Chaplain (55774)

Rocky Mountain Care Group•Green River, WY

23d

About The Position

The Chaplain/Spiritual Counselor provides spiritual and emotional support to hospice patients and their families, as well as members of the Hospice team. The role assists at the time of a patient’s death and supports families during bereavement. The Chaplain works with patients and families in keeping with their beliefs and collaborates with staff, clergy, community groups, and other members of the health care team to address spiritual concerns related to terminal illness and loss. The position is supervised by the Clinical Director and interacts with patients, families, the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG), and other health care team members. The Chaplain participates in IDG conferences, maintains records of visits, provides bereavement follow-up as assigned, contacts clergy or appropriate representatives when indicated, and conducts or arranges funeral and memorial services. The role also develops a resource group of clergy, arranges on-call availability of spiritual services, and provides educational programs for community clergy and other religious and lay representatives as resources allow. The position requires independent judgment, adaptability to diverse social, racial, cultural, and religious perspectives, and the ability to respond appropriately to crises outside a hospital setting. Working conditions may include exposure to odors, blood, body fluids, excrements, adverse environmental conditions, and hazardous materials. Physical duties may include kneeling, squatting, reaching, twisting, climbing, walking, and minimal assistance lifting or transferring a 100-pound patient. A current valid driver’s license, auto liability insurance, and reliable transportation are required.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited seminary or school of theology, or appropriate certification in hospital or pastoral ministry.
Certificate or degree in pastoral ministry.
Ability to work independently and make accurate, sometimes quick, judgments.
Ability to respond appropriately to crises outside of a hospital setting.
Acceptance of and adaptability to different social, racial, cultural, and religious modes.
Current valid driver’s license, auto liability insurance, and reliable transportation.
Must provide evidence of an annual TB test and other state-required tests or examinations.
Must be able to tolerate exposure to odors, blood, body fluids, excrements, adverse environmental conditions, and hazardous materials.
Must be able to meet the stated physical requirements, including minimal assistance lifting or transferring a 100-pound patient and having adequate sight and hearing or appropriate adaptive devices.
Must be able to work independently, make judgments based on assessments and available data, and act accordingly.
Must be flexible, innovative, and possess good interpersonal skills.
Must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress and demonstrate emotional stability.

Nice To Haves

Minimum 2 years of experience as a chaplain or spiritual counselor.
Active patient contact within the past three years.

Responsibilities

Provide direct spiritual support and counseling to patients and families in keeping with their beliefs.
Work with staff, clergy, and community groups to enhance sensitivity to the spiritual concerns of patients and families experiencing terminal illness and loss.
Participate in IDG conferences by assessing potential spiritual needs of patients and families and reporting on services as indicated.
Provide bereavement follow-up services as assigned.
Maintain proper records of visits to patients and families.
Contact clergy or appropriate representatives of patients and families as indicated.
Perform occasional liturgical assignments, such as memorial services with staff.
Conduct or arrange funeral or memorial services when indicated.
Develop and maintain a resource group of clergy to whom specific aspects of spiritual care may be delegated.
Arrange for on-call availability of spiritual services.
Provide educational programs for community clergy, religious representatives, and lay representatives as resources allow.
Assist at the time of a patient’s death and support the family during bereavement.