Pete Gross House Volunteers

Service Description

Position Summary
Provide information and support for oncology patients and families of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) Clinic that temporarily reside in the Pete Gross House, 525 Minor Ave. N.  Additionally, volunteers will support the staff and management of the House with clerical and administrative responsibilities. We are not recruiting for this role at this time. 

Responsibilities
1. Provide excellent customer service for patients and families who live in the Pete Gross House.
2. Refer individuals to the appropriate staff when they discuss specific medical, financial or personal issues.
3. Provide information about Seattle and the Lake Union area, including restaurants, grocery stores, shopping areas, bus routes, shuttle services and recreational activities.  Also, directing patient to the concierge desk in the SCCA Patient and Family Resource Center as appropriate.
4. Orient new patients and family members to the building and individual apartments (i.e. assistance with operating appliances, phones, parking in the garage, mezzanine, roof and recycling).
5. Assist with posting notices, compiling informational packets and clerical projects.
6. Organize brochures, magazines and books in the lobby and mezzanine on a regular basis.
7. Assist with providing tours of the House to perspective residents.
8. Respect the privacy of patients and family members, and abide by the confidentiality policies of the Volunteer Services Program.

Time Commitment A minimum volunteer commitment of six months is requested.  Volunteer shifts are available from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  When a volunteer is unable to come to the House for a scheduled shift, he/she is expected to arrange a substitute volunteer and then notify the management at the Pete Gross House.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiar with downtown Seattle, lower Queen Anne and Lake Union areas.
• Ability to provide empathetic listening, warmth and compassion.
• Ability to be flexible and sensitive to the needs of patients, families, caregivers and staff.
• Respect of diverse lifestyles, cultures, religions and values.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain emotional boundaries and lead a balanced life.
• Ability to distinguish one's own needs from those of patients and family members.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.  Volunteer applicants are asked to complete the Washington State Patrol and Hutchinson Center/SCCA disclosure forms for a criminal background check.  Annual tuberculosis testing and documentation for Chickenpox (Varicella), Measles, Mumps and Rubella are required for all volunteers who have contact with patients.

Orientation
New Pete Gross House Volunteers are asked to complete an interview and orientation before they can be assigned to the House.  Volunteers are encouraged to attend all in-service sessions for continuing education.

Health Precautions
Patients are extremely vulnerable to potentially life-threatening infections because their immune systems are suppressed from chemotherapy and radiation treatment.  Because of this, volunteers must abide by universal precaution and infectious disease guidelines in order to protect themselves and patients.  These guidelines are listed in the Volunteer Handbook.

Benefits to the Volunteer

• Personal satisfaction and growth from providing assistance to patients and their families.
• An opportunity to become acquainted with people from around the world.
• An opportunity to gain experience in a multi-disciplinary health care setting.

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Revised 6/23/04