Volunteer

Compassionate, dependable volunteers play an essential role in bringing comfort, companionship, and emotional support to hospice patients and their families. At HopeHealth, hospice volunteering is a meaningful, non-paid opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of others while experiencing the profound rewards that come from serving those facing serious illness and end-of-life journeys.

Volunteers provide non-medical support in patients' homes, assisted living communities, nursing homes, and at the Hulitar Hospice Center. Opportunities are also available to assist with office and administrative functions that support patient care and family services.

In addition, volunteers may contribute their unique talents and interests through a variety of specialized roles, including facilitating or supporting bereavement and support groups, creating handmade blankets and comfort items through sewing or crocheting, providing pet therapy visits, or sharing musical talents to promote relaxation and comfort.

HopeHealth also offers opportunities for volunteers to support veterans through specialized programs and to provide culturally responsive care and companionship to Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking patients and families.

If you are seeking a meaningful way to give back, connect with others, and make a difference during one of life's most important journeys, we invite you to explore the many rewarding volunteer opportunities available at HopeHealth.

SUMMARY

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide compassionate companionship and emotional support to hospice patients and their families.
• Offer respite and support to caregivers as needed.
• Assist patients with non-medical comfort measures and daily social interaction.
• Listen attentively and communicate with empathy and respect.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and uphold privacy standards.
• Support the hospice care team by reporting concerns or changes in patient condition.
• Participate in volunteer training sessions and follow HopeHealth policies and procedures.
• Assist with administrative tasks, special events, or bereavement support.
• Respect cultural, spiritual, and individual preferences of patients and families

TIME COMMITMENT

Commit to a regular volunteer schedule, typically 2-6 hours per week.

Maintain reliability and consistency in assigned patient visits and HopeHealth activities.

Attend required training sessions and periodic volunteer meetings.

TRAINING

Complete required on-line hospice volunteer orientation.

Attend ongoing educational sessions and refresher training as required by HopeHealth.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
• Compassionate, dependable, and emotionally mature with a sincere desire to help others
• Strong communication and active listening skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Comfortable working with individuals facing end of life issues and their families.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to complete required training and follow hospice policies and procedures
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel to patient homes, long-term care facilities, and the in-patient Hulitar Center.
• Background check, fingerprints, copy of license, car insurance, and immunization records will be required.
• Previous volunteer or caregiving experience preferred but not required.

EDUCATION

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Completion of HopeHealth Hospice on-line training required prior to onboarding.

Ongoing continuing education and in-service training may be required throughout volunteer service.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to communicate clearly, compassionately, and professionally with patients, families, caregivers, and HopeHealth staff.

Ability to document volunteer activities accurately and communicate concerns appropriately to HopeHealth staff.