About Us:

More than a quarter-century ago, a small group of volunteers envisioned a new concept in care for the people of southwest Florida. It was their belief that life could be lived better, even at its end. This charter group of Hope Hospice workers cared for perhaps 10 or 12 patients a day in the beginning.

Today Hope cares for more than 2,000 people each day, in a variety of special ways. Along with hospice care, we offer bereavement counseling; innovative art, music and massage and aroma therapies; long-term care and services for non-hospice patients; special care of teens and children; community education, and more.

Hope has received a number of major national awards for quality over the years, although our real focus is on caring for each individual, with their own needs and preferences, rather than “patients.” We honor and respect each person’s own decisions.

Hope Benefits:

Hope Hospice and Community Services, Inc. offers a challenging and rewarding work environment for its staff. In addition to competitive salaries, Hope provides an excellent benefits package for full and part time staff  a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Health Insurance and Prescription Benefits

PPO plan through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida with full-time staff coverage paid 100% by Hope Hospice and Community Services, Inc. Part-time staff contributes to the cost of their coverage and all staff contribute to the cost of dependent coverage (including domestic partners and their children).  Plan highlights include $20 co-pay for physician visits and prescription drug card.

Dental Plan

Paid 100% by Hope Hospice and Community Services, Inc. for full-time staff coverage. Part-time staff contributes to the cost of their coverage and all staff contribute to the cost of dependent coverage (including domestic partners and their children). PPO plan with out of network benefits. Preventative care covered at 100%.

Vision Plan

Staff-paid benefit with coverage for entire family (including domestic partners and their children). Plan highlights include $10 co-pay for eye exam and $25 co-pay for lenses and frames.

Life Insurance

This plan is paid 100% by Hope Hospice and Community Services, Inc. for its full-time staff and provides $25,000 coverage plus AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment). Staff may purchase additional Voluntary Life Insurance Coverage for themselves and dependents.

Short-Term Disability

This plan is paid 100% by Hope Hospice and Community Services, Inc. for its full-time staff.   Plan provides 60% of wages up to a maximum eligibility of $1,500 per week. Benefit begins on 15th day of disability for up to 180 days.

Long-Term Disability

This important benefit is paid 100% by Hope Hospice and Community Services Inc. for its full-time staff. This benefit aids in the event of a long-term disability. Plan provides 60% benefit of wages up to a maximum eligibility of $8,000 per month. Benefit begins after 180 days of disability.

Pension Program (Non-Contributory Plan)

Hope Hospice and Community Services, Inc. provides for 100% of contribution, discretionary from year to year determined annually by the Board of Directors. Staff become eligible January 1st or July 1st after one year of employment.

Vesting schedule is 20% per year and individuals are fully vested after five years participation in the plan.

403(b) Retirement Plan (Employee contributions)

Contributions for this retirement savings benefit are set up on a pre-tax basis and staff may contribute up to $16,500 per year (additional limits for those individuals age 50 and over) and select from a family of funds for investment.

Individuals may choose from a variety of investment funds and may change their investment options DAILY if they so choose. Access to your investment options is available through Internet, 800 number, or a fax number to assist in a quick, easy way to select and/or change your investments.

A combined detailed Report of their investment activity is provided quarterly.

Flexible Benefit Plan

This plan offers staff members a pre-tax opportunity (Section 125 Cafeteria Plan) with two components: Coverage for Un-reimbursed Medical Expenses and/or Dependent Day Care Expenses. Annual amount to set aside is elected by staff and funded via payroll deduction. IRS rules require the participant to use it or lose it. Contributions are not reimbursable if not used within the fiscal year. Access to these funds is available via an option debit card.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Time Off begins to accrue upon employment and staff are eligible to begin using upon completion of their 90-day introductory period. Holidays are covered immediately. During initial employment staff receive .10 hours of accrual for each hour worked up to a maximum of 26 days per year. Accrual rates increase incrementally through years of employment. Staff may carry over hours based on tenure from one year to the next at the anniversary date of hire.

*Coverage begins the first day of the month following the first 90 days of consecutive full time employment.