Direct Care Volunteer
The Direct Care Volunteer serves as an additional support to patients and families dealing with a terminal illness and end-of-life issues. Support is provided in a variety of ways, including the provision of companionship and socialization to patients, or offering respite to stressed caregivers. Direct Care Volunteers may also make tuck in calls to patients and families. The calls will be made from the office in Alpharetta. Direct Care Volunteers visit patients in their home setting, which could be their own homes or an assisted living facility. All care provided by the Direct Care Volunteer is outlined in the Volunteer Care Plan and agreed upon by the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).
QUALIFICATIONS
The Direct Care Volunteer must possess the ability to actively listen and communicate compassionately with patients, families, and caregivers at the end-of-life. He/she has the ability to work as a team with family members and hospice staff. He/she must have the ability to respect patient/family belief systems, emotional maturity and sensitivity. Must be dependable and have access to reliable transportation. He/ she must have an understanding of Hospice philosophy and goals, and be willing to participate in peer support/ continuing education meetings on a regular basis. Additionally, he/ she must:
1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Provide the following paperwork:
a. Completed Volunteer Application
b. 2 References
c. Signed Code of Conduct Attestation Statement
d. Signed Permission for Background Check
e. Signed Permission for Drug Screen
f. Completed New Hire Communicable Disease/Tuberculosis/Health Screening Questionnaire form and additional state requirements, as required
g. *Tuberculin Test Administration Form (unless exempt from TB testing)
h. *Completed Hepatitis B Form
NOTE: * TB skin test and Hepatitis B forms are not required for volunteers only performing tuck-in calls
3. Have satisfactory references from employers and/ or professional peers
4. Have a satisfactory criminal background check (as required by state)
5. Successfully complete the Direct Care Volunteer orientation