Volunteers

Qualities looked for in a volunteer:

• Reliable and responsible
• Positive approach to life
• Sensitivity and understanding
• Tact and discretion
• Non judgemental
• Sense of humour
• Team player

Volunteers need to be respectful of others values and beliefs.

All prospective volunteers have a selection interview and attend an orientation program. References and a police check are required.

Following the orientation program each volunteer receives induction into the role they will perform. Volunteers also attend mandatory training in fire safety, manual handling and infection control.

Aims

• To provide training to ensure volunteer workers gain insight, knowledge and skills relating to Palliative and Aged Care Services.
• To provide volunteer workers with the information required to work safely in a health care environment.

Training

Training includes an introduction to Calvary’s Mission, Vision and Philosophy and an overview of:

• Calvary’s Services
• Palliative and Aged Care Services
• Patient contact and role of the volunteer
• Development of effective communication skills when speaking  with patient and family members
• Physical, emotional, social and spiritual issues that people can encounter when in hospital
• Basic information about Grief, Loss and Bereavement
• Role description and the boundaries of patient relationships for the volunteer worker
• Rights and responsibilities of volunteering
• Duty of Care and how this applies to your voluntary activity
• Safe Work Practices:  Manual Handling, Work Health and Safety, Universal precautions and Fire Safety