Volunteer - Hospice

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. 

Direct Patient Volunteer

The Direct Patient Volunteer has 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Emotional Support: Provide psychosocial companionship and non-judgmental compassionate presence to patients and families through active listening, conversation, or shared quiet activities.

• Respite Care: Deliver short-term relief for primary caregivers to allow them time to leave the home or rest.

• Compliance Documentation: 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.

• IDT Collaboration: 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).

Administrative Support Volunteer

The Administrative Support Volunteer performs a wide range of office and clerical support to assist in the day-to-day needs of staff and patient needs.  Services completed in the Hospice Office

Key Responsibilities:

• 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

• Maintain absolute compliance with HIPAA regulations and organizational policies regarding patient privacy and protected health information (PHI).

Bereavement Volunteer

The Bereavement Volunteer will offer emotional support to hospice families as directed by Bereavement Coordinator for 13 months following the death of their loved one.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

• Maintain absolute compliance with HIPAA regulations and organizational policies regarding patient privacy and protected health information (PHI).

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:   

Must possess good physical health.  Some requirements include but are not limited to standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time. Lifting at least 20 pounds is required. 
Physical Effort required:        

Constant (67%-100%) - talking, hearing, seeing

Occasionally (1%-33%) – pushing/pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, reaching

VOLUNTEER EXPECTATIONS

Each St. Tammany Health System volunteer is expected to conduct himself or herself according to our mission, vision and values. Please take time to review those expectations, which can be found by clicking here, before applying to volunteer. If you feel you are unable to demonstrate those characteristics, we respectfully request that you do not proceed with the application process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

St. Tammany Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. St. Tammany Health System is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.