Direct Patient Volunteer

Position Summary: Provides companionship and emotional support to hospice patients and families. Enhances quality of life through presence and engagement. Volunteer services are provided under the 
direction of the interdisciplinary team and are documented and incorporated into the patient’s plan of care. This is a non-clinical role that does not include hands-on patient care.

Supervision: Provides services under the direction and ongoing supervision of hospice staff. Reports to Volunteer Coordinator and interdisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide friendly visits and companionship to hospice patients in homes or facility settings.
• Engage patients through conversation, reading, music, games, or other meaningful activities based on patient interests and abilities.
• Support caregivers with respite/ non-medical companionship visits.
• Observe and report concerns or changes in patient condition, mood, or environment to hospice staff. 
• Maintain patient confidentiality and professional boundaries in accordance with HIPAA guidelines. 
• Follow all hospice policies, safety procedures, and volunteer expectations.
• Document volunteer visits and report activities in accordance with hospice policy

Qualifications
• Compassionate and empathetic demeanor
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to maintain boundaries and patient confidentiality
• Emotional maturity and sensitivity and the ability to remain calm in difficult situations
• Reliable transportation for patient visits if required
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centered care that reflects Arc Hospice & Palliative Care’s mission, values, and standards of dignity, respect, compassion, and integrity

Requirements
• Minimum Age Requirement 18+ years old
• Completion of hospice orientation and training as well as competency validation, ongoing 
training, and performance evaluation as required by hospice policy
• Background check and health screening (including TB testing)
• Adherence to HIPAA and confidentiality policies
• Reliable attendance and communication, commitment to scheduled volunteer hours
• Adheres to infection control and safety procedures in accordance with hospice policy.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods
• May require local travel