• Communicate with care team for direction on priority needs and significant changes to resident conditions, new admission and/or deaths
• Endeavor to meet resident and family needs according to the goals of the care plan and guidelines in Bethell Hospice's policies and procedures
• Report care concerns, and in the case of any unusual incidents, notify a care team member immediately

Provide direct service to residents and family:

•  Support emotional well-being
• "Be present"
• Project warm, caring, empathetic attitude
• Listen attentively - Offer respite for caregiver
• Help residents with correspondence, reading, listening to music, sharing crafts, memory book, card playing, and special interests
• Assist with delivering meals to residents or clearing dishes from room (in the absence of a kitchen volunteer, or when required)
• Welcome new residents and families to Bethell House, show them around
• Under the direction of the care team, assist with feeding residents
• Assist with laundry as needed
• Update the care team of any pertinent changes or highlights of time spent with residents or family members
• Attend volunteer and team support meetings as required
• Use effective coping skills and self-care techniques to deal with multiple deaths
• Debrief theVolunteer Program Lead when having difficulties in dealing with the death of a resident

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Sensitive, compassionate, flexible and conscientious
• Open-minded and non-judgmental
• Respect for diversity, equity and inclusivity
• Proficiency in oral and written English, having a second language would be an asset 
• Responsible, punctual and reliable
• Maintain confidentiality at all times
• Courteous and effective communication
• Active listening skills
• Work within role boundaries and position scope
• Work well in a team or independently, open to guidance as an opportunity for self-growth
• Manage stressful situations, remain calm in an emergency
• Strong time management skills
• Comfortable asking questions and seeking information
• Meet physical requirements of the position
• Comfort and ability to discuss issues regarding, illness, dying, death and bereavement
• Active listening and communication skills
• Ability to discern boundaries and limitations to maximize client empowerment
• Successfully complete screening requirements and Hospice Palliative Care Ontario training

The training process for new front-line volunteers is made up of both virtual online learning and in person training sessions made up of Hospice Palliative Care Ontario training's along with Bethell Hospice specific trainings. New Volunteer On-board Trainings take place 2 to 3 times a year, usually in the spring (April) and the fall (October/November). 

For more information on volunteering at Bethell Hospice, please visit our website at bethellhospice.org or contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@bethellhospice.org or call 905-838-3534, ext. 2247