Reiki

Goal of the Position

Provide gentle, non-invasive energy healing sessions to hospice residents and/or their loved ones to promote relaxation, stress, and enhance overall well-being.

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 or biweekly shifts of 2-4 hours

Casual: at least one shift every month

Key Responsibilities

 Main Responsibilities

  • At the start of each shift, volunteers should review the Communication Binder (Resident List) at the reception desk and consult with clinical team members to identify residents interested in Reiki sessions, or about any specific information they should know before visiting residents.
  • Offer individual Reiki sessions to residents and/or their loved ones who request them, following hospice guidelines.
  • Conduct sessions in a calm and respectful manner, ensuring resident comfort at all times.
  • Offer Reiki only with informed consent from the resident, or their representative, if applicable.
  • Comply with health and safety protocols and hand hygiene practices.
  • Comply with all hospice policies, procedures, and guidelines.
  • Report any concerns about a resident’s well-being to staff.
  • Attend volunteer meetings, courses, and training as required.

                                                                        Boundaries                                                                      

  • Confidentiality: volunteers must respect and maintain the confidentiality of residents and their families.
  • Scope of role: volunteers should provide Reiki solely for comfort and relaxation, not as a medical treatment. No diagnosis, medical advice, or unsolicited opinions should be given.
  • Consent: volunteers must always obtain consent before proving Reiki. If a resident declines, respect their decision without pressure. Avoid touch if the resident expresses discomfort.
  • Receiving money & gifts: Reiki services will be provided at no cost. volunteers should not accept personal gifts or money from residents or families to avoid conflicts of interest or feelings of obligation. Volunteers must not recruit business as part of their volunteer involvement.

                                                                      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.
  • Reiki Level 2 certification, at minimum.

                                                                Other Requirements
  • Dress code: casual; low-heeled, non-slip, closed-toe and heel shoes. Nails should be short and clean.
  • Name Tag must be worn at all times.
  • Each volunteer must log their hours following their shift using the Better Impact Volunteer Management Software.
  • Provide personal liability insurance (a minimum of 1 Million Dollars)

Risk Assessment

Overall medium risk.

  • Reiki sessions typically occur in private settings with little direct supervision. Supervisor on-site and accessible during most shifts. Clinical staff members are always nearby and accessible, with Manager on-call available 24/7.
  • Involves unsupervised physical contact with a vulnerable person. Vulnerable Sector Police Check Required.
  • High degree of skill and training required.
  • Occasional exposure to emotional stress and 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 Reiki or Friendly Visitor/ Hospice Helper Volunteer Role.
  • 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