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Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are a vital part of the fabric of our organization. They come to us from diverse backgrounds and fill a variety of needs. Some work directly with patients; others answer phones, assist with clerical duties, speak in the community, take photos, deliver medical supplies to patients, help with data entry, and perform a multitude of other tasks to support the agency. Each one is unique but they all have one thing in common – a heart of service. If you have a desire to give back, to make a difference, you’ve come to the right place.

View video: San Diego Hospice Volunteers



Areas of Opportunity

Patient Care

Our patient care volunteers typically visit patients in their homes or in long-term care settings for up to 4 hours per week. These volunteers are part of a patient’s care team. Patient care volunteers provide:

  • Companionship for patients – A comforting, compassionate presence is a powerful thing. Share a story, play cards, watch movies, read aloud, actively listen, just be.
  • Relief for caregivers – Caregiving can be an all-consuming, exhausting responsibility. Provide a much-needed break for a spouse, child, parent, sibling or loved one caring for a patient.
  • Other services – Sometimes needs come up that are outside the “norm” of companionship and caregiver relief. Run an errand, pick up some groceries, walk a dog, or help with other tasks, as appropriate.

Download Volunteer Resources Program – Direct Patient Care

Patient Care Training

Attendance at orientation, acceptance into our 2-day training class, and successful completion of the training course are required prior to activation as a patient care volunteer.

Our 2-hour orientation allows you to learn more about our agency and allows us to learn more about you.

Our 2-day training class will prepare you for your role as a patient care volunteer. Training is offered five times a year.

Our next training class will be held:
Saturdays, October 16 and 23
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Hillcrest

Classes fill up quickly. Please contact us by October 6 to ensure your spot in our October training.

Apply To Become a Patient Care Volunteer

Submitting an application is the first step to becoming a volunteer. You will be contacted upon receipt of your application to discuss orientation and training.


Specialty Care

These volunteers lend their specialized skills to patients at a time of their lives when making a difference matters most. A 2‑hour per month minimum commitment is requested for most specialty volunteers. Appropriate licensure/certification is required.

We have needs throughout the County for the following specialty care services:

  • Haircut. Nothing lifts the spirits like a good haircut. Our Haircuts @ Home volunteers provide dignity and comfort with every snip.
  • Massage. Massage volunteers deliver significant benefits with their therapeutic touch. According to the National Institutes of Health, massage has been proven to reduce anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate, depression, and pain.
  • Reiki / Healing Touch. Energy therapy volunteers help ease the mind, body, and spirit through their compassionate work with our patients.
  • Notary. Helping a patient tie up loose ends, experience a sense of closure, and wrap up “unfinished business” is a priceless gift delivered by our notary volunteers.
  • Pawsitive Pals. Pet therapy has been shown to reduce loneliness, depression, stress, and isolation while promoting relaxation and improved morale. Our Pawsitive Pals teams have a remarkable way of connecting with patients on a very special level. Certified dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds are welcome.

Apply To Become a Specialty Care Volunteer

Submitting an application is the first step to becoming a volunteer. You will be contacted upon receipt of your application to discuss orientation and training.


Organizational (non-patient care)

Our organizational volunteers support the agency in areas that do not involve direct patient care. These individuals save us hundreds of thousands of dollars each year while contributing to the successful execution of our mission. Areas of need include:

  • Filing
  • General Clerical
  • Medical supply delivery to patients
  • Receptionist

Download Volunteer Resources Program – Organizational

Download Organizational Volunteer Opportunities

Apply To Become an Organizational (Non-patient Care) Volunteer

Submitting an application is the first step to becoming a volunteer. You will be contacted upon receipt of your application to discuss next steps.


For more information on any of our volunteer opportunities, please contact Volunteer Resources today: 619-278-6451 or volunteer@sdhospice.org


Volunteer News & References

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our more than 600 volunteers for your selfless sharing of your time and talents. We hope the information posted here will be of interest and benefit to you as you carry out your valuable work as San Diego Hospice volunteers.

Volunteer Newsletter Video: San Diego Hospice Volunteers
Volunteer Handbook Video: Undying Energy
Supportive Supervision & Enrichment Event Schedule World of Thanks
TB Skin Test Information
Annual TB Symptom Survey/Questionnaire Form


Contact Volunteer Resources

San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine
Volunteer Resources
4311 Third Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
619-278-6451 (phone)
619-688-0017 (fax)
volunteer@sdhospice.org


Our Staff

Kim Heinrichs
Executive Director
619-278-6458
kheinrichs@sdhospice.org

Aimee Davis
Volunteer Coordinator
619-278-6588
adavis@sdhospice.org

Jaime Groth
Volunteer Coordinator
619-278-6192
jgroth@sdhospice.org

Sabrina Harder
Volunteer Coordinator
619-278-6402
sharder@sdhospice.org

Allison Hernandez
Volunteer Coordinator
619-278-6127
ahernandez@sdhospice.org

Danielle Hoffman
Volunteer Coordinator
619-278-6457
dhoffman@sdhospice.org

Stephanie Lisi
Clinical Services Representative
619-278-6451
slisi@sdhospice.org

Armando Rubio
Volunteer Coordinator
619-278-6427
arubio@sdhospice.org


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San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on charitable support to provide its programs and services.


 
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