Customer Service Expectations):

 

1.     SAFETY: Practices safe behaviors to ensure the safety of all.

2.     KINDNESS: Projects a positive image and energy. Courteous and respectful to all. Goes above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.

3.     SHOW: Takes pride in self-appearance. Stays in “character” and performs the “role in the show.” Ensures work area is show-ready.

4.     EFFICIENCY:Performs role with consistency and efficiency. Uses time and resources wisely.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

·       Flexible, unpaid, volunteer position

·       Commitment of one year and four hours a month as needed

Travel:

·       Limited to the campus of The Highlands at Wyomissing and surrounding communities

 

Education and Experience Requirements:

Experience with caregiving, healthcare, or hospice work (not required) Familiarity with common end-of-life conditions (helpful but not required)

Certification and Licensure Requirements:

·       If still an active driver a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record Check

Work Authorization/Security Clearances:

Must be 18 years or older Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately Emotional maturity and sensitivity to end-of-life issues Dependable and trustworthy Ability to work under minimal supervision Completion of hospice volunteer training (provided) Complete accurate, timely documentation submitted as required by the hospice program

·        Maintain confidentiality of all information acquired in the course of work

·        Respect for patient/family belief systems, as well as their freedom to determine the type of care they wish to receive.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

·       None

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

·       Flexible hours

·       Make a commitment of one year to serve a minimum of 4 hours per month as needed

Travel:

·       Limited travel is expected for this position.

 

 

Work Authorization/Security Clearances:

·       Criminal Background check – in all states in which individual has lived the last there years

·       Child Abuse Clearance

·       Two step TB test

·       Annual influenza vaccination

·       Updated COVID-19 Vaccine

·       Updated driver’s license and car insurance

Physical Requirements and Physical Demands:

·       Hearing: Adequate to perform job duties in person and over the telephone.

·       Speaking: Must be able to communicate clearly in person and over the telephone.

·       Writing: Must be able to accurately document pertinent information either by writing or typing.

·       Vision: Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading information from printed sources and computer screens.

·       Walking and standing: May be required to walk through facilities or homes.

·       Sitting for long periods: While talking or holding vigil with a patient.

·       Light lifting: Carrying small items like blankets, books, files, supplies, or water.

·       Safe body mechanics:  Thought not allowed to lift patients, you must move safely around beds or medical equipment.

 

Safety Hazards and Physical Environment:

 

·       General office environment

·       May be exposed to blood borne pathogens - Low Risk

·       May be exposed to communicable diseases

·       May be exposed to rare occasions during which it is necessary to interact with a resident exhibiting aggressive behavior.

https://recruiting.ultipro.com/HIG1014THAW/JobBoard/f549f6a8-a99a-4e64-90e6-dc00eb15041d/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=4e2bde75-0ed9-430f-9736-da15d3ae6d1b

 

 

 

 

By responding to this posting, I understand and agree that I represent Alvernia University at both on and off-campus locations. I agree to behave appropriately and act in accordance with Alvernia University’s Student Code of Citizenship. While serving offsite, I must abide by the organization’s rules and regulations. Students who do not abide by this understanding may be referred to Community Standards for further assessment of actions.