Hope Lodge Volunteer Driver  

Hope Lodge Volunteer Driver

Hope Lodge

Facing cancer is hard. Having to travel out of town for treatment can make it even harder. The American Cancer Society has a place where cancer patients and their caregivers can find help and hope when home is far away - an American Cancer Society Hope Lodge.  Each Hope Lodge offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free place to stay when their best hope for effective treatment may be in another city. Not having to worry about where to stay or how to pay for lodging allows guests to focus on getting well. Hope Lodge provides a nurturing, home-like environment where guests can retreat to private rooms or connect with others.

Hope Lodge Volunteer Driver Summary

Hope Lodge drivers donate their time in order to provide patients and caregiver guests with transportation to and from the Hope Lodge facility to cancer-related treatment appointments and other destinations during their stay. While Hope Lodge drivers generally will be operating an American Cancer Society van or other Hope Lodge vehicle, there may be some very limited circumstances where a volunteer uses his or her personal vehicle to transport Hope Lodge patients and/or caregiver guests as part of the Hope Lodge Transportation Program. Volunteer drivers are also there to show support and provide information and resource referrals coordinated through the American Cancer Society.

Responsibilities

·         Fulfills Hope Lodge transportation requests received to the best of his or her ability.

·         Notifies the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge as soon as possible if any assignment accepted cannot be completed.  (Refer to local Hope Lodge ride coordination for details.)

·         Picks up Hope Lodge patient and/or caregiver guests promptly at the designated time and place.

·         Follows safe driving procedures and disease transmission guidelines at all times.

·         Is supportive of the patient’s/guest’s concerns but does not offer medical advice, counseling, or opinions.

·         Provides information, support, and resource referrals to patients as coordinated through the American Cancer Society.

·         Reports all necessary transportation documentation information within the recommended timeframe. (Refer to local Hope Lodge process)

·         Reports traffic accidents and violations to the American Cancer Society in a timely manner.

·         Abides by the guidelines and policies of the American Cancer Society and the program including privacy and confidentiality policies.

·         Successfully completes certification training and complies with update training requirement every two years, or as otherwise needed to ensure compliance with program standards and guidelines.

·         Notifies the American Cancer Society of any issues that may interfere with your ability to volunteer such as life changes, illness, or if you are unavailable for an extended period of time.

·         Notifies the American Cancer Society of any personal information changes including contact information, driver’s license, insurance, availability and other relevant match criteria that would impact scheduling.

·         Participates in program evaluations and promotional opportunities as requested.

Requirements

·         Must be between the ages of 18 and 84.

·         A valid state driver’s license.

·         Proof of insurance as required by state law.

·         Pass background check and motor vehicle records check.

·         Able to follow through on commitments.

·         Be familiar with the community, including roads and locations of hospitals.

·         Strong communication and listening skills.

·         Emotionally stable, friendly and compassionate.

·         Appreciation and respect for diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and cultures of patients, caregivers, volunteers and staff.

Required Training for New Volunteers

·         New Volunteer Orientation

·         Hope Lodge Driver Training

·         Local Hope Lodge Local Orientation

Existing volunteers must complete an update training every two years

Time Commitment

Weekly time commitment varies by area. Please speak with your staff partner for more information.

·         Generally, volunteer opportunities are available during business hours Monday – Saturday between 7am and 7pm, but transportation hours of operation will vary based on need.

·         Volunteers must be complete an update training class every two years.