Duties

Assist staff in Adult Day Health (ADH). Assist patients in daily activities and help to maintain a healthy and safe environment. Assist the staff in preparing and implementing daily activities. Oversee daily activities such as games, music, art, etc. Attend to the needs of individual patients. Perform occasional tasks such as stocking materials, cleaning ADH area, running errands for staff.

The ADH Assistant will be trained by the Director of Athletics and Recreation and other ADH staff. Volunteers will be in daily contact with ADH staff, patients and parents and collaborate with department staff and with other departments as necessary.

DO: Check with the Director of Athletics and Recreation before doing an activity you have not been instructed in. Wash hands, or use the alcohol-based cleanser, before and after contact with patients. Be conscientious; let the Volunteer Coordinator know if you must be absent. Be aware of any patients who may be an elopement risk. Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times. Respect confidentiality.

DO NOT: Give food or drink without approval from the staff. Lift a patient. Administer medications. Adjust traction. Handle bedpans or urinals. Turn a patient in bed or remove a patient from the bed. Exchange food items on the patients' trays. Operate or adjust equipment. Accept or chart orders or medical instructions for patients. Handle narcotics. Obtain patient's signature for treatment. Witness permits or legal documents. Perform any function involving access to confidential information regarding the patient's condition.

Qualifications

Must be 14 years of age or older. Must be a mature, positive, service-oriented individual with emphasis on compassion for patients with disabilities. Must have excellent communication skills and be a good listener. Must have a calm, even disposition. Ability to accept supervision and/or criticism.

All volunteers must attend a general volunteer orientation as well as a department specific orientation.

Requires the ability to perform moderately difficult manipulative skills, walk, sit, reach, crouch, bend, and stand for prolonged periods. Ability to work with adults with disabilities.

Adequate conversational English is required in order that the individual be able to take direction from management, understand how to complete job tasks, communicate adequately with patients and co-workers as necessary, understand and follow safety guidelines and understand the volunteer handbook and all hospital policies.