THE HOSPICE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

There is one person assigned to make sure the people hired as volunteers are appropriate. This means that in addition to checking the backgrounds of the individuals, the coordinator must make sure they have the temperment and willingness to handle a close relationship with the dying and their families.

The coordinator's job is not an easy one. S/he is charged with training the volunteers, making sure all paperwork is done timely,and making sure all innoculations are up to date. The coordinator is also tasked with trying to make a good match between the patient and the volunteer. S/he must be encouraging and supportive. The coordinator is the liason between the volunteers and the rest of the hospice staff.

Educational backgrounds of the coordinators vary. In addition to that background, key is the ability to relate to all kinds of people, to be extremely organized and to be flexible.

In my particular case my coordinator has all of those qualities in addition to an open door policy (and open ear policy, smile)and a fine sense of humor and a gentle kindness.

It is fair to say that the coordinator's job requires much but the rewards are great. It is also fair to say the the entire hospice staff benefits from the intelligent and thoughtful input of the volunteer coordinator.

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