Hospice Chaplain

Heritage Healthcare Services•Albuquerque, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Hospice Chaplain provides spiritual, emotional, and cultural support to patients and families facing terminal illness. As an integral member of the interdisciplinary group (IDG), the chaplain offers non-denominational, patient-centered care that respects diverse beliefs and cultural practices across New Mexico communities. The role supports patients and families through life review, coping, grief support, and end-of-life planning in accordance with CMS hospice standards and New Mexico hospice regulations. The chaplain travels to patient homes, nursing facilities, and assisted living communities; participates in IDG and clinical staff meetings; and may take part in an occasional on-call rotation depending on agency structure. Scheduling is flexible based on patient needs.

Requirements

Ordination, commissioning, endorsement, or equivalent from a recognized faith tradition.
At least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalent experience.
Valid New Mexico driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Ability to provide non-judgmental, patient-centered spiritual support.
Comfort working with individuals of all belief systems, including non-religious patients.
Respect for diverse cultures, including Hispanic, Native American, and rural communities in New Mexico.

Nice To Haves

Two or more units of CPE.
Hospice or palliative care experience.
Bilingual in English/Spanish or English/Navajo.
Experience working with diverse cultural communities in New Mexico.

Responsibilities

Conduct spiritual assessments at admission and throughout care.
Provide individualized spiritual counseling aligned with patients’ beliefs, values, and traditions.
Support families with anticipatory grief, emotional needs, and end-of-life discussions.
Offer crisis support during periods of distress or transition.
Facilitate life review and meaning-centered conversations.
Offer prayer or spiritual rituals when requested.
Coordinate with community clergy or spiritual leaders as needed.
Provide supportive presence during active dying and post-death moments.
Participate in IDG meetings to collaborate on patient care plans.
Communicate changes in patient or family needs to the team.
Work closely with RNs, social workers, CNAs, the bereavement team, and the medical director.
Document spiritual care visits and findings timely and accurately in the EMR.
Assist with bereavement risk assessments.
Provide follow-up support to families post-death according to hospice policy.
Collaborate with the bereavement coordinator on support groups, calls, and outreach.
Provide culturally respectful care, including honoring traditional practices, ceremonies, and language preferences.
Partner with families and tribal or community leaders when appropriate.
Travel to patient homes, nursing facilities, and assisted living communities.
Participate in IDG and clinical staff meetings.
Participate in an occasional on-call rotation depending on agency structure.
Professionally represent the hospice mission and values.