Hospice Chaplain

Sanford Health • Mandan, ND

5d

About The Position

Provides spiritual care and counseling for hospice patients and their family members in a caring, safe, and efficient manner, in accordance with each patient's plan of care. Also provides spiritual support for the agency and its employees. The chaplain assesses spiritual needs at admission and throughout care, collaborates with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team on care plans, and provides individualized spiritual care consistent with the beliefs and wishes of patients and families. The role may include coordinating sacraments, educating healthcare groups about spiritual and religious care, networking with community clergy and faith leaders, and supporting employees in providing spiritual care. The chaplain documents care accurately and in a timely manner, follows applicable policies and professional ethics, addresses referrals and consults promptly, and demonstrates sound judgment, respect for cultural and faith diversity, and comfort with aging, grief, loss, and death. Depending on location, the role may require assigned on-call service. This position is scheduled for 40 hours per week on 8-hour day shifts.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited School of Theology with the Association of Theological Schools (seminary or equivalent).
• Must be an active member in good standing of a Christian denomination, as described in 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.
• Must provide written verification of ordained, licensed, or commissioned status before being hired.
• Must have a current valid driver’s license and meet all medical guidelines for Sanford Health Category III drivers.
• Knowledge of and belief in the hospice concept of care.
• Knowledge and experience providing spiritual counseling for patients, clients, family members, and staff.
• Awareness and comfort with the aging process, grief, loss, and death.
• Ability to minister to people of diverse faith traditions and respect cultural and faith diversity.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships.

Nice To Haves

• A Master of Divinity or Master of Theology degree is strongly preferred.
• Completion of two units of Clinical Pastoral Education, or certification or credentialing as a chaplain, is preferred.
• Endorsement or affirmation for this ministry by a denomination 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, using a personalized approach and ensuring sacramental ministries.
• Encourage employees to participate in the spiritual life of the location, and encourage, train, and empower them to provide spiritual care.
• Evaluate the need for additional services.
• Complete documentation accurately, completely, and timely, 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.
• Follow the Association of Professional Chaplains Code of Professional Ethics and spiritual ministries policies and procedures.
• Use critical thinking under adverse situations to respond appropriately to residents, patients, clients, and families.
• Maintain effective professional relationships and set aside personal biases while at work.
• Exhibit initiative with events and provide leadership when necessary.
• Participate in staff meetings as scheduled.
• Serve on call as assigned, depending on location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time