• Uphold the client's right to dignity and self-determination and to provide client-directed support.
• Support the social and emotional wellbeing the clients with life-limiting illnesses and to the family members/caregivers.
• Establish supportive relationships with clients, their family and caregivers.
• Endeavor to meet the client and family's needs according to the goals of the care plan and guidelines in the hospice policies and procedures.
• Observe and report changes in client's condition to Community Care Coordinator or designate
• Communicate with the Community Care Coordinator after first visit and communicate any changes or concerns about the client/caregivers
• Visit with the client and family, sharing mutual interests, reading, letter writing, arts and crafts, music, errands, light meal preparation and feeding, and light household tasks
• Accompany clients for walks where suitable
• Provide comfort measures such as assistance with feeding, bed changing, personal hygiene, mouth care and light hand massage
• Continue to pursue available training opportunities to ensure learning is kept up to date and relevant throughout volunteer experience
• Adhere to Bethell Hospice's policies and procedures
• Maintain record of client care visits/telephone support and report monthly statistics by the 5th of each month to Community Care Coordinator
• Act as an ambassador for Bethell Hospice.

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Sensitive, compassionate, flexible and conscientious
• Open-minded and non-judgmental
• Respect for diversity, equity and inclusivity
• General proficiency in English for reading and writing
• 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 Bethell Hospice/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 contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@bethellhospice.org or call 905-838-3534, ext. 2247