We are VITAS Healthcare, the nation’s leading end-of-life care provider since 1978. Our priority is to care: For our patients, for each other, and for the future.
Hospice Volunteers at VITAS serve in two meaningful capacities, patient care and administrative -- each playing a vital role in supporting our mission of delivering exceptional care to patients and families.
- Administrative Hospice Volunteers play a vital behind-the-scenes role at VITAS, offering clerical & organizational support that helps our teams deliver exceptional care to patients & families.
- Patient Care Hospice Volunteers bring comfort, companionship, & emotional support to patients & families during end-of-life care. They offer light assistance, respite, & a caring presence— sometimes extending that support through gentle bereavement care for loved ones. Volunteers serve in homes, nursing facilities, or Inpatient Hospice Centers, complementing the clinical team with heartfelt, non-medical care tailored to each patient’s needs.
BSW Interns gain foundational field experience by supporting the social and emotional needs of hospice patients and their families. Under the supervision of staff, they will observe and assist in the delivery of compassionate care while learning the essential roles of a social worker in a healthcare setting. This internship offers a unique opportunity to develop professional boundaries, communication skills, and a deep understanding of the interdisciplinary approach to end-of-life care.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES, MAY INCLUDE:
- Helping with clerical tasks, data entry, filing, friendly phone calls, newsletter prep, & keeping our supply room organized.
- Dropping off supplies, groceries, or medications to patients & caregivers.
- Taking part in Veteran pinning, community fairs, & VITAS booths to share our mission & connect with others.
- Making proactive & bereavement check-in calls, listen with care, & share any concerns with the team.
- Supporting with other meaningful tasks as they arise.
- Logging/documenting your volunteer activities/hours promptly.
- Greeting visitors with warmth, offer tours, play soothing music, help with light tidying, & alert staff to call lights.
- Participating in team meeting, trainings, & in-services as required.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
BSW INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assisting with providing emotional support and identifying the social needs of terminally ill patients and their loved ones.
- Participating as a student member of the interdisciplinary care team, attending meetings and learning how various roles collaborate for patient wellness.
- Helping families navigate community support systems and understand the logistics of hospice services.
- Supporting the bereavement team in providing follow-up care and resources to families after a loss.
- Completing mandatory orientation and engage in shadowing experiences with experienced VITAS staff.
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at an accredited college or university.
- Must be at least 18 years old and pass a comprehensive background check.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS:
- Upholding HIPAA regulations & treating all personal information with respect & confidentiality.
- Staying connected with VITAS staff to collaborate and support care.
- Compassion, empathy, reliability, and patience.
- Being team-oriented & aligned with the VITAS hospice philosophy.
- Comfortable working with diverse cultural & spiritual backgrounds.
- Being dependable, punctual, & consistent in scheduling.
- Completion of applicable VITAS onboarding, volunteer training & ongoing education.
- Practicing infection control measures per VITAS standards, policies, & procedures.
ADDITONAL ROLE RESPONSIBILIES TO PROVIDE PATIENT CARE:
- Providing meaningful companionship & emotional support to patients & caregivers through light homemaking, transportation, & respite care.
- Following the patient’s plan of care, volunteers ensure each interaction is compassionate, purposeful, & tailored to the patient’s assessed needs.
- Relaying meaningful insights & observations to the hospice team & Volunteer Manager regarding patient care as necessary.
- Documenting each care-planned visit with a patient care volunteer note to ensure volunteer support is recognized & contributes to compassionate care.
REPORTS TO:
Reports to Team Manager, Volunteer Services Manager, social work field instructor/supervisor, or designee.
To learn more about volunteering with VITAS, please visit out volunteer page: https://www.vitas.com/volunteer
