Volunteer - Hospice

St. Tammany Health System•Covington, LA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

At St. Tammany Health System, delivering world-class healthcare close to home is our goal. Achieving this mission depends on the dedication and generosity of volunteers who give their time and talents to support our patients, families, and staff. We value the important role volunteers play in enhancing the care experience and strengthening our connection to the community. In return, volunteers enjoy being part of a welcoming, mission-driven environment that reflects the unique charm of St. Tammany Parish. Nestled in the heart of Covington on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, our health system is surrounded by a peaceful, scenic, and community-oriented area with an abundance of amenities to suit every interest. Hospital Volunteers play an important role in supporting the hospital's mission of compassionate, patient-centered care. By donating their time and talents, volunteers provide non-clinical assistance to patients, visitors, and staff, helping create a caring, welcoming environment while supporting the delivery of exceptional service. JOB SUMMARY: The Hospice Volunteer functions as an integral, non-compensated member of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) through direct patient care, administrative support and/or bereavement support under the supervision of the Volunteer Coordinator. The primary objective of the hospice volunteer is to deliver essential non-clinical interventions to optimize patient quality of life, maintain dignity during the end-of-life transition, provide critical respite for primary caregivers, and to provide compassionate presence and empathy for hospice patients and their families.

Requirements

Must have current LA Driver’s License in good standing.
Must have reliable transportation for work with current safety inspection (brake tag), vehicle license plate registration, and liability insurance.

Nice To Haves

Direct contact with the patient and family. Services are provided in the patient’s home, nursing facility, including independent and assisted living facilities, and hospital setting.
Functions as an integral, non-compensated member of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) through direct patient care, administrative support and/or bereavement support under the supervision of the Volunteer Coordinator.
Deliver essential non-clinical interventions to optimize patient quality of life, maintain dignity during the end-of-life transition, provide critical respite for primary caregivers, and to provide compassionate presence and empathy for hospice patients and their families.

Responsibilities

Provide psychosocial companionship and non-judgmental compassionate presence to patients and families through active listening, conversation, or shared quiet activities.
Deliver short-term relief for primary caregivers to allow them time to leave the home or rest.
Submit accurate, legible, and timely volunteer activity logs and visit notes detailing the duration, nature of the visit, and observations to the Volunteer Coordinator within 7 days of visit.
Report any observed changes in the patient's physical, cognitive, or emotional status immediately to the Volunteer Coordinator or the attending case manager.
Maintain absolute compliance with HIPAA regulations and organizational policies regarding patient privacy and protected health information (PHI).
Perform clerical duties including, but not limited to, assisting in answering phone calls and direct to appropriate staff, assembling admission packets, assisting in supply management; and other administrative duties as needed or indicated.
Report any needs/concerns to Volunteer Coordinator
Assist the Bereavement Coordinator with bereavement call follow up according to the Bereavement Care Plan
Assistance in preparing weekly and monthly bereavement mailings according to the Bereavement Care Plan.
Assistance with monthly Grief Support Groups and Annual Memorial Service.