Hospice Chaplain

St. Elizabeth HealthCare•Edgewood, KY

47d

About The Position

The Hospice Chaplain is a professional spiritual care provider and a full member of the healthcare interdisciplinary team who provides for the hospice, pastoral and spiritual needs of patients, their families, and associates. Specifically, the hospice chaplain, through professional training, pastoral presence, organizational leadership, spiritual assessment, interventions, and outcomes, facilities meaning-making in ways that are important to patients, families, and associates as they relate to their spiritual and emotional well-being. The position will collaborate directly with the Director of Pastoral and Spiritual Care, the Director of Hospice & Palliative Care, and the Manager of Hospice Support Services and other interdisciplinary members of the care team to coordinate chaplaincy hospice care. Demonstrates respect, dignity, kindness, and empathy in each encounter with all patients, families, visitors, and associates regardless of spiritual or cultural background.

Requirements

Bachelors degree (Masters preferred)
One unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalent (4 units preferred)
Agreement to adhering to the Code of Ethics for Spiritual Care Professionals.
Thorough understanding of the goals and objectives of St. Elizabeth's Healthcare. Knowledge and respect of spiritual/religious beliefs and practices of various worldview traditions.
Strong interpersonal communication and listening skills and ability to handle difficult patient, family, and associate encounters.
Ability to lead and coordinate prayer and group experiences.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Computer/technology skills in patient documentation and charting and ability to communicate using one's own smartphone.
Must have a valid driver's license and a personal vehicle in good working order.
One year of pastoral ministry or chaplaincy experience.
Ability and desire to work with people from diverse backgrounds, including staff, volunteers, and clergy.
Experience in working as a collaborative part of a team.

Responsibilities

Contacts patient/family and attempts to complete the spiritual assessment within 5 working days of admission.
Provides spiritual support to the hospice patient (and family) as a part of the development of the spiritual plan of care.
Plan of care shared with the Case Manager and other members of the care team as appropriate.
Serve as a liaison to the care team regarding patient needs.
Develops a follow-up plan based on the initial assessment and makes visits/call as indicated.
Maintains a collaborative relationship with the patient/family to support the patient's needs.
Provides patient/family with information regarding spiritual resources in the community.
Documents initial assessment visit in patient chart same day of initial visit.
Documents follow-up plan, interventions and inpatient visits.
All documentation must be completed timely and accurately reflecting the services provided and adhering to the documentation requirements for Hospice including patient/caregiver needs, billing requirements, etc.
Documentation must adhere to all policies/procedures and laws and regulations (State/Federal) relevant to job responsibilities.
Actively participates in Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) meetings and communicates with the group regarding the plan of care and the spiritual issues/needs of the patient/family.
Refers to Bereavement Coordinator if anticipatory grief is an issue
Communicates and networks with patient's clergy as requested by patient
Provides spiritual education to volunteers at time of training and to Hospice staff and community when requested
Provides excellence in spiritual care that contributes to the well-being of our associates, including 1:1 visits, group interventions, and team meetings as requested and/or appropriate.
Can assist in facilitating support groups if needed.
Performs other duties as assigned in support of our mission, strategic plan, and initiatives. May include formation, education, and supervision work, including supporting the work of our spiritual care volunteers, Eucharistic Ministers, and CPE student interns.
Performs other duties as assigned.