Hospice Chaplain - PRN
About The Position
At Arc Hospice & Palliative Care, the Hospice Chaplain provides compassionate, inclusive spiritual support to patients and families navigating serious illness and end of life. The chaplain is a core member of the interdisciplinary hospice team and works in patient homes, facilities, and inpatient settings across an assigned service area, making routine patient visits. The position provides spiritual support to patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members in accordance with hospice philosophy and Medicare Conditions of Participation. The role addresses spiritual, religious, and existential concerns through assessment, counseling, and individualized spiritual care planning. Care is tailored to patients’ and families’ beliefs, traditions, preferences, and cultural backgrounds, including those who are non-religious or secular. The chaplain also contributes to holistic care planning, bereavement support, and education for the care team.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in divinity, theology, pastoral counseling, or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education.
- Ordination, commissioning, or endorsement by a recognized faith group.
- Understanding of grief and bereavement processes.
- Knowledge of Medicare hospice regulations and Conditions of Participation.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Proficiency with EMR systems and virtual communication tools.
Nice To Haves
- Two units of Clinical Pastoral Education or board certification.
- Experience providing spiritual care in hospice or healthcare settings.
Responsibilities
- Conduct spiritual assessments and develop individualized spiritual care plans for patients and families.
- Provide ongoing spiritual and emotional support aligned with patient and family beliefs, traditions, and preferences.
- Support patients and families of all faiths, belief systems, and cultural backgrounds, including those who are non-religious or secular.
- Offer prayer, sacraments, rituals, or spiritual rites as appropriate and in accordance with patient and family wishes.
- Participate in interdisciplinary group meetings and contribute to holistic care planning.
- Document spiritual care services and updates to plans of care in the EMR.
- Assist with advance care planning, legacy work, or life review.
- Coordinate with community clergy or spiritual leaders as requested.
- Support bereavement care before and after death, including memorial services and grief follow-up.
- Educate team members on cultural, spiritual, and ethical considerations impacting patient care.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
