Compassionate Doula

Goal of the Position

To provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and families during the dying process. Complement hospice care by focusing on the non-medical aspects of end-of-life care, offering presence, companionship, information, and advocacy for the individual’s wishes.

Support & Supervision

Brianna Kennelly

Manager of Community Engagement, Volunteers, and Resident Life Services

BriannaKennelly@sjv.on.ca | 905-627-6578 Ext. 1005

Time Commitment

Regular: Weekly 3-4 hour shift.

As needed for the resident’s family.

Responsibilities 

 Main Responsibilities

  • At the start of the shift, volunteers should review the Communication Binder (Resident List) at the reception desk and consult with clinical team members about any specific information you should know before visiting residents.
  • Be familiar with and promote the different programs and services offered by the hospice to families and residents, including Grief & Bereavement Supports, Legacy Work, Spiritual Care, and Music Therapy.
  • Provide a calming and compassionate presence for individuals and families by offering active listening and assisting in creating a space where the individual feels heard and valued.
  • Advocate for individual’s preferences and needs, and collaborate with hospice staff to ensure the individual’s preferences are respected.
  • Comply with health and safety protocols and hand hygiene practices, especially when moving between resident rooms.
  • Provide guidance to family members on what to expect during the dying process.
  • Offer companionship to help reduce caregiver stress when they need a break or cannot be present.
  • Attend volunteer meetings, courses, and training as required.
  • Perform other related duties as required/assigned.

                                                                        Boundaries                                                                      

  • Confidentiality: volunteers must respect and maintain the confidentiality of residents and their families.
  • Scope of role: while providing emotional support, volunteers should not offer counseling or unsolicited opinions on medical, spiritual, or familial matters. Volunteers should recognize their limits and refer distressed families to the Manager of Volunteers when necessary. Volunteers should not provide medical care, dispense medication, or perform any clinical tasks.
  • Receiving gifts: volunteers should not accept personal gifts or money from residents or families to avoid conflicts of interest or feelings of obligation.

                                                                      Qualifications                                                                    

  • Passionate about palliative care, Margaret’s Place Philosophy of Care, and our values of service, respect, justice, dignity, responsibility, and inquiry.
  • Strong team worker, professional, empathetic, non-judgmental, culturally sensitive, trustworthy, calm, and adaptable in a dynamic setting.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to be a collaborative member of an interdisciplinary team.
  • Certified as an End of Life Doula

                                                                Other Requirements
  • Dress code: casual; low-heeled, non-slip, closed-toe and heel shoes. Running shoes are recommended.
  • Name Tag must be worn at all times.
  • Each volunteer must log their hours following their shift using the Better Impact Volunteer Management Software.

Risk Assessment

Overall medium risk.

  • Supervisor on-site and accessible during most shifts. Some weekend and evening shifts do not have a supervisor on-site. Clinical staff members are always nearby and accessible.
  • Involves unsupervised physical contact with a vulnerable person. Vulnerable Sector Police Check Required.
  • Regular exposure to emotional stress; occasional exposure to difficult individuals.

 

Training
  • Completion of HPCO Intensive 30-hour Volunteer Training (13 modules)
  • Completion of Margaret’s Place Volunteer Handbook
  • In-person orientation shift(s) with an experienced volunteer in the End of Life Doula role and/or the Friendly Visitor/Helper role.
  • Margaret’s Place Guide to Creating Legacy Projects 
  • Regular opportunities for education sessions, education resources, workshops, or refresher courses.
  • Access to staff and other volunteers for guidance and debriefing.

Benefits
  • Playing an integral role in helping Margaret’s Place at St. Joseph’s Villa achieve our Mission.
  • Contributing to our community and making a difference for residents and their family members.
  • Learn new skills, gain experience and a better understanding of the roles that everyone plays in end-of-life care.
  • Networking – meeting new people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
  • An opportunity to share your skills and knowledge with a vulnerable population.

Application Process & Screening Requirements
  • Complete an Online Hospice Volunteer Application (https://sjv.on.ca/hospice/) or request a hard copy
  • Attend an interview with the Manager of Volunteers
  • Obtain a Vulnerable Sector Police Check (within the past six (6) months)
  • Obtain a Negative Two-Step TB Testing Results (within one (1) year) OR Negative Chest X-ray (if over age 65)
  • Provide two Positive References
  • Provide Proof of Doula Certification