Volunteer Tour Guides

Service Description

Position Summary
Offer tours of in-patient units at the University of Washington Academic Medical Center and Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, and tours of recommended housing options in the Lake Union, First Hill and University areas for consultation patients and families. Volunteers are encouraged to use the Volunteer Services van, but may use their own vehicle.

Responsibilities

1.  Schedule appointments with the appropriate building manager/owner after notification of assignment to conduct a tour.  Consider preferences as indicated by each patient or family member.

2. Conduct tours of apartment buildings in Lake Union, First Hill and University areas for potential patients. Obtain information from patient/family regarding their housing needs and tailor the tour to accommodate those needs.

3.  As time permits, provide an orientation of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance sites as well as the surrounding support services (ie. grocery stores).

4.  Keep current on housing options for patients and families by using the Housing Information list and/or the SCCA website.

5. Provide transportation to Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center and University of Washington Academic Medical Center for tours of the inpatient facilities.

6. Strive to remain non-judgmental, flexible and impartial when assisting families who have values, lifestyles and interests that are different from your own.

7. Respect the privacy of patients and family members, and abide by the confidentiality policies of the Volunteer Services Program.

Time Commitment

Volunteer Tour Guides are asked to commit a minimum of six months to providing tours to patients and families. Times of tours are often non-negotiable since patients are in Seattle for a short time. Volunteers provide tours to patients and family members an average of 2-3 times a month.

Qualifications

• Ability to interact with a variety of people.  Respect of diverse lifestyles, cultures, religions and values.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Ability to be flexible to the changing needs of patients and family members.
• Familiar with properties listed on the Housing Information list in the Lake Union, First Hill and University neighborhoods.

Volunteer tour guides must be at least 21 years of age. Possess a valid Washington driver's license and automobile insurance. Have no substance abuse problems. Volunteer applicants are asked to complete the Hutchinson Center/SCCA disclosure forms, and authorize a criminal background check by the Washington State Patrol and a driving record check by the Department of Licensing. Annual tuberculosis (TB) testing and documentation for Chickenpox (Varicella), Measles, Mumps and Rubella are required for all volunteers who have contact with patients.

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, volunteer tour guides must abide by universal precaution and infectious disease guidelines in order to protect themselves and patients.  These guidelines are listed in the Volunteer Handbook.

Orientation
New tour guides are asked to complete an orientation before providing tours to patients and families.  Volunteer tour guides are encouraged to attend in-service programs for continuing education.

Benefits to the Volunteer

• Personal growth from providing vital support to patients and their families.
• An opportunity to meet people from around the world.

Back to Volunteer Services

Last Revised: 6/23/04