Ames Family Hospice House seeking reception desk volunteers

Are you looking for a way to give back to the community to make a positive difference? Hospice of the Western Reserve is seeking reception desk volunteers at Ames Family Hospice House, its hospice inpatient care center located near the intersection of Crocker and Clemens Road in Westlake.

Reception desk volunteers are the “first face of hospice” to visiting families and guests. They not only provide a friendly welcome but play a crucial role in helping the facility provide a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors and staff. During the pandemic, receptionists play an especially vital role, screening all visitors and taking temperatures. (Training for these procedures is provided.)

“Many of our volunteers have had family members or friends who have received care here,” said Patti Hanrahan, Volunteer Service Manager. “They find it especially rewarding to help other families going through this difficult time. Their personal experiences provide a level of empathy that is invaluable to us.”

Hanrahan said reception desk volunteers work three-hour shifts, so a variety of convenient time options are available to fit almost any schedule. The reception desk is staffed from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Social distancing, masking and stringent sanitization procedures are in place to ensure a safe environment.

“If this sounds like a volunteer opportunity you may be interested in, we’d love to hear from you,” Hanrahan said. “The first step is to set up a virtual interview and complete an application. Hospice of the Western Reserve conducts a background check for all prospective volunteers and performs a required TB test at the agency’s expense.”

Prospective volunteers are enrolled in virtual training classes where they learn more about Hospice of the Western Reserve’s mission, the Ames facility, their new role and the requirements of the position. Virtual volunteer training is offered once or twice a month and consists of four three-hour sessions. “We take the time to support and train our volunteers to provide them with a solid foundation and all the knowledge and resources they need to do a great job,” Hanrahan added.

For more information about becoming a reception desk volunteer at Ames Family Hospice House, contact the Volunteer Team at 216-255-9090, email volunteering@hospicewr.org, or go online at hospicewr.org. Visit the volunteer page to fill out an application.