Hospice Chaplain

Sanford Health•Mandan, ND

19d

About The Position

Sanford Health seeks a Hospice Chaplain to provide spiritual care and counseling for patients and their families, in accordance with each individual's plan of care, and to support the agency and its employees. The chaplain assesses spiritual needs at admission and throughout care, coordinates with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team on care plans, and provides individualized spiritual care consistent with patients' and families' beliefs. The role also includes coordinating sacramental ministries, supporting employees' spiritual care work, educating healthcare groups, and networking with community clergy and other faith leaders. The chaplain documents care in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulations; responds to referrals and consults in a timely manner; and demonstrates respect for cultural and faith diversity. The position requires knowledge of hospice care and experience providing spiritual counseling, as well as comfort with aging, grief, loss, and death. The chaplain follows the Association of Professional Chaplains Code of Professional Ethics, uses critical thinking in challenging situations, maintains professional relationships, and participates in scheduled staff meetings. Depending on location, on-call service may be assigned. This position is scheduled for 24 hours per week, with 8-hour day shifts. The salary range is $17.50–$28.00.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Theology associated with the Association of Theological Schools (seminary or equivalent).
Must be an active member in good standing of a Christian denomination, consistent with Good Samaritan Society's “A Description of Being Christian in the Lutheran Tradition.”
Must be ordained, licensed, or commissioned to function in a religious vocation by an appropriate religious authority; written verification of this status must be provided before hiring.
Current valid driver's license and ability to meet Sanford Health Category III driver medical guidelines.
Knowledge of and belief in the hospice concept of care.
Knowledge and experience providing spiritual counseling to patients, clients, family members, and staff.
Awareness and comfort with aging, grief, loss, and death.
Ability to minister to people with diverse faith traditions and respect cultural and faith diversity.
Ability to set aside personal biases at work and establish and maintain effective professional relationships.
Ability to demonstrate critical thinking in adverse situations.

Nice To Haves

Master of Divinity or Master of Theology degree is strongly preferred.
Completion of two units of Clinical Pastoral Education, or chaplain certification or credentialing, is preferred.
Denominational endorsement or affirmation for chaplain ministry is preferred.
Previous extensive pastoral experience is preferred.
Training in hospice and grief work is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess patients' and families' spiritual needs at admission and throughout the course of care.
Coordinate with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team to establish, review, and revise each patient's plan of care.
Provide individual spiritual care to patients and family members as needed or requested, consistent with their beliefs and the plan of care.
Administer and coordinate the administration of sacraments and ensure sacramental ministries are provided using a personalized approach.
Support employees in the spiritual life of the location, including encouraging, training, and empowering them to provide spiritual care.
Evaluate the need for additional services.
Complete documentation accurately, completely, and on time, in compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations.
Educate internal and external healthcare groups about spiritual and religious care and chaplain responsibilities.
Network with community clergy and other faith leaders as needed.
Address spiritual care referrals and consults in a timely manner and follow spiritual ministries policies and procedures.
Use critical thinking in adverse situations and maintain effective professional relationships while setting aside personal biases at work.
Participate in scheduled staff meetings, show initiative with events, and provide leadership when necessary.
Serve on call as assigned, depending on location.