Opportunities From: Volunteer Iowa

Honoring those who served by serving them now.

Are you a veteran who feels called to serve those who once served our nation as you did?

Could you offer companionship to a veteran who would value someone who understands respect, service, and shared stories?

Would you like to help create moments of dignity and connection for fellow veterans in their final chapter?

Direct Care Volunteers who serve veteran patients offer meaningful companionship, connection, and support to those who have served our country as they navigate the challenges of serious illness and end‑of‑life care. Whether sharing conversation, reading together, assisting with light tasks, or providing respite for veteran caregivers, these volunteers help create moments of dignity, comfort, and recognition. Guided by an individualized care plan and working closely with hospice staff, volunteers bring compassion, reliability, and emotional maturity to every visit while honoring each veteran’s unique experiences, respecting family beliefs, and participating in ongoing training to ensure high‑quality, veteran‑centered care.

As part of our We Honor Veterans program, veteran‑to‑veteran volunteers play a vital role in recognizing the service and sacrifice of those in their final chapter through both pinning ceremonies and the Final Salute. Pinning ceremonies offer a heartfelt moment of recognition, allowing veterans to honor one another with shared understanding and deep respect. After a veteran patient has passed, the Final Salute becomes a powerful gesture of gratitude—veterans standing together to honor a fellow servicemember’s life, legacy, and duty. Through these traditions, volunteers ensure that every veteran receives the dignity, acknowledgment, and brotherhood they have earned, even in their final moments and beyond.

See below for full position description.

Opportunities in the following counties:

Sioux, Lyon, Osceola, O'Brien, Clay, Dickinson, Palo Alto, Emmet, Kossuth

This volunteer opportunity is flexible to your own schedule, availability, and level of comfort.  No level of commitment is too small.

TITLE

Direct Care Volunteer

REPORTS TO

Volunteer Coordinator (VC)/ Manager of Volunteer Services (MVS)

DESCRIPTION

The Direct Care Volunteer serves as an additional support to patients and families dealing with a terminal

illness and end-of-life issues. Support is provided in a variety of ways, including the provision of

companionship and socialization to patients, or offering respite to stressed caregivers. Direct Care

Volunteers may also make tuck in calls to patients and families. All care provided by the Direct Care

Volunteer is outlined in the Volunteer Care Plan and agreed upon by the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).

QUALIFICATIONS

The Direct Care Volunteer must possess the ability to actively listen and communicate compassionately with

patients, families, and caregivers at the end-of-life. He/she has the ability to work as a team with family

members and hospice staff. He/she must have the ability to respect patient/family belief systems, emotional

maturity and sensitivity. Must be dependable and have access to reliable transportation. He/ she must have

an understanding of Hospice philosophy and goals, and be willing to participate in peer support/ continuing

education meetings on a regular basis. Additionally, he/ she must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age

2. Provide the following paperwork:

            a. Completed Volunteer Application

            b. 2 References

            c. Signed Code of Conduct Attestation Statement

            d. Signed Permission for Background Check

            e. Signed Permission for Drug Screen

            f. Completed New Hire Communicable Disease/Tuberculosis/Health Screening Questionnaire

               form and additional state requirements, as required

           g. *Tuberculin Test Administration Form (unless exempt from TB testing)

           h. *Completed Hepatitis B Form

NOTE: * TB skin test and Hepatitis B forms are not required for volunteers only performing tuck-in calls

3. Have satisfactory references from employers and/ or professional peers

4. Have a satisfactory criminal background check (as required by state)

5. Successfully complete the Direct Care Volunteer orientation

6. Veteran Volunteers must successfully complete additional orientation specific to this role. Other

specialty volunteers, such as Bereavement Support, Pet Therapy, Reiki and Vigil Volunteers must also

meet requirements as indicated in those Job Descriptions.

RESPONSBILITIES

1. Provide support to patients and families by performing essential duties such as reading to patients,

playing games, writing letters on behalf of patients, assisting with plant or pet care, meal preparation,

companionship or support with light household chores as needed

2. Provide support to patients and families through tuck-in call processes, completes necessary forms and

communicates needs/concerns to Volunteer Coordinator (VC)/ Manager of Volunteer Services (MVS)

and/or IDG team.

3. May attend funeral or visit the family/ caregivers after the death of the patient

4. Participate in Volunteer support or peer groups and/ or training with other Volunteers

5. Provide availability on a regular basis and/ or keeping with the assigned patient, family and caregiver

needs as outlined and defined in the Volunteer Care Plan

6. Maintain regular communication with the Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer Services

about the needs of the patient, family and caregiver. Report any concerns, problems, or sudden

changes in patient, family and caregiver status to the Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer

Services immediately

7. Perform duties within the established Volunteer Care Plan and function within authorized activities

according to the individual’s ability, knowledge, and training. Does not assume tasks or decisions

which are outside the scope of the Volunteer or are within the domain of other persons, e.g. family,

caregiver, hospice personnel or facility staff

8. Document and record hours of service and return Volunteer Visit Documentation Form to the

Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer Services within a timely manner, i.e. 24-48 hours

9. Notify Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer Services if there is a change in situation that

could affect patient care, a change in status, leave of absence or need for substitute volunteer.

10. Maintain patient, family and caregiver confidentiality and abide by federal regulations related to

privacy practices, e.g. HIPAA

11. Assure for compliance with local, state, and federal laws, Medicare regulations, and established

personnel policies and procedures

12. Meet or exceed delivery of Company Service Standards and operate under the company’s Code of

Conduct

13. Be evaluated annually based on competency and performance

14. Participate in continuing education and training, including mandatory annual in-services (HIPAA,

Tuberculosis, Emergency Preparedness, etc.)

Visit our website!

Honoring Life's Final Moments with dignity and care.

Can you sit with someone in silence and still make a profound difference?

Do you have the heart to walk beside patients and families at the end of life's journey?

Would you like to be the person who brings peace and dignity to a patient's final hours?

End-of-Life Companion Volunteers (Vigil Volunteers) provide calm, compassionate presence to patients in their final hours, offering comfort, companionship, and support to those who may be alone or to families navigating the uncertainty of the dying process. Through quiet presence, attentive listening, and steady communication with hospice staff, Vigil Volunteers help create a peaceful environment while honoring the dignity, needs, and wishes of each patient. Their role brings reassurance, humanity, and gentle guidance during one of life’s most sacred transitions.

See below for full position description.

Opportunities in the following counties:

Sioux, Lyon, Osceola, O'Brien, Clay, Dickinson, Palo Alto, Emmet, Kossuth

This volunteer opportunity is flexible to your own schedule, availability, and level of comfort.  No level of commitment is too small.

TITLE

Vigil Volunteer

REPORTS TO

Volunteer Coordinator but may receive oversight of duties and assignments from another member of

the IDG (on-call personnel)

DESCRIPTION

The Vigil Volunteer offers companionship, comfort and presence to patients during the time

immediately prior to their death. Support can be provided to patients who have no family to be with

them or to provide support and guidance to families and caregivers, helping to relieve the unknown; this

may also include staff if the patient resides at a facility. Support is provided in a variety of ways,

including being a calm presence, talking and listening to the family/caregivers, or sharing silence.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Vigil Volunteer must have an understanding of Hospice philosophy and be familiar with the dying

process, i.e., recognize when death is imminent. He/she will receive additional education/training on

anticipatory grief, empathetic presence, reflective listening, and the rights of the dying. He/she must be

a strong communicator, be comfortable around death and be able to maintain composure in stressful

situations. He/she must also be willing to be called for assignment on short-notice and have some

flexibility with scheduling. Additionally, he/she must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age

2. Complete the Direct Care Volunteer training and orientation (including all necessary paperwork

and education)

3. Complete additional Vigil Volunteer training (4 hours), including review and signature of the

Vigil Volunteer Job Description and the Vigil Volunteer Orientation Verification form

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Demonstrate understanding of the dying process and ability to provide compassionate support

to the patient (and family, if present)

2. Communicate patient status and provide update to the appropriate IDG/on-call staff member

after each visit

3. Report any concerns, problems, or sudden changes in patient, family and caregiver status to the

appropriate IDG/on-call staff member immediately

4. If in a facility, check in with the facility staff upon arrival, and then again when leaving

5. Participate in Volunteer support or peer groups and/or training with other Volunteers

6. Communicate timely when a Vigil Volunteer request is received (even if unavailable to make

visit)

7. Maintain regular communication with the Volunteer Coordinator (VC)

8. Function within authorized activities according to the individual’s ability, knowledge, and

training. Does not assume tasks or decisions which are outside the scope of the Vigil Volunteer

or are within the domain of other persons, e.g., family, caregiver, hospice personnel or facility

staff

9. Document and record hours of service and return Volunteer Visit Notes to the Volunteer

Coordinator (VC) within a timely manner, i.e., 24-48 hours

10. Provide update on patient status, including activities performed by Vigil Volunteer, to the next

Vigil Volunteer and/or Volunteer Coordinator (VC)

11. Maintain patient, family and caregiver confidentiality and abide by federal regulations related to

privacy practices, e.g., HIPAA

12. Assure for compliance with local, state, and federal laws, Medicare regulations, and established

personnel policies and procedures

13. Meet or exceed delivery of Company Service Standards and operate under the company’s Code

of Conduct

14. Be evaluated annually based on competency and performance

15. Participate in continuing education and training, including mandatory annual in-services (HIPAA,

Tuberculosis, Emergency Preparedness, etc.

Visit our website!

Moments of Comfort, Made by You

Do you enjoy performing simple acts of kindness - like writing letters, playing games, helping with small tasks, or just being present - that can make a big difference?

Are you ready to offer companionship to someone who may feel isolated or alone?

Do you want to use your time and heart to improve someone's quality of life?

Direct Care Volunteers offer meaningful support to patients and families facing end‑of‑life challenges by providing companionship, social interaction, and respite for caregivers. Whether reading with a patient, sharing conversation, assisting with light tasks, or making tuck‑in calls, these volunteers help enhance comfort and connection during a vulnerable time. Working closely with hospice staff and guided by an individualized care plan, Direct Care Volunteers bring compassion, reliability, and emotional maturity to every visit while maintaining confidentiality, honoring family beliefs, and participating in ongoing training to ensure high‑quality, patient‑centered care.

See below for full position description.

Opportunities in the following counties:

Sioux, Lyon, Osceola, O'Brien, Clay, Dickinson, Palo Alto, Emmet, Kossuth

This volunteer opportunity is flexible to your own schedule, availability, and level of comfort.  No level of commitment is too small.

TITLE

Direct Care Volunteer

REPORTS TO

Volunteer Coordinator (VC)/ Manager of Volunteer Services (MVS)

DESCRIPTION

The Direct Care Volunteer serves as an additional support to patients and families dealing with a terminal

illness and end-of-life issues. Support is provided in a variety of ways, including the provision of

companionship and socialization to patients, or offering respite to stressed caregivers. Direct Care

Volunteers may also make tuck in calls to patients and families. All care provided by the Direct Care

Volunteer is outlined in the Volunteer Care Plan and agreed upon by the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).

QUALIFICATIONS

The Direct Care Volunteer must possess the ability to actively listen and communicate compassionately with

patients, families, and caregivers at the end-of-life. He/she has the ability to work as a team with family

members and hospice staff. He/she must have the ability to respect patient/family belief systems, emotional

maturity and sensitivity. Must be dependable and have access to reliable transportation. He/ she must have

an understanding of Hospice philosophy and goals, and be willing to participate in peer support/ continuing

education meetings on a regular basis. Additionally, he/ she must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age

2. Provide the following paperwork:

            a. Completed Volunteer Application

            b. 2 References

            c. Signed Code of Conduct Attestation Statement

            d. Signed Permission for Background Check

            e. Signed Permission for Drug Screen

            f. Completed New Hire Communicable Disease/Tuberculosis/Health Screening Questionnaire

               form and additional state requirements, as required

           g. *Tuberculin Test Administration Form (unless exempt from TB testing)

           h. *Completed Hepatitis B Form

NOTE: * TB skin test and Hepatitis B forms are not required for volunteers only performing tuck-in calls

3. Have satisfactory references from employers and/ or professional peers

4. Have a satisfactory criminal background check (as required by state)

5. Successfully complete the Direct Care Volunteer orientation

6. Veteran Volunteers must successfully complete additional orientation specific to this role. Other

specialty volunteers, such as Bereavement Support, Pet Therapy, Reiki and Vigil Volunteers must also

meet requirements as indicated in those Job Descriptions.

RESPONSBILITIES

1. Provide support to patients and families by performing essential duties such as reading to patients,

playing games, writing letters on behalf of patients, assisting with plant or pet care, meal preparation,

companionship or support with light household chores as needed

2. Provide support to patients and families through tuck-in call processes, completes necessary forms and

communicates needs/concerns to Volunteer Coordinator (VC)/ Manager of Volunteer Services (MVS)

and/or IDG team.

3. May attend funeral or visit the family/ caregivers after the death of the patient

4. Participate in Volunteer support or peer groups and/ or training with other Volunteers

5. Provide availability on a regular basis and/ or keeping with the assigned patient, family and caregiver

needs as outlined and defined in the Volunteer Care Plan

6. Maintain regular communication with the Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer Services

about the needs of the patient, family and caregiver. Report any concerns, problems, or sudden

changes in patient, family and caregiver status to the Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer

Services immediately

7. Perform duties within the established Volunteer Care Plan and function within authorized activities

according to the individual’s ability, knowledge, and training. Does not assume tasks or decisions

which are outside the scope of the Volunteer or are within the domain of other persons, e.g. family,

caregiver, hospice personnel or facility staff

8. Document and record hours of service and return Volunteer Visit Documentation Form to the

Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer Services within a timely manner, i.e. 24-48 hours

9. Notify Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager of Volunteer Services if there is a change in situation that

could affect patient care, a change in status, leave of absence or need for substitute volunteer.

10. Maintain patient, family and caregiver confidentiality and abide by federal regulations related to

privacy practices, e.g. HIPAA

11. Assure for compliance with local, state, and federal laws, Medicare regulations, and established

personnel policies and procedures

12. Meet or exceed delivery of Company Service Standards and operate under the company’s Code of

Conduct

13. Be evaluated annually based on competency and performance

14. Participate in continuing education and training, including mandatory annual in-services (HIPAA,

Tuberculosis, Emergency Preparedness, etc.)

Visit our website!

Support the heart of hospice - one task at a time.

Are you ready to put your organizational strengths to work supporting families

during some of their most important moments?

Would you like to take on meaningful office tasks that directly strengthen

the care our hospice team provides every day?

Do you want to step into a role where your reliability, compassion, and attention to detail make an immediate difference for patients and staff?

Volunteers play a vital role in supporting our hospice team by helping keep our office running smoothly and efficiently. This behind‑the‑scenes service includes tasks such as answering phones, organizing admission materials, preparing mailings, assembling volunteer or bereavement packets, and assisting with special projects. Volunteers in this role bring strong communication skills, reliability, and a collaborative spirit. With training and ongoing support, Administrative Volunteers contribute to compassionate hospice care by ensuring our staff and families receive timely, organized, and thoughtful assistance. 

See below for full position description.

This volunteer opportunity is flexible to your own schedule, availability, and level of comfort.  No level of commitment is too small.

TITLE 

Administrative Volunteer

REPORTS TO

Volunteer Coordinator (VC)/Manager of Volunteer Services (MVS)

DESCRIPTION

The Administrative Volunteer provides support to office personnel through clerical and administrative

functions.  An administrative volunteer may assist with answering telephones, filing, making copies, data

entry or helping to create admission packets.  An Administrative Volunteer might help with compiling

and mailing Bereavement letters, sympathy cards or the planning of the Annual Memorial Service. 

QUALIFICATIONS

The Administrative Volunteer must possess strong communication skills, must be dependable, self

directed, and flexible and have the ability to work effectively as a member of a team. He/ she must have

an understanding of Hospice Services and be willing to participate in peer support/ continuing education

meetings.  Additionally, he/ she must: 

1. Be at least 16 years of age

2. Provide the following paperwork, co-signed by a parent/ guardian if under the age of 18:

           a. Completed Volunteer Application

           b. 2 References

           c. Code of Conduct Attestation Statement 

           d. Signed Permission for Background Check

           e. Signed Permission for Drug Screen

3. Have satisfactory references from employers and/ or professional peers 

4. Have a satisfactory criminal background check (as required by state)

5. Successfully complete the Administrative Volunteer orientation

RESPONSBILITIES 

1. Assist with assigned tasks, such as, but not limited to:

          a. Answering telephone calls, taking messages, transferring calls, or making calls for                staff members

          b. Organizing and compiling admission packets

          c. Copying and filing

          d. Sending, receiving, and distributing faxes

          e. Assembling Volunteer Orientation manuals and in-service packets

2. Participate in Volunteer support or peer groups and/ or training with other Volunteers to the extent necessary to comply with the training requirements imposed by federal Medicare regulations

3. Provide availability and/ or keep up with the assigned task to support office personnel

4. Maintain regular communication with the Volunteer Coordinator/Manager of Volunteer Services about any changes or concerns regarding current assignment

5. Function within authorized activities according to the individual’s ability, knowledge, and training.  Does not assume tasks or decisions which are outside the scope of the Volunteer or are within the domain of other persons, i.e. hospice clinical or office personnel 

6. Document and record hours of service on the Administrative Volunteer Activity Log

7. Maintain confidentiality and abide by federal regulations related to privacy practices, e.g. HIPAA

8. Assure compliance with local, state, and federal laws, Medicare regulations, and established

personnel policies and procedures 

9. Meet or exceed delivery of Company Service Standards and operate under the company’s Code

of Conduct

10. Be evaluated annually based on competency and performance by the Volunteer Coordinator/

Manager of Volunteer Services

11. Participate in continuing education and training, including mandatory annual in-services (HIPAA,

Emergency Preparedness, Ethics, etc.)

Visit our website!