Become a Hospice Volunteer
Becoming a hospice volunteer is a simple process.
First Step: Make Contact
The first step is to call or email the Volunteer Coordinator. She'll arrange an interview with you to discuss how your interests and abilities can complement our volunteer efforts. We ask that people who are interested in volunteering wait at least one year after the death of a loved one before volunteering at Benton Hospice Service.
Second Step: Get Trained
Once you've identified what kind of volunteering you'd like to do, you will receive the appropriate training.
Comprehensive training is given to all potential hospice volunteers to ensure they have all the skills necessary for supporting patients and their families. Administrative volunteers attend a short training session and receive "on-the-job" training, while community and respite care volunteers attend a series of classes.
Graduates of this training may also pursue other volunteer opportunities including life history recording, Transitions support or bereavement support.
We also welcome volunteer musicians, hairstylists, artists, gardeners, handy-people, and those with other specific skills or interests, to join us in supporting our community in end-of-life care.
A hospice volunteer is expected to commit to volunteering about two hours or more per week for at least one year.
Training classes are held throughout the year. There is no cost, however voluntary donations are accepted to offset the cost of the training and materials. Click here to learn more about volunteer training topics.
Third Step: Keep Current
All Benton Hospice Service volunteers will undergo a background check and attend an annual safety in-service training. Volunteers who have direct patient contact are also required to have two TB tests withing one year, have a valid driver's license, and provide proof of current automobile insurance.
Benton Hospice volunteers have opportunities for continued learning through in-service trainings held throughout the year and Volunteer Connections, a regular meeting for volunteers to learn new information and share their experiences. A quarterly newsletter, Volunteer Spirit, is also sent to all volunteers to keep them up-to-date on end-of-life care issues, training and techniques, and Benton Hospice Service activities.
As part of the hospice team, volunteers are invited to various Benton Hopsice events.