Volunteer

Purpose of Your Job Position

 

The primary purpose of your job position is to carry out volunteer services and non-professional services in accordance with current applicable federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations, and as may be directed by the administrator, to assure that the highest degree of quality resident care can be maintained at all times.

 

 

Delegation of Authority

 

As a Volunteer you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

 

 

Job Functions

 

Every effort has been made to make your job description as complete as possible. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment to the position.

 

 

Performance Evaluation

 

A criteria-based performance evaluation has been made a part of this job description. Ratings are based on a scale from

1-6 with 1 being the lowest, and 6 being the highest. Instructions for completing performance evaluations are located in the “Policy and Procedures” section of the Job Description Manual.

 

 

Major Duties and Responsibilities

 

Administrative Functions

 

• Perform clerical duties such as typing, photocopying, filing, etc.
• Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the facility.
• Report to volunteer director, or department supervisor, when scheduled visits cannot be made.
• Provide only services requested by the department supervisor to which assigned.
• Promote good public relations.
• Receive and follow assignments or instructions as outlined in our established volunteer policies and procedures.
• Report to area department head/supervisor before beginning duties.
• Assist residents with personal care needs as permitted by facility policy.
• Assist residents with arts and crafts, letter writing, recreational activities, etc.
• Sit with residents requiring priority care as approved by the director of nurses or physician.
• Deliver messages or run errands for residents.

 

• Encourage residents to communicate with others in recreational areas, dayrooms, lounges, etc., and to take part in activities, etc.
• Escort residents from admission to assigned rooms and to therapy, arts and crafts, appointments, etc.
• Visit residents to establish contact on a regular basis to assist the resident in building relationships, stimulate communications, and to increase self-identity.
• Perform personal services such as reading aloud, letter writing, combing/washing hair, etc.
• Attend and participate in in-service educational classes and orientation training programs.
• Ensure work supplies have been replenished as necessary. Report supply needs to the director.
• Other related duties and activities as may be requested.

 

 

Resident Rights Functions

 

• Report all requests, problems, complaints, etc., made by the resident to the charge nurse.
• Ensure that resident’s rights to fair and equitable treatment, self determination, individuality, privacy, property and civil rights, including the right to wage a complaint, are followed.
• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information to assure resident rights are protected.
• Report suspected incidents of abuse or mistreatment of residents to the charge nurse and/or supervisor immediately.
• Knock before entering a resident’s room.
• Honor the resident’s request for non-participation in activity or social service programs. Report such request to the charge nurse.

 

 

Safety and Sanitation

 

• Report any irregularities and unsafe/hazardous conditions, defective equipment, etc., to the department supervisor immediately.
• Report all incidents/accidents and changes in the resident’s condition to the charge nurse immediately.
• Follow established policies and procedures concerning infection control when performing duties in isolation rooms/areas.
• Follow established policies and procedures of the facility.

 

 

Working Conditions

 

• Sits, stands, bends, lifts and moves intermittently during working hours.
• Works in assigned areas of the facility.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Attend and participate in continuing educational programs, as requested.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• Works with infirm and aged residents who may have physical and mental conditions.

 

 

Education Requirements

 

• No educational requirements are necessary.
• Must be able to read and write.

 

Experience

 

• None required. Training provided.

 

 

 

Specific Requirements

 

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action in a timely fashion.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors and the general public.
• Must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age and of good moral character.
• Must be knowledgeable of our volunteer program, practices, procedures and guidelines.
• Must possess the ability to work harmoniously with other department personnel.
• Must possess the ability to minimize waste of supplies, misuse of equipment, etc.
• Must be willing to follow instructions exactly, understanding that errors could be dangerous to the resident.
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.

 

 

Physical and Sensory Requirements

(With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

 

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with facility personnel.
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.