Volunteer Requirements
If you’re interested in volunteering with HIA Hospice, the first step is to submit an application. Once your application is received, a volunteer coordinator will contact you to discuss your interests, goals, history, availability, position requirements and more, as well as answer any questions you might have.
Volunteers are carefully screened through the completion of a background check, tuberculosis skin test and personal reference check. We provide training to all volunteers to help ensure you feel prepared for your role and confident in your skills.
There is no minimum amount of time you must agree to volunteer each week, month or year; however, we ask for a six-month commitment if at all possible.
Volunteer Training & Education
HIA Hospice provides training to all volunteers to help ensure you feel prepared and confident. Medical training is not required to be a Hospice volunteer. As a Medicare-certified hospice program, our volunteers complete training outlined by Medicare, in addition to topics selected by HIA Hospice. Training typically lasts two to three hours and will vary based on your volunteer role.
In general, volunteers will receive training for the following areas:
- An overview of the goals, services and philosophy of HIA Health.
- Education surrounding common life-limiting and terminal illnesses, the end-of-life process, grief and loss, and awareness of emotional, social and spiritual issues at the end of life
- Skills and suggestions for effectively supporting, interacting and communicating with patients and family members
- Best practices, appropriate boundaries and procedures for providing support to patients and their loved ones
- Confidentiality, privacy and HIPAA regulations
- Infection control, corporate compliance and emergency procedures
- Tips for self-care
- Office and HIA Heirlooms Thrift & Gift volunteers receive specialized training for their roles
To help ensure volunteers have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills, we offer educational opportunities throughout the year, along with volunteer gatherings and meetings with your volunteer coordinator.
Ready to get started?
If you have any questions, call (800) 237-4629 and ask to speak with a volunteer coordinator, or send us a message.