Welcome

Important Announcement from Prairie Hospice Society

We are currently accepting applications for a part-time Volunteer Coordinator. Please submit applications to admin.assist@prairiehospice.org. Closing date for the competition is March 1, 2019.

PRAIRIE HOSPICE SOCIETY INC. Employment Opportunity

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR – Part-time (20 hours a week)

Overview of Position

Prairie Hospice provides client centered non-medical care delivered by volunteers for Saskatoon residents and their families who are facing advanced illness, death and bereavement. With policy direction from the Board of Directors and in accordance with the mission and values of the organization, the Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for the operation of volunteer services of the organization.

The Volunteer Coordinator oversees volunteer selection, volunteer training, client matching, performance monitoring, and match compatibility and effectiveness. The Volunteer Coordinator also develops and fosters positive working relationships with related professionals, individuals and community groups who may be involved in client services and/or hospice advocacy.

The Volunteer Coordinator reports directly to Chair of the Board of Directors and is accountable to the Board of Directors.

Working as a team, two Coordinators enjoy the challenges and the rewards of providing supportive services to terminally ill clients and their families, educational opportunities and a degree of schedule flexibility.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Volunteer Recruitment:
   • Advise the Board of Directors and administrative staff of requirements for volunteer recruiting, including the number of new volunteers required and the necessary attributes and skills.
   • Assist with interviewing volunteer applicants and selecting appropriate candidates.
2. Volunteer Training and Oversight:
   • Plan and implement a regular training program for new volunteers that meets the needs of the ongoing services and volunteers.
   • Schedule volunteers.
   • Provide advice and support including appropriate debriefing to volunteers.
   • Ensure that volunteers are providing regular updates on the condition of their client and the services provided to them.
   • Ensure volunteers are provided any new or emerging information received about their client that would impact services.
   • Provide on-going in-service training and support to volunteers.
   • Maintain a volunteer handbook and revise and update as required.
   • Assist with issue management between volunteers or between volunteers and clients.
3. Client Services:
   • Receive referrals, including self-referrals, for persons seeking Prairie Hospice volunteer services.
   • Assess and document the needs and circumstances of persons seeking services, through a home visit and/or CPAS assessment report. Assessment must include evaluation of safety of the client and the volunteer and establishment of clear boundaries.
   • Match available volunteers with approved clients based on client needs and volunteer availability and suitability. Communicate the arrangements to all parties.
   • Provide a “Journal of Volunteer Visits” and ensure it is used by the volunteer and/or the client to record each volunteer contact.
   • Respond to clients and families to address concerns or questions related to volunteer services.
   • Conduct regular follow-ups with clients and families to ensure the appropriateness of services being provided.
   • Provide information to assist clients/families to navigate the health care system and health services available in Saskatoon.
   • Refer clients/families as needed to other appropriate resources.
4. Program Development and External Relations:
   • Keep current on information, trends and developments within the hospice sector by attending related conferences, workshops and meetings as approved by the Board.
   • Share information within the Prairie Hospice organization.
   • Attend meetings as requested with related community organizations, the Saskatoon Health Region, and/or government representatives who provide services to clients in order to improve, develop or coordinate services to an individual or to the sector.
5. Administration:
   • Manage volunteer services with the approved annual budget for the volunteer aspect of the organization.
   • Provide monthly reports to the Board of Directors on all aspects of volunteer services, including utilization statistics, qualitatively and quantitatively.
   • Attend Board meetings.
   • Implement Board policies as they relate to volunteer services.
   • Provide information and make recommendations to the Board regarding policies required for effective delivery of services.
   • Work in close consultation and collaboration with all staff.
   • Special projects as assigned.
6. Perform other duties as assigned.

Accountabilities

Outcomes to be Achieved

• Volunteer recruitment is planned and implemented. Adjustments are made for continuous improvements.
• An effective and sufficient volunteer cohort is recruited, trained and deployed.
• Volunteers provide reports, and have access to support and advice, as required.
• Client services are provided as and when needed, including resources to client families.
• The PH volunteer program is well managed, and expanded over time.
• The board is informed about, and involved with, the volunteer program as required.

Standards to be Followed

• Timely, friendly and professional.
• Effective matching of volunteers to clients.
• Appropriate Board consultation as required by governance and circumstances.
• Compliance with policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulations.
• Responsive to unanticipated needs and requests.
• Confidential information is treated appropriately.
• Refers concerns and issues appropriately.

Qualifications

• Sound knowledge of end of life issues, hospice services, and volunteer management.
• Post-secondary education in human services, nursing, or social work.
• A minimum of two years of successful experience working with end of life services, or related situations, and volunteer management.
• Experience in recruiting, training and supervising.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated leadership success.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills and competent computer skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a leadership team.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Ability to drive and provide own vehicle.

Prairie Hospice Society is a non-profit community organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for those facing advancing illness, death, and bereavement. Our mission is to ensure access to quality end-of-life support in Saskatoon.

“Hospice without Walls” is our community outreach initiative to help individuals and caregivers as they face death and learn to cope with loss and change. We provide compassionate non-medical client- and family-centered care to our clients in the comfort of their own homes. Our volunteers are trained to offer practical, emotional, and spiritual care through consistent relationships with individually matched clients.