Chaplain - Palliative Care - Days

Memorial Hospital at Gulfport•Gulfport, MS

About The Position

The Chaplain provides assessment, guidance, and support for the spiritual needs of patients, families, and employees, and coordinates or assists with religious and spiritual services within healthcare facilities. The role works with treatment teams and healthcare personnel to provide culturally, emotionally, and spiritually responsive care; offers consultation and crisis intervention; and maintains documentation of contacts and consults. The Chaplain also connects patients, families, and staff with community spiritual resources, arranges religious worship and clergy consultations when requested, and facilitates support, education, and training services as needed. Work is generally performed in a healthcare or office environment and may require travel to various locations.

Requirements

Master's degree in Divinity, Spirituality, Theology, Religious Studies, or a related field of study.
Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) or certification within a relevant specialty area.
Two years of pastoral care experience in a clinical setting.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, electronic health records (EHR), and other applicable computer-based programs.
Thorough understanding of spiritual belief systems and their impact on healthcare, as well as multiple faiths, to serve people of all belief systems and perform rituals of all religions.
Excellent listening and verbal communication skills for speaking with people during tragedy, crisis, and emotional upheaval.
Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with people of all ages and faiths and help them discuss intimate problems and emotions.
Analytical skills to evaluate patients and assess spiritual needs.
Leadership skills to lead prayers and religious services effectively.
Ability to facilitate patients, families, or staff in using or developing spiritual resources.
Ability to conduct educational services, religious services, and ceremonies.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Effective decision-making in a changing environment and ability to anticipate future needs.

Responsibilities

Assess, guide, and support the spiritual care needs of patients, families, and employees.
Communicate the availability of spiritual, religious, and cultural support to patients, families, and staff.
Collaborate with treatment teams to provide culturally, emotionally, and spiritually or religiously responsive patient- and family-centered care.
Consult with clinical teams, service lines, and departments on developing and implementing improvement initiatives.
Participate in rounding and care team discussions as requested; provide crisis intervention during deaths and other tragic events and respond to emergencies as needed.
Practice evidence-based care and take responsibility for continued professional development.
Consult with interdisciplinary peers about expanded options for spiritual support.
Build cooperative relationships and maintain open communication with healthcare personnel and area leadership.
Complete and maintain documentation of contacts and consults.
Maintain current knowledge of community spiritual resources and contacts, and communicate relevant information to patients, families, and staff.
Provide counsel and religious services within healthcare facilities.
Participate regularly in team conferences and other events as requested.
Facilitate support services and develop education and training programs for staff as needed.
Conduct and arrange religious worship services in chapels or other locations for patients unable to attend regular services.
Contact and consult clergy at the request of patients or their families as necessary.
Represent the religious community to the medical facility.