Direct Care Volunteers serve as additional support to patients and families dealing with terminal illness and end-of-life complications. Support is provided to them in a variety of ways through socialization and companionship, or through offering respite (a brief break) to caregivers experiencing fatigue.
Qualifications:
1. Must be 18+
2. Must pass a background check, drug test, and Tuberculosis screen
All other requirements will be discussed pending a successful volunteer interview.
Responsibilities:
1. Provide support to patients and families by performing essential tasks like reading to patients, playing games, writing letters on behalf of patients etc.
2. Provide support to patients and families by performing tuck-in (check-in) calls, completing necessary paperwork, and communicating patient and family needs/concerns in a prompt manner.
3. May attend funeral or visit family/caregivers after patient death.
4. Provide availability on a regular basis/ keeping with requested volunteer frequency as designated on the patient's plan of care.
5. Participate in volunteer support or peer groups/ in-service training.
6. Maintain regular communication with the Volunteer Coordinator about patient/family/caregiver needs. Report any concerns, problems, or sudden changes in patient/family/caregiver condition immediately.
7. Perform duties within the established volunteer care plan and function within authorized services according to the individual patient's ability, knowledge, and training. Does not assume tasks or decisions which are outside the scope of the Volunteer or are within the domain of other persons ( e.g. family members, caregiver, hospice personnel, facility staff).
8. Document and record hours of service and return Volunteer Visit Documentation Form to the Volunteer Coordinator within a timely manner (within 1 week).
9. Notify Volunteer Coordinator if there is a change in their situation that could affect patient care, like a planned absence or emergency time off.
10. ALWAYS maintain patient, family, and caregiver confidentiality and abide by all federal regulations related to privacy practices (HIPPA).
11. Assure compliance with local, state, and federal laws, Medicare regulations , and established personnel policies and procedures.
12. Meet or exceed delivery of Company Service Standards and operate under the Gentiva's Code of Conduct.
13. Be annually evaluated for competency and performance.
14. Participate in at least 12 hours of continuing education (including mandatory in-service training) per year.
