Hospice Spiritual Counselor (32 hours per week)

Iowa Care Community Inc, Iowa City Hospice, Visiting Nurse Association•Iowa City, IA

12d

About The Position

Iowa City Hospice is seeking a skilled, compassionate and dedicated Hospice Spiritual Care Counselor to join our interdisciplinary care team. This vital role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference through providing emotional and spiritual support to patients facing end-of-life journeys and their families. Come be a part of a team that provides holistic, person-centered care while fostering comfort, hope, and peace during challenging times. Work Schedule: M-F 8 AM - 5 PM; may include occasional after hour and weekend assistance 32 hours per week Some flexibility required based on patient and family needs. Our ideal candidate will provide emotional, spiritual, and supportive counseling that aligns with the patient and care giver's individual beliefs, values, and preferences.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, or a closely related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Ecclesiastical endorsement and certification in pastoral care preferred; 2–4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) strongly preferred.
1–2 years of experience providing spiritual or pastoral counseling, ideally within healthcare, hospice, palliative care, or related settings; experience with end-of-life care is preferred.
Demonstrated qualities of compassion, patience, emotional resilience, and a genuine desire to serve individuals and families during challenging times.
Excellent interpersonal, listening, and communication skills, with the ability to offer supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental care.
Strong cultural competence and the ability to respectfully support diverse spiritual beliefs and practices with cultural humility and without proselytizing.
Proficient computer literacy, including the ability to learn software applications, complete accurate documentation in electronic medical records systems, and effectively use Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook).
Access to a reliable vehicle with appropriate liability auto insurance.
Valid Iowa driver's license.
Employment is contingent upon: A criminal background check conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (as required by law). A negative finding on the Office of Inspector General’s Excluded Provider List. Clinical staff employed at 50% FTE or greater are required to obtain an applicable hospice and palliative care certification by their third year of employment.
Demonstrates expertise in defined specialty area.
Demonstrates effective communication in the English language both verbally and in writing.
Strong communication, listening, and crisis-support skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a care team.
Demonstrates organizational skills necessary to manage workload and productivity expectations.
Able to maintain confidentiality in all matters, including employee information, client information and agency matters.
Demonstrates initiative in recognizing unmet needs and assuring a timely and appropriate response.
Demonstrates skill and knowledge in providing education and support.
Able to maintain and update professional knowledge base and the ability to assimilate and utilize agency information regarding policy and procedure changes.
Competent in professional decision-making skills within the parameters of position, including the ability to make appropriate assessments, problem-solve and prioritize.
Able to use technology effectively and appropriately, including I-Pad, I-Phone and communication devices like voicemail and electronic mail.
Require both inside and outside environmental conditions.
Atmospheric conditions – fumes, odors, dust, poor ventilation, or smoking.
Most visits conducted in patient homes requiring employee to drive from location to location during the work period within the service territory including Iowa City, small towns and rural areas.
The ambient noise level in this environment can flex, is generally low.
The duties include using office machinery including PC, iPad and to document work in client home and/or hospital settings.
The driving requirements include in-town and highway driving in good and inclement weather. Use of
Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, kneel, talk, hear, reach, push, pull, going up and down stairs, occasional lifting greater than 10 lbs with or without the use of assistive/adaptive devices.
Duties require use of hands, fine motor coordination and dexterity, the ability to grasp, vision with or without corrective aids adequate for fine motor tasks while using office machinery including extensive use of computers, copiers, phones.
Knowledge for documentation and communication.
Visual acuity to operate electronic devices, computer terminal for reading data and figures.
Cognitive ability to solve practical problems; variety of variables with limited standardization; interprets instructions.

Nice To Haves

Ecclesiastical endorsement and certification in pastoral care preferred; 2–4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) strongly preferred.
1–2 years of experience providing spiritual or pastoral counseling, ideally within healthcare, hospice, palliative care, or related settings; experience with end-of-life care is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide compassionate spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, and caregivers, honoring diverse faith traditions, cultural backgrounds, and belief systems.
Assess the spiritual and emotional needs of patients and their families through meaningful conversations, interviews, and active listening.
Deliver individualized spiritual counseling, guidance, and supportive presence tailored to each person’s unique beliefs, values, and preferences.
Serve as a collaborative member of the interdisciplinary care team, contributing to comprehensive care planning and ongoing patient support.
Conduct thorough spiritual assessments and document all services and interactions in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
Facilitate or coordinate requested spiritual rituals, religious services, ceremonies, or connections with community clergy and faith leaders.
Offer crisis support to families both before and during a patient’s transition.
Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold ethical, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed care practices.
Educate staff and volunteers on spiritual care principles, cultural humility, and inclusive approaches to support diverse patient needs.
Participate in team meetings, care conferences, and organization-wide initiatives to ensure integrated, person-centered care.
Engage in ongoing professional development, maintaining competencies and training relevant to spiritual and emotional care.