Volunteer Receptionist

PURPOSE

To ensure a calm, unhurried atmosphere prevails within the Hospice reception area in order to help patients, relatives and other visitors feel welcome, relaxed and secure.

To achieve this, the volunteer will need to be flexible, adapting to the various circumstances arising within the busy reception area which will require tact, diplomacy and sensitivity.

NATURE AND SCOPE

The reception area will be covered by two volunteers on each shift who will work closely together to ensure the smooth and efficient running of this service in a manner that reflects the Hospice philosophy.

Duties may include:

1.    Meeting and greeting all visitors to the Hospice, with warmth, courtesy and efficiency.

2.    Ensuring that the visitor has a bona fide reason to be on the premises.

3.    Notifying nursing staff that a patient/visitor has arrived and ensuring that they do not proceed to a unit unless permission has been given.

4.    Escorting to the appropriate unit if required.

5.    Ensuring that any other queries are dealt with by the appropriate member of staff.

6.    Providing refreshments for those waiting in reception.

7.    Finding a place of privacy for those distressed.

8.    Receiving and sorting post.

9.    Switchboard management.

10.    Maintaining a written “message book” system for other receptionists.

11.    Maintaining an efficient written message system for other staff.

12.    Replenishing water in floral displays in reception area.

13.    Maintaining sufficient stationery stock for reception use.

14.    Dealing with weekly draw tickets.

15.    Dealing with income donations.

16.    Ensuring that the reception area is neat and tidy at all times.

There will be specific Reception Guidelines for use by all receptionists covering issues such as standards, parking etc.