Hospice Chaplain

Sanford Health•Bismarck, ND

21d•$18 - $28

About The Position

Provides spiritual care and counseling for patients and their family members in a caring, safe, and efficient manner, in accordance with each individual’s plan of care. Also provides spiritual support for the agency and its employees. The chaplain supports the organization's mission and vision by assessing spiritual needs, coordinating care plans with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team, and offering individualized spiritual care consistent with the beliefs of patients and families. The role includes coordinating sacramental services, supporting people across diverse faith traditions and cultures, educating healthcare groups about spiritual and religious care, and networking with community clergy and other faith leaders. The chaplain documents care in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulations; addresses referrals and consults promptly; and applies hospice, grief, loss, and end-of-life knowledge in providing support. Depending on the location, the chaplain may serve on call as assigned.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Theology with the Association of Theological Schools (seminary or equivalent).
Must be ordained, licensed, or commissioned to function in a religious vocation by an appropriate religious authority.
Must provide written verification of ordination, licensed, or commissioned status before being hired.
Must be an active member in good standing of a Christian denomination per Good Samaritan Society’s “A Description of Being Christian in the Lutheran Tradition.”
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.
Ability to minister to people with diverse faith traditions and respect cultural and faith diversity.
Awareness and comfort with aging, grief, loss, and death.
Awareness of personal biases and ability to set them aside at work.

Nice To Haves

Master of Divinity or Master of Theology degree.
Completion of two units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), or certification or credentialing as a chaplain, along with denominational endorsement or affirmation for this ministry.
Previous and extensive pastoral experience.
Training in hospice and grief work.

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 and ensure sacramental ministries.
Support employees’ participation in the spiritual life of the location and encourage, train, and empower employees to provide spiritual care.
Evaluate the need for additional services.
Complete accurate, complete, timely, and compliant documentation according to policies and procedures.
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 spiritual ministries policies and procedures and the Association of Professional Chaplains Code of Professional Ethics.
Use critical thinking under adverse situations and maintain effective professional relationships.
Participate in scheduled staff meetings, demonstrate initiative with events, and provide leadership when necessary.
Serve on call as assigned, depending on location.