What steps are required to become a volunteer?
All volunteer applicants need to:
- Complete an application and background check
- Submit two names and addresses for references
- Meet with a member of the Volunteer Department for an interview
- Attend an orientation (3 hours)
At this point, the volunteer is ready to start working in roles that do not involve contact with patients. Such roles may include thrift shop volunteer, administrative support, special events and public speaking.
Volunteers who will work with patients need to attend an additional 24 hours of patient/family volunteer training to prepare them for this work.
For more information about our training, click here.
How long does the process take?
The length of the application process depends on a number of factors: the application schedule, how quickly references are returned and the training schedule.
I don’t have any experience working in healthcare. Can I still volunteer?
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities and the application/interview process provides the process to match volunteer skills and interests to the needs of the agency.
I work(ed) professionally in healthcare. Do I still need to attend all of the training?
The roles and perspectives of volunteers, nurses and social workers are different, so we require our volunteers who will be working with patients to attend the entire volunteer training. You may find that you are familiar with some portions of the information covered in the training, but much of it will be new.
I am only on Cape part of the year. Can I volunteer?
Yes! Many volunteers are needed throughout the year to provide support for patients and families, Thrift Shop and other activities. Available volunteers step into assignments when other volunteers take a leave of absence. Some volunteers go south in the winter and some native Cape Cod volunteers take their vacation in the summer.
I took training with another hospice. Do I have to take the training over again?
At a minimum the 3-hour orientation to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod is required. Patient/Family volunteer training taken in another hospice may be transferred.
During the interview process this can be specifically addressed.