Volunteer Opportunities!

Volunteers at Hospice of the West play a vital role in providing comfort and support to patients and their families. Responsibilities include visiting patients, offering companionship, assisting caregivers, or supporting the care team behind the scenes with tasks like organizing memories and sending cards. Each volunteer role is designed to cater to different skills and interests, ensuring that your contributions truly make a difference.

To volunteer at Hospice of the West, candidates need to be compassionate individuals who understand and embrace the hospice philosophy. Additionally, candidates must be respectful of diverse backgrounds and differences. Passing a background check is also a requirement to ensure the safety and comfort of the patients and the team.

Yes! If you have a certified and vaccinated therapy pet, you can volunteer as a Pet Therapy Volunteer at Hospice of the West. This role allows you to share the love and comfort of your pet with patients, bringing joy and emotional support to those in need.

Hospice of the West offers various volunteer opportunities, including Patient Care Volunteers who interact directly with patients, Organizational Volunteers who assist behind the scenes, Musician Volunteers who provide musical comfort, Pet Therapy Volunteers to share their certified pets, and Veteran Volunteers who connect with fellow veterans. Whatever your interest or skill set, there’s a spot for you!

No, volunteers at Hospice of the West do not receive any compensation for their time. However, the experience of making a positive impact in the lives of others is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

When answering this question, focus on your desire to make a meaningful impact in the community and your understanding of the hospice philosophy. Share personal experiences or values that align with Hospice of the West’s mission and the joy you find in supporting others.

In your response, emphasize your empathetic nature and ability to adapt your approach to match the emotional states of patients. Highlight your active listening skills and your commitment to providing respectful and compassionate support to each individual's unique needs.

Discuss specific skills that relate to the volunteering role, such as communication, patience, or caregiving experience. You can also mention any previous volunteer work or relevant skills, like musical talent if applying as a Musician Volunteer.

Describe your conflict resolution skills, focusing on staying calm, listening attentively, and providing reassurance. Share examples of how you've navigated tough situations in the past, emphasizing your ability to maintain professionalism and compassion.

Articulate your eagerness to learn new skills and gain a deeper understanding of the hospice care process. Mention personal growth aspects, such as forming connections with others or gaining insights into end-of-life care.

Provide an anecdote that illustrates your empathetic nature and ability to support others. Be specific about your actions and how they positively affected the person you were helping, showcasing your commitment to volunteering.

Your response should express patience and understanding. Explain that you would respect the patient's wishes while remaining available if they change their mind. Emphasize your ability to create a safe and inviting environment for dialogue.

Talk about the tools or strategies you use to stay organized, such as checklists, prioritizing tasks based on patient needs, or effective communication with fellow volunteers. Highlight your time management skills and the importance of teamwork.

Share any special talents you possess that could enhance the volunteer experience, whether it's music, arts and crafts, or storytelling. Explain how these talents could bring joy or comfort to patients, demonstrating your eagerness to contribute.

Mention your understanding of the importance of confidentiality in healthcare settings. Talk about your commitment to respecting patient privacy and your awareness of the sensitive nature of the information you may encounter while volunteering.