South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society


Welcome!

Welcome to the Volunteer Information Page – your first step toward becoming a part of a compassionate community dedicated to supporting palliative care clients and their families.

PLEASE NOTE: Our applications for the JANUARY 2025 volunteer cohort are now closed. You can still submit an application for consideration in our next round of training.

Consider joining our team of compassionate volunteers who make a real difference in the lives of palliative care clients and their families. By offering companionship and support, you help provide comfort and connection during an important time in their lives. Together, we can create a caring community, one visit at a time.

As a Volunteer Visitor, you will:

  • Visit palliative care clients in their homes.
  • Provide emotional support, conversation, and companionship.
  • Work with clients and families to set a visit schedule that works for both of you.
  • Log your visit notes and hours after each visit through our volunteer portal.

This role is flexible, rewarding, and vital to the well-being of our clients and their families.

Benefits of Volunteering:

Make a Difference: Provide meaningful support to clients and their loved ones during a crucial stage in their journey.

Personal Growth: Develop active listening and compassionate communication skills.

Flexibility: Work with clients to create a schedule that fits your availability.

Connection: Be part of a supportive community of like-minded volunteers.

To Become a Volunteer Visitor, you’ll need:

  • A genuine desire to support palliative care clients and their families.
  • Reliable transportation, basic computer skills, and an internet connection.
  • Availability to dedicate 6-8 hours per month for visits, travel, and documentation.
  • Completion of a background check (we will guide you through this process).
  • Attendance at our training program, which includes modules on hospice care, communication, grief, and more.

How to Apply
If you’re ready to join our team and make a difference, we invite you to apply.

  1. Click the button on the upper right of this page to access our application form.
  2. Take your time completing the form – you can save your progress and return later.
  3. After submitting your application, we’ll contact you to schedule an interview.

Questions? We’re here to help!
If you’d like to learn more before applying or have any troubles with the process, please feel free to reach out.

Program Coordinator: Tara Jaskowiak
Email: vvc@southshorehospice.ca
Phone: 902-529-1121

How long does the application process take?
The process typically takes 2-3 weeks, including application review and an interview/reference checks.

If I have already taken palliative care training or have worked in this field before, do I still need to complete the training?
Yes, all volunteers are required to complete our training program, even if they have previous experience or training. Our program includes reading a comprehensive manual and attending four in-person sessions featuring expert guest speakers. This ensures that all volunteers are familiar with our specific policies, procedures, and expectations.

What does the volunteer training look like?
Training includes reading a manual, attending four in-person sessions with guest speakers, monthly team meetings with training updates, and optional additional training opportunities throughout the year.

Do I need prior experience in palliative care?
No prior experience is necessary. Our training program will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to feel confident in your role.

How will I be matched with a client?
We match volunteers with clients based on location, availability, and shared interests to ensure a meaningful connection.

What kind of support will I receive?
You’ll have ongoing access to resources, training updates, and support from our program coordinator whenever you need it.

I would like to volunteer

Fill in an application

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Volunteer Role Description

Volunteer Visitor

As a SSHPCS Volunteer Visitor, you will provide compassionate companionship, emotional support, and a reliable presence to patients and families during their end-of-life journey. This role involves visiting patients in their homes to offer a meaningful connection that helps ease their emotional and psychological burdens.

Primary Responsibilities: 

1. Companionship and Engagement

  • Offer attentive and friendly conversations, and engage in activities such as reading, listening to music, or watching movies as appropriate.
  • Provide regular companionship during visits, adjusting your approach to the patient’s preferences and needs.

2. Emotional Support and Presence 

  • Actively listen and allow patients and families to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
  • Create a calm and supportive environment, helping to provide comfort and reduce stress during difficult times.

3. Confidentiality and Respect 

  • Uphold strict confidentiality regarding all patient and family information, ensuring a safe, respectful, and private space.
  • Demonstrate respect for patients’ cultural, spiritual, and personal beliefs, as well as their emotional and physical boundaries.

4. Communication with SSHPCS Program Coordinator 

  • Maintain clear and consistent communication with SSHPCS program coordinator regarding visit schedules, patient needs, and any changes in the patient’s condition or behavior.
  • Report any concerns or observations about the patient’s well-being to SSHPCS program coordinator in a timely manner.

5. Adherence to Safety Protocols 

  • Follow SSHPCS and NSH’s established safety protocols, including infection control measures, to ensure the health and safety of both the volunteer and the patient.
  • Be mindful of the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of yourself, patients, and families during visits.

6. Ongoing Training and Development 

  • Complete all required training, including initial orientation, hospice care, communication skills, grief and bereavement, and any other relevant topics.
  • Participate in any additional training or support sessions provided by SSHPCS to ensure your knowledge and skills remain current and aligned with best practices in palliative care.

 

Time Commitment: 

We ask that Volunteer Visitors commit a minimum of two visits per month, with each visit lasting one to two hours. We’d like you to commit to approximately 4 hours of visiting a month. Scheduling is flexible, with visits arranged based on both the volunteer’s and patient’s availability.

 

Role Expectations: 

This position requires a compassionate, empathetic individual who can provide emotional support in a sensitive and respectful manner. Volunteers need to be reliable, consistent, and maintain professional boundaries while offering a listening ear and comforting presence.

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