Spiritual Counselor and Chaplain - Hospice Care

Lifecare Home Health Family•Reno, NV

5h•Remote

About The Position

The Hospice Spiritual Counselor/Chaplain provides compassionate spiritual and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families in the home setting. This position assesses spiritual needs, provides counseling and support, and helps patients and families navigate the end-of-life experience in accordance with their beliefs, values, and preferences. The Spiritual Counselor/Chaplain serves as a core member of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Group/Team (IDG/IDT) and collaborates with the care team to promote quality, patient-centered hospice and palliative care. When requested, the Chaplain facilitates connections with local clergy, pastoral counselors, faith communities, and other appropriate spiritual resources.

Requirements

Master of Divinity (M.Div.) preferred.
One year of experience as a Chaplain in a healthcare, hospice, hospital, or similar clinical setting preferred.
Demonstrated ability to provide compassionate spiritual and emotional support to patients and caregivers in a hospice or end-of-life care environment.
Knowledge of hospice philosophy, palliative care, grief and bereavement, and spiritual counseling preferred.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal healthcare and hospice regulations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal, active listening, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Ability to travel locally to patient homes and office/support center locations as needed.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including PRN or emergency call responsibilities.
Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with patient movement as needed.
Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions, meet deadlines, respond to patient needs, and make independent decisions.
Ability to identify and obtain appropriate resources to support quality patient care.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, coworkers, and visitors regarding patient needs and condition.
Ability to listen attentively, understand information, ask appropriate questions, and communicate clearly.
Ability to use a tablet and Electronic Health Record (EHR) to review, document, and accurately enter patient information.
Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and decision-making.
Requires adequate hearing, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity.

Nice To Haves

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
One year of experience as a Chaplain in a healthcare, hospice, hospital, or similar clinical setting
Knowledge of hospice philosophy, palliative care, grief and bereavement, and spiritual counseling

Responsibilities

Assess hospice patients and their support systems to identify spiritual, emotional, and psychosocial needs and incorporate appropriate interventions into the Plan of Care (POC).
Provide compassionate spiritual counseling, emotional support, grief support, and guidance to patients and families throughout the end-of-life process.
Respect and support patients and families of diverse faith traditions, beliefs, and spiritual backgrounds.
Facilitate visits or communication with clergy, pastoral counselors, faith communities, or other spiritual resources as requested.
Participate as a core member of the IDG/IDT, including patient care planning, case conferences, and care coordination.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of spiritual assessments, interventions, patient/family needs, and outcomes in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Participate in the Hospice Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) process as required.
Collaborate with nurses, social workers, physicians, aides, volunteers, and other interdisciplinary team members to promote continuity and coordination of care.
Use effective communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills when working with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
Promote the Hospice philosophy, mission, Core Values, and commitment to quality patient and family care.
Maintain knowledge of applicable public and private hospice eligibility requirements and healthcare regulations.
Follow applicable state and federal regulations, accreditation standards, and Hospice policies and procedures, including CHAP and/or ACHC requirements.
Seek clarification from management regarding policies, procedures, or clinical concerns and communicate deviations or errors appropriately.
Accept assignments consistent with education, experience, and professional competency.
Provide education and support related to spiritual care, hospice philosophy, end-of-life care, grief, and patient/family needs.
Demonstrate accountability for professional decisions, actions, and documentation.
Maintain professional competency through required continuing education, training, and ongoing professional development.
Contribute to a collaborative work environment that promotes communication and teamwork across the interdisciplinary care team.