Volunteer

Client Volunteer Position Description

EOLCOR is comprised of Client Volunteers who are specifically trained to provide skilled non-medical, professional guidance, education, advocacy and support through the Death with Dignity Act (DWDA) and other end-of-life choices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• A volunteer’s professional experience (nurse, physician, social worker, etc.) may be relevant to clients; however, volunteers are only in attendance as EOLCOR Client Volunteers, only imparting information about end-of-life options. Any request for medical advice is referred to the client’s physician or hospice.

• Educate clients and their loved ones about all legal end-of-life options, including the Death with Dignity Act, Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED), palliative and hospice care, and stopping and declining medical treatment.

• Provide nonjudgmental support to clients about their choices for end of life that are consistent with their personal values.

• Educate clients and their loved ones regarding the benefits of hospice care and encourage them to enroll if they have not already done so.

• With the client's permission, coordinate with their hospice team regarding any wishes or plans expressed by the client.

• If a client wants to pursue the Death with Dignity Act, educate them about the legal requirements, the process of qualification, and support and guide them and their loved ones throughout qualifying process.

• If needed, for clients pursuing the Death with Dignity Act, advocate on their behalf to find 2 licensed, Oregon, qualifying physicians.

• At the request of a client, attend their planned death or remain available by phone for support if the client does not want their volunteers in attendance. If attending the planned death, be prepared to stay for a minimum of 2 hours. If the death goes beyond the time volunteers stay, plan to be available by phone in case extra support is needed.

• At the planned death, prepare the life-ending medication exactly had directed by the Attending Physician for self-administration by the client.

• If requested, at the planned death, make the determination that the client has died by checking pulse and breathing.

• Respect clients and their loved one’s confidentiality at all times.

• Record all visits and contacts in the EOLCOR database within 24 hours of seeing or communicating with a client.

• Contact team leaders for unusual circumstances or if unsure how to proceed with a client.

• Contact the Attending Physician if any situations arise that require the assistance of licensed medical professionals.

Skills Needed

• Demonstrates empathy and compassion for clients and their loved ones.

• Ability to work as a team member.

• Considerable time flexibility for visits or calls as needed.

• Arrive at meetings and appointments on time.

• Ensure client responsibilities are covered by another volunteer when absent.

• Maintain professional attire, demeanor, presentation and appearance.

Training and Supervision

• Participate in the 6 week client volunteer training.

• Mentor with experienced client volunteers.

• Attend monthly client volunteer team meetings.

Time Commitment

Varies depending on caseload, however, you must have flexibility in your schedule.

Reimbursement

EOLCOR will reimburse volunteers for travel expenses relating to visiting clients, attending trainings, or monthly client volunteer meetings, including mileage, parking, and ferry or bridge tolls. Client Volunteers must provide receipts and fill out EOLCOR’s Payment Reimbursement form.