Chaplain
About The Position
The Chaplain/Spiritual Counselor provides spiritual and emotional support to hospice patients and their families, as well as support to members of the hospice team. The role also provides assistance at the time of a patient’s death and supports the family during bereavement. The position works with patients, families, the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG), and other health care team members, and is supervised by the Clinical Director. This per-diem position is based in Green River, Wyoming, and is listed as a day-shift role. The chaplain provides care consistent with patients’ and families’ beliefs, participates in IDG conferences, maintains visit records, coordinates with clergy and community resources, and arranges or conducts services when indicated. The role requires independent judgment, flexibility, interpersonal skills, and the ability to respond appropriately to crises outside a hospital setting.
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 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 meet the role’s physical and sensory requirements, with appropriate adaptive devices if needed.
- Must be able to tolerate exposure to odors, blood, body fluids and excrements, adverse environmental conditions, and hazardous materials.
Nice To Haves
- Minimum of 2 years of experience as a chaplain or spiritual counselor, preferred.
- Active patient contact within the past three years, preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct spiritual support and counseling to patients and families in keeping with their beliefs.
- Work with staff, clergy, and community groups to increase sensitivity to the spiritual concerns of patients and families experiencing terminal illness and loss.
- Participate in IDG conferences by exploring and assessing potential spiritual needs 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 aspects of spiritual care may be delegated.
- Arrange on-call availability of spiritual services.
- Provide educational programs for community clergy, religious representatives, and lay representatives as resources allow.
- Provide assistance at the time of a patient’s death and support the family during bereavement.
