Organization

Reporting to

Overall: Director, Manager and Coordinator of Volunteer & Support Services

Day to Day: Care Team (Nursing)

Purpose

The purpose of the Family Volunteer is to enhance the quality of life of children on Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (CPCH) program and their families by providing comfort and practical support, as well as encouragement.

Time Commitment

One shift on a weekly or biweekly basis for a minimum of a one year commitment.

Shifts currently run Monday–Sunday: 9:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m., 1:30–4:30 p.m., and 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Training & Support

  • General orientation to CPCH and the Volunteer Program
  • Family Volunteer Orientation (20+ hours, as scheduled)
  • Within the first month after training a member of the Volunteer Leadership Team is assigned to follow up/check in with the Family Volunteer to ascertain if they have any questions or concerns with their role
  • Engagement surveys are performed annually and the feedback is distributed during our year-end review

General Responsibilities

  • Attends CPCH related special events, as requested, and as time permits
  • Attends kids and/or teen camp as requested by Recreation Team
  • Maintain reliable schedule (weekly or bi-weekly)
  • Remain within the boundaries of the role and volunteer program
  • Contributes to the CPCH culture by understanding and supporting our Mission and Vision and actively demonstrating our Values
  • Contributes to a culture of safety by attending CPCH hosted or sponsored workshops, trainings and adhering to policies

Specific Accountabilities

Under the guidance and direction of the Care team and Director and Coordinators of the Volunteer & Support Services, the Family Volunteer provides support to children and their families by:

  • Communicating interest and concern for all children and their families
  • Actively listening to concerns and feelings
  • Empathetically responding to specific needs of the individual child/family
  • Participating in non-judgmental interaction with children and their families
  • Providing child care to give family members a break
  • Taking children and families on outings either in conjunction with the Recreation Therapy team in the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley areas or locally around the hospices
  • Assisting the child with activities such as playing, reading, baking
  • Responding willingly to requests made by the professional Care Team (including running errands)
  • Assisting children in the schoolroom as directed by the teacher and Special Education Assistant
  • Overseeing peer volunteers on shift
  • Offering assistance to other departments during quiet periods as needed

General Skills & Attributes

  • Be in good mental and physical health
  • Demonstrate empathy and excellent communication skills
  • Be open-minded and non-judgmental
  • Able to volunteer in a dynamic & changing environment

Mandatory Requirements

  • Able to provide proof of receiving both doses of Covid-19 vaccine and other immunization records, as required
  • Wear required PPE at all times (e.g. medical masks)
  • Wear CPCH identification nametag during shifts and related special events
  • Record volunteer either through Better Impact touchscreen in the VSS office, or advise Volunteer & Support Services staff via email for offsite shifts
  • Shall keep confidential all information regarding a child or family at CPCH
  • Shall not perform professional services for which specific education, certification or licensing is required (e.g. medical care, professional advice, and counseling)
  • Volunteers must not provide personal contact information to the children and families or engage in social media exchanges
  • Volunteers are not permitted to speak on behalf of CPCH to the media or other public agencies unless they have been authorized to do so by the Director, Volunteer & Support Services, Director, Events & Communications, or the CEO

Benefits

  • Personal growth and fulfillment
  • Education mingles; continuing education sessions
  • Lunch and dinner meals are provided whilst on shift
  • Complimentary tea, coffee, cookies and snacks are offered whilst on shift
  • Annual Volunteer Appreciation event; prizes & recognition gifts
  • Quarterly Volunteer Recognition

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