Hospice Chaplain- Waterford, PA

UnitedHealth Group•Waterford, PA

2h•$50,920 - $76,380

About The Position

Amedisys, part of the Optum family of businesses, provides home health, hospice, and community-based services. The Hospice Chaplain provides compassionate spiritual and emotional support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. As a member of the interdisciplinary hospice team, the chaplain honors each person's beliefs, values, and cultural traditions; addresses spiritual needs; offers comfort through loss and transition; and coordinates care with other spiritual counselors. The position serves patients in Erie, Warren, and Crawford County, with Waterford, Pennsylvania, included in the job title. The role may include direct spiritual counsel, prayer, and sacraments when invited; coordinating with a patient's own spiritual community when requested; and being present at death or officiating funeral services if requested. The chaplain also supports hospice team members and documents spiritual needs, resources, contacts, and interventions in patient records. The employer describes a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase, and 401(k) contribution, subject to eligibility requirements. The stated annual salary range is $50,920 to $76,380 based on full-time employment. Candidates must pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Requirements

Ordained and endorsed minister, priest, rabbi, or member of a religious order preferred; alternatively, a lay person with certified training in pastoral care. Professional experience in a religious agency or institution may be considered in lieu of formalized education.
At least 1 year of experience in a health care setting or with death and dying.
Comfort working in an interfaith setting.
Familiarity with general computer use and functions, including usernames and passwords, internet, email, desktop navigation, starting programs, using files and windows, using navigation buttons and toolbars, and self-managing online HR services and training programs.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Graduate of an accredited seminary or school of theology, with a Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Divinity, or equivalent theological degree or training.

Responsibilities

Represent a spiritual presence and connection with the religious and spiritual roots of the hospice movement.
Remind hospice workers that patients may want spiritual resources of their choosing in addition to physical and emotional support.
Serve as a spiritual resource to team members and assist with their growth or grief.
Document patients' and families' religious and spiritual needs and resources on intake and assessment forms, and complete progress notes in the patient chart after each contact.
Raise potential spiritual needs of patients and families during patient care conferences when appropriate, and report interventions.
Provide direct spiritual counsel, prayer, and sacraments to patients and families when invited.
Interface with a patient's or family's clergyman, rabbi, or congregation when requested.
Encourage patients and families to plan funeral arrangements, wills, requests, obituaries, and interment in advance; remain available to officiate funeral services if requested.
Be present at the time of death if requested.
Provide literature and spiritual resources that may assist patients and families.
Participate in the patient/family problem-oriented care plan.
Perform other duties as assigned.