Avera Sacred Heart Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteering actually promotes good health spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Medical research shows that not only do volunteers feel healthier, they actually are healthier due to increased energy, lower blood pressure, less depression, and better eating and sleeping habits.

Discounts Given to Volunteers

Kahlil Gibran said, "You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give." It is evident that volunteers always get more than they give. Avera Sacred Heart Volunteers also receive:

• Christmas Gift/Reception
• Invitation to the Volunteer Recognition Dinner
• Discount at the Wellness Center
• $5 off any 60 minute message at Avera Sacred Heart Massage Therapy
• 10% Discount at the Gift Shop
• Free flu shot
• Volunteer Newsletter      
• Personal satisfaction of helping others
• Meeting new people
• Establish references
• Create job experience and education
• Good feeling of being a volunteer!

As a volunteer, you have the right to expect to be treated as a co-worker and to be given sufficient information, orientation, and training for the assignment, have a safe place to work, feel free to discuss problems, suggestions or changes with staff and receive recognition for your time and efforts.

Avera Sacred Heart Hospital staff have the right to expect you to be amenable to the assignment and request clarification if needed, maintain a satisfactory standard of work performance, behave in a professional manner, maintaining confidentiality at all times. The Director of Volunteer Services has the right to expect the volunteer to provide excellent customer service, bring attention to any problem related to the assignment, cooperate with staff, record volunteer hours worked, and adhere to the policies and procedures of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital and the Department of Volunteer Services.

Safety is everyone’s business and every volunteer should observe the precautions listed in the Volunteer Policy Manual. In the case of fire safety, it is the responsibility of the volunteer to report to the supervisor of his/her assigned area for instructions.

Adult Day Services / Sister James Care Center Activities

This volunteer provides assistance to the staff for implementation of activities and events for residents/participants. Activities may include: musical programs, bingo gatherings, art activities, 1:1 visits, popcorn parties, holiday/birthday parties, outings, pet therapy, adopt-a-grandparent, religious programs, games, poetry time, tea parties, reading groups, food and fun. It is vital that the individual maintains a genuine desire to bring joy to the residents/participants.

Benedictine Center Lobby Reception

A volunteer to welcome and direct all customers to their specific areas. This individual will need to be a good problem solver and good communicator. This volunteer will have to get to know the complex well in order to correctly direct customers.

Clerical Volunteers

Clerical volunteers are needed in various locations including but not limited to Avera Cancer Center, Avera Sister James Care Center, and various departments in Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.

Escort

An Escort welcomes and escort’s patients/families to treatment areas, deliver flowers/balloons, and deliver juice to patients as designated by the Dietitian in a customer friendly manner.

Gift Shop

The Gift Shop attendants provide merchandise and gifts for the convenience of patients, visitors, staff, and volunteers. The Gift Shop is sponsored by the Auxiliary, operated by volunteers, and donates proceeds to patient/resident care needs. This volunteer needs to be capable of running a helium tank for balloons, take phone orders, communicate clearly, operate cash register and credit card machine, and provide the best customer service.

Hospice

Volunteers are there to support and enhance the efforts of the hospice staff, help fulfill the hospice philosophy, and increase awareness of Avera Sacred Heart Hospice.

Information Desk Reception

A volunteer is here to welcome and direct all customers to the appropriate area including visitors to the patient’s room. This very important position is the first impression of those approaching the hospital and is to be filled by a positive service-oriented individual. The information desk is staffed every day of the week.

Pastoral Care

This volunteer will need to have a genuine interest in having the spiritual needs met for the residents/participants through gentleness and comfort. Communion Ministers distribute the Body of Christ to the Catholic patients/residents/participants at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Avera Sister James Care Center, Adult Day Services, and Yankton Care Center. There are also opportunities to assist with spiritual activities as directed by the Pastoral Care Department.

Patient Liaison

In our attempt to improve patient satisfaction, this volunteer communicates concerns to the appropriate departments before the patient is discharged. Besides interviewing the patient, the volunteer may also respond to non-nursing needs. This program is very important to Avera Sacred Heart Hospital as it helps to meet the patients needs in a personal manner and promotes a higher level of patient satisfaction.

Shadow Program

Avera Sacred Heart is known for being an educational healthcare facility.  As more college classes require shadowing hours, think Avera.  Shadowing is a great way of taking a peek into a potential profession.