Special Programs Coordinator

JOB DESCRIPTION

Special Programs Coordinator

Reporting Structure:
Reports to: Administrator
Supervises: Bereavement Staff and Volunteers
Interacts with: Patients, Families, Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), and Other Healthcare Professionals

Job Summary:

TheSpecial Programs Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, and supervising both the bereavement and volunteer programs within Hospice. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality bereavement services to patients and families while also recruiting, training, and managing volunteers. The coordinator plays a key role in community outreach, program development, and maintaining compliance with hospice policies and regulations.

Qualifications:

Education:

• High school diploma required.
• Completion of hospice training program (preferred for Volunteer Coordination duties).

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to work independently and make accurate, timely decisions.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Ability to respond effectively to crises outside a hospital setting.
• Adaptability to diverse social, racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds.

Experience:

• Minimum of two years in a related field preferred.
• Experience or education in grief or loss counseling preferred.
• Previous volunteer experience preferred.
• Active patient contact within the past three years is preferred.

Job Requirements:

Physical Demands:

• Minimal physical effort required, including occasional kneeling, squatting, reaching, twisting, climbing, and walking.
• Ability to assist with patient lifting/transfers when necessary (up to 200 lbs).
• Must have adequate sight and hearing or use adaptive devices to perform essential job functions.
• Annual TB test and any other state-required health screenings.

Mental & Emotional Demands:

• Must be able to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Requires flexibility, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage emotional stress and maintain professional stability.

Work Environment:

• Exposure to odors, blood, body fluids, and hazardous materials.
• May encounter adverse environmental conditions.

Transportation:

• Valid driver’s license, auto liability insurance, and reliable transportation required.

Key Responsibilities:

Bereavement Program Responsibilities:

• Develop, oversee, and manage the bereavement services program, utilizing professional staff and volunteers.
• Ensure the adequacy and appropriateness of bereavement programs for patients and their families.
• Develop and implement new bereavement programs and services as needed.
• Create educational programs and materials on grief, loss, and bereavement for patients, families, staff, and the community.
• Assist in hospice educational training programs.
• Design materials for families eligible for hospice bereavement services.
• Plan, implement, and supervise bereavement events.
• Supervise bereavement support staff and oversee bereavement follow-up, including communication and support for families.
• Lead the bereavement section of IDT conferences.
• Maintain the bereavement component of community and staff resource libraries.
• Manage all bereavement-related mailings, calls, visits, and tracking.
• Travel across Shrivers Hospice service areas to promote, educate, and market the bereavement program.

Volunteer Program Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the volunteer program.
• Assign volunteers based on hospice needs and volunteer skills/interests.
• Maintain an organized record-keeping system tracking volunteer services and hours.
• Travel across Shrivers Hospice service areas to recruit, interview, and train volunteers.
• Conduct community education and marketing efforts to promote volunteer program awareness.
• Develop and lead volunteer orientation and training programs.
• Monitor and evaluate volunteer performance, ensuring adherence to hospice policies.
• Organize volunteer support meetings, appreciation events, and provide ongoing supervision.
• Build relationships with community organizations and program leaders.
• Attend IDT meetings and serve as a liaison between volunteers and the hospice team.
• Track and report volunteer hours and cost savings achieved through volunteer services.

General Responsibilities:

• Prepare reports as requested by administration.
• Participate in and conduct in-service training sessions as assigned.
• Utilize technology, including iPad, laptop, PC, and MatrixCare system, for documentation and communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Administrator.