Veteran-to-Veteran Comfort and Companionship Volunteer; Hospice

Gentiva Hospice is a compassionate, patient‑focused hospice provider dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing life‑limiting illness through an interdisciplinary team of nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, physicians, and volunteers.

Sioux, Lyon, Osceola, O'Brien, Clay, Dickinson, Palo Alto, Emmet, Kossuth

Direct Care Volunteer

Volunteer Coordinator (VC) / Manager of Volunteer Services (MVS)

The Direct Care Volunteer provides additional support to patients and families dealing with terminal illness and end‑of‑life issues. Duties include companionship, socialization, respite for caregivers, tuck‑in calls, and assistance as outlined in individual Volunteer Care Plans. Volunteers work within the interdisciplinary hospice team and adhere to all hospice policies and procedures.

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Active listening and compassionate communication skills with patients, families, and caregivers
• Teamwork ability with family members and hospice staff
• Respect for patient/family belief systems, emotional maturity, and sensitivity
• Dependable with reliable transportation
• Understanding of hospice philosophy and goals
• Willingness to participate in peer support and continuing education meetings
• Completion of the Direct Care Volunteer orientation (and veteran‑specific orientation if applicable)
• Documentation of the following paperwork
• Completed Volunteer Application
• 2 References
• Signed Code of Conduct Attestation Statement
• Signed Permission for Background Check
• Signed Permission for Drug Screen
• Completed New Hire Communicable Disease/Tuberculosis/Health Screening Questionnaire and additional state requirements as needed
• Tuberculin Test Administration Form (unless exempt)
• Completed Hepatitis B Form
• Positive employer or professional references
• Successful criminal background check (as required by state)
• Veteran Volunteers must complete additional orientation specific to veteran‑to‑veteran comfort and companionship; other specialty volunteers (Bereavement Support, Pet Therapy, Reiki, Vigil Volunteers) must meet requirements outlined in their respective job descriptions
• NOTE
  : TB skin test and Hepatitis B forms are not required for volunteers only performing tuck‑in calls

• Support patients and families by reading, playing games, writing letters, caring for plants or pets, meal preparation, and light household chores as needed
• Assist with tuck‑in call processes, complete necessary forms, and communicate needs or concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator, Manager of Volunteer Services, or IDG team
• May attend funeral or visit family/ caregivers after a patient’s death
• Participate in volunteer support or peer groups and training with other volunteers
• Maintain availability regularly, following assigned patient, family, and caregiver needs as outlined in the Volunteer Care Plan
• Communicate regularly with the Volunteer Coordinator/Manager of Volunteer Services regarding patient, family, and caregiver needs; report any concerns or changes immediately
• Perform duties within the established Volunteer Care Plan and within authorized activities; avoid tasks or decisions outside scope
• Document and record hours of service; return Volunteer Visit Documentation Form within 24–48 hours
• Notify the Volunteer Coordinator/Manager of Volunteer Services if circumstances such as a change in situation, leave of absence, or need for substitute volunteer arise
• Maintain patient, family, and caregiver confidentiality; abide by HIPAA and other privacy regulations
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws, Medicare regulations, and established personnel policies and procedures
• Meet or exceed company service standards and operate under the company’s Code of Conduct
• Be evaluated annually based on competency and performance
• Participate in continuing education and training, including mandatory annual in‑services (HIPAA, Tuberculosis, Emergency Preparedness, etc.)