Hospice Chaplain
About The Position
The Hospice Chaplain provides spiritual support and counseling to patients and families in alignment with their belief systems. The Chaplain serves as a liaison between patients, families, clergy, and the hospice team, advises the team about spiritual needs, and helps educate staff on supporting those needs. The role also involves collaboration with community chaplains from diverse religious backgrounds. The Chaplain provides direct care in diverse hospice settings, including patients’ homes, and coordinates spiritual care consistent with patients’ and families’ beliefs and concerns. The position reports to the Hospice Administrator or designated manager.
Requirements
- Formal training in spiritual care through an accredited seminary, school of theology, or an accepted religious organization.
- Ordained or credentialed within a recognized religious organization.
- Strong active listening and communication skills.
- Ability to travel to patients’ homes, which may not be wheelchair accessible.
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of current automobile liability insurance.
- Strong understanding of hospice philosophy and its principles of care.
- Ability to provide compassionate spiritual counseling in diverse hospice settings.
- Comfort working in a non-denominational or multi-denominational environment.
- Ability to offer spiritual support in an affirming and comforting manner.
- Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations.
- Knowledge of various religious perspectives on death and dying.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel as needed.
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods, including computer work; adequate hearing to assess situations and respond effectively; ability to perform light to moderate physical activity and lift up to 15 pounds.
Nice To Haves
- Minimum of one year of experience in counseling related to death and dying.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct spiritual support to patients, families, and staff.
- Conduct hospice information and enrollment visits as needed.
- Assess patients and families for spiritual needs within six days of admission.
- Contribute to the interdisciplinary team (IDT) care plan within five days of admission.
- Coordinate spiritual care in alignment with patients’ and families’ beliefs and concerns.
- Communicate with and engage patients’ clergy upon request.
- Invite patient-designated religious representatives to IDT meetings.
- Act as a liaison between the hospice team and the patient’s faith community.
- Participate in weekly IDT meetings to assess and address spiritual needs.
- Visit patients and families as directed by the IDT.
- Maintain accurate visit records and submit documentation within 24 hours or the next working day.
- Serve as a spiritual resource for staff and volunteers.
- Provide after-hours spiritual support when requested.
- Conduct or coordinate religious rites, including baptisms, weddings, and funerals, as requested.
- Assist with ongoing hospice staff education on spiritual care.
- Follow agency protocols for external speaking engagements and professional affiliations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
