Constellation is a family-owned, family-centered organization that has remained true to our commitment to providing the best patient experience and the highest quality outcomes. Constellation is seeking Certified Pet Therapy Teams to volunteer with our hospice patients.

The primary function of a certified pet therapy team volunteer is to help to reduce the social isolation and anxiety of our hospice patients. The services of a pet therapy volunteer are requested by a member of the interdisciplinary hospice team. Services are provided under the supervision and guidance of the Coordinator of Volunteer Services. The specific visit frequency and care plan for each patient will be determined by the Pet Therapy team and the Volunteer Coordinator.

Pet handlers and their animals must have successfully completed a recognized Pet Therapy Certification Program (i.e., Pet Partners, Therapy Dogs International (TDI), The Good Dog Foundation or other recognized pet therapy program – will be examined on a case-by-case basis). Handlers must have a caring and compassionate attitude toward the sick, disabled and elderly; the ability to read and write; and obtain a satisfactory rating on annual performance evaluation. Must complete fingerprinting and criminal background check.

Requirements:

• Complete the online volunteer application at www.constellationhs.com, interview, background check, fingerprinting, and health screening, TB test or chest x-ray if history of BCG exists per hospice program policy and volunteer and company orientation.
• Provide proof of pet therapy training and documentation of the dog's health records.
• Provide a copy of your pet’s liability insurance if you currently hold liability insurance.
• Able to make a commitment of a few hours per week/month for one year.
• Maintains open communication with other team members, reporting events or changes in patient condition to the Volunteer Supervisor or other interdisciplinary team members.
• Records accurate, objective, and timely documentation of volunteer activities.
• Completes mandatory in services annually. 
• Attends volunteer support meetings as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Trained/certified through Therapy Dogs, International, Pet Partners, The Good Dog Foundation, or other programs.
• Ability to communicate well with all people of diverse backgrounds and ages.
• Able to always respect confidentiality.
• Comfortable with the death and dying process.
• Self-motivation, dependable and responsible.
• Able to work independently.
• Able to work in an ever-changing environment.
• Able to practice proper infection control.
• Able to maintain appropriate personal and professional boundaries.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Patient and Family Contact Responsibilities:

• Provide support to patients and caregivers.
• Provide friendly companionship to patients.
• Visit patients with a therapy dog.

Although each position has its own unique duties and responsibilities, the following applies to all employees and volunteers of Constellation Home Care LLC:

All employees/volunteers will:

• Exercise necessary cost control measures.
• Strive to provide and maintain positive external and internal customer service and promote a culture of excellence in customer service.
• Must demonstrate effective communication skills by convening necessary information accurately, listening effectively and asking questions when clarification is needed.
• Must be able to be depended upon to plan and organize work effectively and ensures its completion.
• Must be able to demonstrate reliability by arriving to work on time and taking breaks in the expected time frames.
• Will be expected to meet all productivity requirements.
• Must be able to demonstrate team behavior and must be willing to promote a team–oriented environment.
• Is expected to represent the organization professionally at all times.

Restrictions:

1. Must not give home number to patients.
2. May not accept outside employment with patients served by Constellation Health Services.
3. Must not discuss own personal problems with the patient.
4. May not accept payment or tips.
5. May not buy any alcoholic beverages for the patient or the patient’s family.
6. May not smoke in the patient’s home.

Essential Capabilities:

1. Able to read printed word.
2. Able to communicate effectively in English-verbal and written.
3. Able to make own arrangements for transportation to patient’s home either through public transportation or private vehicle.
4. Maturity and sensitivity in dealing with emotional or stressful patient situations, such as death, pain, or grieving.
5. Physically capable of performing the job.

Physical Requirements :

1. Bending – Frequent bending may be required to communicate with patients in their bed or chair.
2. Lifting – Lifting of your pet therapy animal.

1. Walking – is required for entry and mobility through the patient’s home.
2. Climbing – stair climbing is required in many apartment and homes which may have several levels of stairs.
3. Crawling – may be required while assisting patients while visiting with your therapy animal.
4. Touch – the volunteer must be able to distinguish hot and cold temperatures. The volunteer must have fine motor skills to grasp items, manual dexterity, and the motor skill to lift items.
5. Smell – the volunteer must be able to detect odors and distinguish odors.
6. Vision – normal range of vision is required with or without correction.
7. Verbal – the volunteer must be able to speak clearly when forming words and changing vocal tone to accommodate to client’s needs.
8. Hearing – normal range of hearing is required without correction.

Exposure Hazards:

The following hazards may vary for each case assignment:

1. Temperature: Household temperature can vary in extremes of hot to cold.
2. Fumes/Smoke: May be present in households.
3. Noise: Noise levels can vary in homes from loud to soft. Also external and environmental noise may be present.
4. Dust: Patient households may have dusts in varying degrees.
5. Animals: Patients may have household pets.