Join Our Family of Volunteers

As a volunteer, you will be part of a team fulfilling an important mission: providing compassion, care, and comfort for those coping with a life-limiting illness, and support to their families and loved ones.

Kathy Leddy
Volunteer Services Manager

Contact our Volunteer Department
207-289-3652
volunteer@hospiceofsouthernmaine.org

Overview

Our volunteers experience profound emotional and spiritual rewards that come from deeply meaningful work, whether they contribute direct care or organizational support.

Hospice of Southern Maine offers many volunteer opportunities that include direct care, administrative/special event tasks, and complimentary services including our PawPrints, Reiki, and HeartStrings programs.

We encourage individuals who have pet therapy dogs, Reiki certification or musical talents as well as the desire to care for others to apply to become a volunteer.

Volunteer Training Courses

Individuals interested in becoming a Direct Care Volunteer participate in one of our 30-hour trainings.

Our training course is two full Thursdays, one 5-hour Thursday, and two half-day Friday sessions. Trainings are held annually in April, June, and September.

Our next volunteer training will take place on September 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, and 19th. Some sessions will be held virtually over Zoom while others will take place in person at our main office in Scarborough.

Please complete the application process described below to register.

apply to be a hospice volunteer now

Direct Care Volunteers

Hospice of Southern Maine provides a comprehensive training program and ongoing support to volunteers working with our patients and their families. The initial training ensures that volunteers have the skills and confidence to be well prepared for this role. No healthcare background is needed.

Volunteers complete the professional circle of hospice care. In addition to being good listeners, our volunteers are compassionate, reliable, non-judgmental, and they understand the importance of confidentiality. They enjoy working with all types of people. Direct Care Volunteers provide non-medical aid and support in the following ways:

Providing companionship and emotional support for patients, caregivers, and families
Providing respite care to allow caregivers time to themselves
Assisting with errands
Helping with light household chores or light meal prep
Providing bedside companionship for patients alone in their final hours
Assisting with life review, letter writing, or completion of projects
Offering grief support following the death of a loved one
Providing therapy dog (PawPrints), music (Heartstrings Program) or Reiki visits
Kitchen support at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House

Commitment & Requirements:

Completion of application packet
Completion of the 30-hour Hospice Volunteer Training
Favorable background check
Substance use testing with a negative result
Mandatory TB Screening and immunization documentation
CDC required immunizations
A minimum commitment of 3-4 hours per week for a minimum of 1 year
Volunteers must complete all annual requirements
Must be at least 18 years of age

If you have recently experienced a significant loss, it is recommended that you wait at least one year before volunteering in a Direct Care capacity. During that year, you may choose to volunteer as an Administrative/Special Event Volunteer.

Administrative Volunteers

Administrative Volunteers provide non-direct care on a sporadic basis either on-site or at an off-site event. Volunteer service may include the following:

Stuffing envelopes
Packet building
Filing
Assisting with special events

Commitment & Requirements:

Completion of application packet
Review and sign policies including Confidentiality Agreement
Favorable background check
Substance abuse testing with a negative result
Mandatory TB Screening and immunization documentation
CDC Required Immunizations
Must be at least 18 years of age

Special Event Volunteers

Several times a year, we host special events and are always grateful for an extra hand. Such community events include Twilight in the Park and Hike for Hospice.

For these events, we welcome groups as well as minors to volunteer.

Commitment & Requirements:

Completion of Contact Form
Review and sign policies including Confidentiality Agreement

special event volunteer opportunities

Application Process

Anyone interested in becoming a Direct Care or Administrative Volunteer must submit an application and reference form. Upon approval of their application, Direct Care applicants must also complete one of our 30-hour training courses.

Please download and complete the following forms to begin the application process. Completed forms may be submitted to our Volunteer Team by email at volunteer@hospiceofsouthernmaine.org or by mail to our offices at 390 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074.